Imagine a salad so vibrant, so packed with flavor, that it transforms your everyday meal into a culinary adventure! This Veggie Salad with Broccoli and Mushrooms isn't just another boring side dish – it's a nutritional powerhouse that will have you craving vegetables like never before. With a perfect blend of crisp textures, fresh ingredients, and a tantalizing dressing, this recipe is about to become your new go-to healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets using a sharp knife, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Slice mushrooms into thin, even slices, discarding the tough stem end if necessary.
- Dice the bell pepper into small, uniform cubes, removing seeds and membrane beforehand.
- Grate the carrot using a box grater, creating fine, delicate shreds.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top of the salad for added crunch and nutrition.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious side dish.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Take your time washing and cutting vegetables to ensure uniform sizes. This not only makes the salad look more appealing but also helps ingredients cook and marinate evenly.
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together. This little waiting period can dramatically enhance the overall taste.
- Seed Selection Matters: Toast your sunflower seeds lightly in a dry pan before adding them to boost their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the vinaigrette. Try adding a touch of honey for sweetness or some Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
- Keep It Fresh: For the best texture and nutrition, consume the salad within a day of preparation. The vegetables will stay crisp, and the flavors will remain vibrant.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
