This super green soup is a powerhouse of nutrition and a true comfort meal in a bowl. Packed with broccoli, zucchini, spinach, basil and lemon, it’s fresh and creamy without being heavy. The best part? Thanks to the combination of cannellini beans, cashews and parmesan, it’s a complete vegetarian protein source – meaning it contains…
broccoli
Kale Broccoli Bacon Salad
This Kale Broccoli Bacon Salad is such a delicious flavour combination and also super nourishing to boot. With the bulk of this salad made from amazing greens, your body is going to love the vitamins, minerals and fibre a bowl of this will provide. Health benefits There are many benefits to eating this delicious combination…
Pickled Cauliflower Salad
A new local cafe recently opened with the most delicious Pickled Cauliflower Salad on the menu and I instantly fell in love with it. But by the time I add protein it’s a $27 meal so I set about recreating it in the cheapest, simplest possible way. I didn’t tell my family what I was…
Quick Broccoli Fritters
These simple, easy to make Quick Broccoli Fritters are surprisingly delicious. They’ve been tested and enjoyed by a couple of broccoli hating kids and toddlers who gobbled them up and came back for seconds. If the green colour is straight up off putting, try sell them as Shrek Pancakes – its worth a try, these…
Miso Honey Carrots Broccoli Beans
This Miso Honey Carrots Broccoli Beans dish is super quick and easy to make. While we love simple veggies on the side, it’s also fun to mix flavours up a little and put a bit more excitement on the dinner plate. Miso and honey pair together so beautifully and with the hint of sharpness from…
Smoky Paprika Broccoli
Smoky Paprika Broccoli is a simple yet delicious dish that combines broccoli with smoky paprika, sweet onions, and toasted pecans for crunch. This veggie-packed side dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to a variety of meals. Serve it warm or at room temperature. I’ve just…
Charred Broccolini Salad
This Charred Broccolini Salad is such a delicious dish, featuring charred broccolini, crispy haloumi, and toasted pine nuts. It’s tossed with watercress (or any green you like) and a tangy preserved lemon dressing, creating a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and zesty flavours. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side for grilled meats.
Health benefits
Broccolini is rich in fibre, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that support immune function and bone health. Haloumi provides protein and calcium, while pine nuts add healthy fats. The watercress brings additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and folate, and the preserved lemon in the dressing boosts vitamin C intake, enhancing the immune-supporting properties of this dish.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for broccolini, haloumi, and watercress, paired with toasted pine nuts and preserved lemon. The dressing combines honey, Dijon mustard, turmeric, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil, adding layers of flavour to the salad.
How to make Broccolini Haloumi Salad
To make this Broccolini Haloumi Salad, start by heating your BBQ grill or griddle pan over a high heat. Toss the bunch broccolini (including the stems) and haloumi in olive oil, then grill them until the broccolini is lightly charred and the haloumi is golden. Toast the pine nuts until brown, and finely slice the skin of the preserved lemon. For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar, and shake to mix. Assemble the salad by placing watercress in a bowl, adding the grilled broccolini, haloumi, pine nuts, preserved lemon. Drizzle over the dressing and toss it well.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this salad immediately for best flavour and texture, while the broccolini and haloumi are warm. It’s an excellent side for grilled meats or as a stand-alone light dish. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the haloumi may lose its crispness upon reheating.
Vary this Charred Broccolini Salad to suit your dietary needs
For a dairy-free or vegan version, omit the haloumi and replace it with cashew nut cheese or tofu. If you’re following a nut-free diet, substitute the pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds. If you can’t find preserved lemon, replace it with the zest of one lemon and a pinch of sea salt. Though preserved lemon adds a unique flavour, this alternative will still provide a fresh citrusy note. If you can’t access broccolini you can sub it with broccoli florets.Â
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements (vegan/ nut free).
For more delicious, easy to make healthy salad recipes, click HERE.
Charred Broccolini Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch/s broccolini
- 100 g haloumi
- 30 ml extra virgin olive oil -extra virgin (2 tbsp)
- ¼ cup/s pinenuts -toasted
- 60 g watercress (you could also use rocket or baby spinach if you prefer)
- 1 preserved lemon
Dressing
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ lemon/s -juice and zest
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil -extra virgin (¼ cup)
Instructions
- Heat your BBQ grill or griddle pan.
- Toss the broccolini and haloumi in the olive oil and grill until the broccolini begins to just char and the haloumi is golden brown.
- Toast the pine nuts until just brown.
- Remove the flesh from the preserved lemon and finely slice the skin.
Dressing
- Make the dressing by combining all of the ingredients together in a small bowl or shake in a re-cycled jar.
Serve
- Place the watercress in a salad bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, toss through the dressing and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Dairy free
Omit the haloumi and replace with cashew nut cheese.ÂVegan
Omit the haloumi and replace with cashew nut cheese or tofu. Substitute the honey with rice malt or maple syrup.ÂNut-free
Replace the pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds.ÂNo preserved lemon
Preserved lemon is available in most supermarkets or gourmet shops. If you can't source it, then replace it with the zest of one lemon and a good pinch of sea salt. But if you can find it, it's so well worth it. You'll keep adding it to salads because it adds such a fabulous flavour.ÂÂ
I'd love to hear how you like this recipe. Post a comment and rate this recipe below.
Â
Rainbow Detox Salad
Chopped salads are a favourite in our households because they are quick and easy to make and most importantly delicious. This Rainbow Detox Salad is packed with colourful veggies and bursting with fresh flavours. It’s a nutrient-dense, raw salad featuring cauliflower, broccoli, and carrot, with a creamy avocado and tahini dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for a light, refreshing meal or a side dish, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This is a salad that often appeals to salad resistant kid and also toddlers because it’s texture is very different to eating the vegetables in their whole form. My daughter actually calls this ‘baby food’ salad because I often gave it to them when they were little (before they loved whole salads like they do now).
Why is it healthy?
The Rainbow Detox Salad is loaded with antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins. Broccoli and cauliflower both belong to the family of vegetables known as brassicas. They possess compounds that support both phases of liver detoxification (including the specific enzyme systems that processes known carcinogens).
Carrot, garlic, avocado, parsley, coriander are antioxidant rich and also support liver detoxification pathways. Pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants. The fats in the avocado and tahini are anti-inflammatory and help to support the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. And the lime juice (or lemon juice) is rich in vitamin C.
There is 10g fibre, 7g protein per serve. Pair this salad with about 100g chicken, steak or tuna which adds about 25-30g extra protein making this a very nourishing meal.
Ingredients
This salad calls for fresh veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, paired with herbs like parsley or coriander (cilantro). The creamy dressing is made from avocado, tahini, garlic, lime, and a touch of honey or rice malt syrup for sweetness. The pomegranate seeds on top add colour and flavour, making it a feast for the senses.
How to make this rainbow detox salad
To prepare, pulse the broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, and parsley in a food processor until finely chopped, being careful not to over-process. Then, blend the dressing ingredients—avocado, tahini, garlic, lime juice, and water—until smooth, adding water gradually for the desired consistency. Toss everything together and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a delicious and detoxifying salad.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this rainbow detox salad immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant flavours. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, but note that the dressing is best enjoyed fresh.
Vary this rainbow detox salad to suit
You can easily modify this salad to suit your dietary preferences. For a garlic-free version, swap the garlic for grated ginger. If you need a sesame-free option, use almond butter instead of tahini. To make it fructose-friendly, opt for rice malt syrup as your sweetener instead of honey.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
For lots more plant based recipe inspo, take a look at my hugely popular ebook ËœWell Nourished Sides and Salads’– where vegetables become the hero of the dish! It’s great value at just $9.95, click HERE to take a look.
For more delicious, healthy, easy to make salads click HERE.
Rainbow Detox Salad
Ingredients
- ¼ head/s cauliflower -florets and stems
- ¼ head/s broccoli -florets and stems
- 1 carrot/s (large) roughly chopped
- ¼ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves -or coriander leaves
- ½ pomegranate -seeds (can sub raisins, craisens or fresh grapes), see method below for tips on removing the seeds from the pomegranate very easily
Dressing
- 1 clove/s garlic
- ½ avocado/s -flesh
- 1 tbsp hulled tahiniÂ
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ground black pepper
- ½ lime/s -juice (or lemon)
- 1 tbsp rice malt syrup or honey (optional)
- 60 ml water (¼ cup approx.)
Instructions
- If your cauliflower and broccoli are small, use a half a head. If they are large stick with quarter.
- Place the broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, parsley or coriander in a food processor and pulse until just chopped. Set aside.
- If using a Thermomix, I use the turbo pulse button in short bursts. Please watch the consistency closely as you go (over-processing can result in a detox juice rather than salad)!
- You could also chop/grate by hand, obviously a bit more labour intensive.
- Now make your dressing. Personally, I don't bother to rinse my processor to make the dressing. Mix all of the ingredients (except the water) together until combined (if using a Thermomix 5-10 seconds, speed 4). Now add the water gradually until you get a thick consistency that can be drizzled over the chopped salad.
- Top with pomegranate seeds. The easiest way to remove the seeds is to cut the fruit in half, holding the cut side facing down in your palm. Bang the skin side of the fruit with a large metal spoon, the seeds should just fall out leaving the white pith behind.
- Drizzle over the dressing, toss and serve immediately.
Notes
Garlic-free
Replace the garlic with a 2cm piece of ginger root, finely grated.Sesame-free
Replace the tahini with almond butter or simply omit.ÂFructose-friendly
Choose rice malt as your sweetener.ÂÂ
ÂLove to hear if you and your family like this delicious and very nourishing salad? Please post a comment below.
Smoked Salmon Pea Broccoli Pasta
We tend not to eat a heap of pasta, but it does make for a really fast meal occasionally. So it’s handy to have a few easy, delicious flavour combos like this lemony, Smoked Salmon Pea Broccoli Pasta recipe to call on.
This recipe came about after I bought some hot smoked salmon from our local farmers market (it’s also available in supermarkets), which I generally keep in the fridge to whip up a salad (like this one).
But it was a beautiful sunny Sunday and we were reminiscing about a long gone (but memorable) holiday in Italy – when the urge for pasta struck. So here it is, a delicious quick and easy to make Italian inspired meal…
Health benefits
This creamy smoked salmon pasta recipe is packed full of nutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and protein from the salmon, fibre from the peas and broccoli, and a touch of healthy fats from butter, it’s both nourishing and satisfying. The addition of sour cream or crème fraĂ®che provides a creamy texture while maintaining a light feel.
Ingredients
The dish comes together with pasta (or zoodles for a grain-free option), hot smoked salmon, peas, broccoli, and a creamy sauce of butter, sour cream, and lemon zest, with a splash of white wine for depth.
What is ‘Hot’ smoked salmon?
Hot smoked salmon is smoked at a higher temperature, cooking the fillets of fish fully, resulting in a firm, flaky texture and a rich, smoky flavour. It’s ready to eat and great in salads or cooked dishes. Cold smoked salmon, on the other hand, is smoked at a lower temperature, which doesn’t cook the fish but cures it instead. This gives it a softer, silky texture and a more delicate, mild smoky flavour. It comes in thin slices where as the hot smoked salmon is sold in fillets. Both are available in major supermarkets.
How to make this smoked salmon pasta
Cook the pasta (or prepare zoodles if using) then drain well. Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add broccoli and peas, then deglaze with wine. Stir in remaining butter, sour cream, and lemon, then fold in the smoked salmon. Gently mix the pasta or zoodles through the sauce and serve immediately.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this Smoked Salmon Pea Broccoli Pasta warm with a leafy salad for a well-rounded meal. It can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad, making it great for leftovers. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge.
Vary this Smoked Salmon Pea Broccoli Pasta to suitÂ
For dairy-free, use olive oil and coconut cream instead of butter and sour cream. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option, or serve with zoodles to make it grain-free. If you’re avoiding onion, swap it for fennel, and if you prefer not to use wine, replace it with stock and a splash of vinegar for a similar flavour profile. I also love this with a couple tablespoons of capers mixed through. Feel free to serve with grated parmesan cheese too.Â
Take a look at the variations below for all the details as well as suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements.
For more delicious, nourishing and easy to make meals click HERE.
Smoked Salmon Pea Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 50 g butter
- 1 red onion/s -finely diced
- 1 clove/s garlic -finely chopped or crushed
- 150 g peas (1 cup) frozen or fresh
- 1 broccoli (small head) broken into small florets
- 60 ml dry white wine (¼ cup)
- 2 tbsp sour cream -or creme fraiche (see dairy-free below)
- ½ lemon/s -juice and zest
- 1 fillet/s hot smoked salmon fillet/s
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper -to taste
- 300 g pasta -or approx. 3 cups of zoodles
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to the boil. Once boiling cook your pasta.
- In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in 25g of the butter over a low heat until soft and translucent (try no to brown it).
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for a couple of minutes to just start to soften it then add the peas.
- Turn the heat to high and add the wine (it should sizzle and reduce instantly).
- Turn off the heat immediately and add the remaining butter, sour cream, lemon juice and zest and mix to combine. Season to taste.
- Break the salmon into chunks and add to the peas/broccoli sauce.
- When the pasta is al dente, strain (rinse if necessary) and gently fold through the sauce.
- If using zoodles, obviously you don't need to cook them, just toss gently through the sauce to heat.
Serve
- Completely optional, but this is lovely finished with grated parmesan cheese.
- Immediately with a big leafy salad
- You can also allow to cool and eat as a pasta salad (good for leftovers)
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Dairy-free
Sub the butter for olive oil and the sour cream for coconut cream.Grain-free
Serve on zoodles.Gluten-free
Choose a gluten-free pasta.Onion-free
Replace the onion with a small bulb of finely diced fennel.No wine
Replace the wine with stock or bone broth and a teaspoon of vinegar.ÂAdd capers
I love this with a couple tablespoons of capers mixed through. ÂId love to hear how you like this simple meal. Post a comment or rate this recipe.Â
Cauliflower, Broccoli and Lemon Salad
This Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with nutrient-rich veggies and topped with feta and toasted almonds, it’s easy to throw together and adds a whole lot of flavour and nutrition to any meal. I love this because it is very simple to make, can be pre-prepared for dinner and it’s great for entertaining a large group too.
Health benefits of this easy to prepare salad?
With its combination of antioxidant rich cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and the option to add fresh herbs, this easy broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is a great way to include a variety of nourishing ingredients into your day. Almonds contribute health promoting minerals, protein and good fats. The vitamin C rich lemon zest and lemon juice will support a healthy immune system. Another simple ‘super’ food side to compliment your meal.
The dressing, almonds, and feta are often enough to convert fussy children too. It takes boring old vegetables to another level!
Ingredients
You’ll need cauliflower, broccoli, red onion, flaked almonds, and feta cheese. For the dressing, grab a lemon, some extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour it over just prior to serving. Optional fresh herbs like mint or parsley can add a nice touch. It’s such a great combination of tastes and textures.
Instructions to make Cauliflower, Broccoli and Lemon Salad
Steam the cauliflower and broccoli florets for just a couple of minutes, making sure they stay crunchy. After refreshing them under cold water, toss with red onion, almonds, and crumbled feta in a large bowl or salad platter. Drizzle with a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing just before serving to bring all the flavours together. It has such a short prep time for such a delicious side.
Serving suggestions and how to store
This easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats (like fish, chicken, salmon or lamb) or as a fresh side for any meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and if you have extra dressing, keep it in a jar to use for another salad.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
For a dairy-free or vegan option, simply omit the feta. If you’re nut-free, swap the almonds for pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and for an onion-free version, use spring onions or sliced radish instead.
Want more sides and salad inspo?
For lots more sides and salad inspo, take a look at my hugely popular ebook ‘Well Nourished Sides and Salads’– where vegetables become the hero of the dish! It’s great value at just $9.95, click HERE to take a look.
Cauliflower, broccoli and lemon salad
Ingredients
- ½ cauliflower -washed and cut into small florets
- ½ broccoli -washed and cut into small florets
- 1 red onion/s -peeled, halved and sliced
- 40 g flaked almonds (½ cup) toasted
- 100 g feta cheese (Persian or danish is best)
Dressing
- 1 lemon/s -zest and juice
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil (¼ cup) extra virgin
- 1 tsp dijon mustard -this makes it creamy, not spicy
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Optional extras
- ½ bunch/s fresh mint leaves ( lovely with lamb especially)
- ½ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves -for a green iron boost
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower and broccoli until they just start to cook, about 2 minutes over boiling water (they should still be a little crunchy).
- Remove from the heat and refresh by running under cold water (this stops them from continuing to cook).
- Drain well and place in a salad bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients for the dressing together and set aside.
- Add the almonds, onion and feta and dress just prior to serving.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If there is any extra dressing, pop it in a jar in the fridge for another salad.




