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- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup shredded carrots These main ingredients create a bright and crunchy base for the Broccoli Bliss Salad. Fresh broccoli florets bring a crisp texture and a vibrant green color. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst, while red bell pepper offers sweetness. Shredded carrots give a lovely crunch, and red onion adds a mild bite. Together, they form a delightful mix that makes this salad stand out. - 1/3 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) For a little extra flavor and texture, consider adding sunflower seeds. They provide a nutty taste and a satisfying crunch. If you enjoy cheese, feta is a great option. Its creamy texture and salty flavor elevate the salad. You can also experiment with other dressings or add-ins to fit your taste. Think about adding nuts, seeds, or other cheese varieties for a twist. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing plays a key role in bringing all the flavors together. Olive oil adds richness, while apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick. Honey balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a sharp note that enhances the whole salad. Mixing these ingredients creates a smooth and tasty dressing that coats every bite perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. Start with fresh broccoli florets. This step is crucial for the best salad. To make them tender yet crisp, I recommend blanching. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and let it cook for just 1-2 minutes. This short cooking time keeps the bright green color. After that, quickly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain the florets well before mixing them in a bowl. Once the broccoli is ready, add the fresh ingredients. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and shredded carrots. Use a spatula to mix gently. This helps to keep the veggies intact and fresh. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. I always add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. A good dressing should be creamy and flavorful. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Use your spatula to gently toss the salad. You want every piece coated without smashing the ingredients. This ensures each bite bursts with flavor. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together. The tastes will develop beautifully, making each bite a delight. For the final touch, sprinkle sunflower seeds and optional feta cheese on top. This step adds crunch and a lovely burst of flavor. To make your Broccoli Bliss Salad pop, think about adding flavor boosters. You can toss in some garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro also add a nice touch. For marinating, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes after dressing. This time lets the flavors blend perfectly. If you want even more taste, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. It brightens the salad and adds a fresh zing. Serving your salad beautifully makes it even more appealing. Use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the bright colors. After mixing, top your salad with extra sunflower seeds and crumbled feta. This adds texture and flair. To elevate it further, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Not only do they look great, but they also add a wonderful aroma. You can even use colorful plates to enhance the visual appeal. {{image_4}} You can make Broccoli Bliss Salad even more fun by switching up the ingredients. Try using different vegetables or nuts. For example, add crunchy carrots, sweet bell peppers, or even some green beans. They all mix well with broccoli. You can also replace sunflower seeds with almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. If you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this salad. Skip the feta cheese and use a vegan cheese instead. You can also make sure that any dressing you choose is gluten-free. Many dressings are naturally gluten-free, so check the labels. Adding fruits can give your salad a tasty twist. Try diced apples or fresh berries. They add sweetness and a pop of color. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture. Experimenting with different cheeses can also change the flavor. If you want a sharp taste, try adding goat cheese or blue cheese. Both add a unique zing to the salad. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your taste. You can find the full recipe for Broccoli Bliss Salad to explore more options. To keep your Broccoli Bliss Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to remove any extra dressing before storing. The salad will stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. If you notice any sogginess, add more fresh ingredients when you’re ready to eat. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Glass containers are great because they don't stain or hold odors. For best results, eat the salad within three days. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy it at its peak freshness! Salads like this one are best enjoyed cold. If you want to warm it up, do so gently. Use a microwave and heat it for just a few seconds. This will help keep the broccoli crisp. I suggest eating the Broccoli Bliss Salad cold for a refreshing taste. The flavors are bright and lively when served chilled. If you enjoy warm salads, add sautéed vegetables or lightly steam the broccoli before mixing. This adds a unique twist to the dish! How long can I store this salad? You can store Broccoli Bliss Salad in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep the veggies fresh and crisp. Can I prep the salad in advance? Yes, you can prep the salad a day ahead. Just mix the veggies and dressing separately. Combine them right before serving for the best taste. What are the health benefits of broccoli? Broccoli is a superfood. It is low in calories and high in vitamins. It contains vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Eating broccoli can help boost your immune system. It may also lower the risk of chronic diseases. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Broccoli Bliss Salad is great for meal prep. It keeps well and is easy to portion out. Just remember to add the dressing right before eating to keep it fresh. Can I use frozen broccoli instead? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it and drain any excess water. Fresh broccoli has a better crunch, but frozen works in a pinch. What can I serve with Broccoli Bliss Salad? This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with a piece of crusty bread. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Broccoli Bliss Salad is a simple, healthy dish. This article covered main and optional ingredients, dressing tips, and storage methods. You can mix fresh veggies, create a tasty dressing, and consider fun variations. The salad is colorful and nutritious. Remember to experiment with flavors and presentations. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. As you make this salad, enjoy the tasty benefits of broccoli and all its friends!

Broccoli Bliss Salad

Discover the delightful Broccoli Bliss Salad that combines fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor! This vibrant salad features crisp broccoli, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this recipe is quick and easy, taking just 25 minutes to prepare. Click through now to explore the full recipe and serve up a bowl of wellness today!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the broccoli florets. Place them in a large mixing bowl. For a slightly softer texture, you can blanch the florets: bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli, and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, promptly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the florets and set them aside.

    In the bowl with the broccoli, gently add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and shredded carrots. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

      In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using your spatula or spoon, gently toss the salad to ensure that every ingredient is beautifully coated with the dressing.

          Just before serving, sprinkle the sunflower seeds and the optional crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad for an added crunch and burst of flavor.

            Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. Top it with additional sunflower seeds and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a burst of color and texture. To elevate the dish further, consider adding a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, which will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide an aromatic touch!