Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests? Look no further than this Strawberry Broccoli Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing! Bursting with color and flavor, this salad combines the crispness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, all drizzled in a luscious, creamy dressing that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a healthy weeknight dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Dive into this delightful recipe and discover how simple it is to create a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Next, slice the strawberries. Remove the green tops and cut the strawberries into thin slices. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 5 minutes to reduce its sharpness. Drain and add to the mixing bowl with the strawberries.
- Add the broccoli florets to the mixing bowl with the strawberries and red onion. Toss gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the creamy poppy seed dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, poppy seeds, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or salad tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor. Give the salad one last gentle toss to incorporate the seeds.
- Serve the strawberry broccoli salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious salad as a side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the broccoli, strawberries, and red onion a few hours in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix everything together.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients! Add some feta cheese for a tangy twist or throw in some nuts for extra crunch. You can also swap out the sunflower seeds for almonds or walnuts based on your preference.
- Dressing Variations: If you want to lighten up the dressing, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You can also add a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for your summer meals. Alternatively, enjoy it on its own for a light and satisfying lunch.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for about 10 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together, making each bite even more delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
