Light, Healthy Broccoli Salad (No Mayo)

This simple, classic, light, healthy broccoli salad with no mayo recipe is a great fast side dish for any party, potluck, or summer BBQ. It is the perfect side dish for any meal. Made with apple, broccoli, dried currants, and roasted strawberries in homemade dressing, it is one of my favorite side dishes, and it can be prepped in under twenty minutes!

Easy, Crispy Healthy Broccoli Salad

Meet one of my favorite summery broccoli salad recipes with a sweet, tangy, roasted strawberry dressing. It is the best healthy broccoli salad recipe and a delicious side dish for hot summer days. It is lighter than the traditional broccoli salad and made without sharp cheddar cheese.

I can smell summer in the air already. I can’t wait to enjoy summer cookouts with friends and family, where I can showcase my new recipes. 

This broccoli salad recipe is easy to make, light, and flavorful. Small broccoli florets are marinated in a creamy/savory roasted strawberry dressing, dried black currant (my favorite and soooo good!), red onion, and apple. This one-bowl recipe is excellent as a pack-able picnic salad, summer party, or a leisurely make-ahead lunch.

The dressing is delicious, and it will definitely steal the show! I borrowed it from my Summer Salad recipe. This salad is one of those healthy side dishes that you would want to make over and over again, and even kids will eat.

A Broccoli Salad Recipe That’s Good for You

This broccoli salad is a healthy and delicious traditional Polish summer salad. It is crispy, refreshing, sweet, and tart, and it can be a star of your summer parties! And it is my favorite broccoli salad recipe.

Why This Salad is a Nutritional Powerhouse

Crunchy Broccoli is a star ingredient with vitamins C and K, fiber, and various antioxidants and is one of the healthier cruciferous vegetables. It’s known for its potential to reduce inflammation and support overall health.

Green Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C and bring a refreshing crunch. They add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the currants.

Kohlrabi (if you choose to include it) is a great vitamin C and potassium source, adding a slight peppery taste and crunchy texture.

Dried Black Currants are tiny but mighty, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They offer a natural sweetness and flavor that elevate this salad.

Red Onions not only add a bit of sharpness but are also rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which have numerous health benefits. 

Roasted Strawberry Dressing ties everything together with a unique blend of flavors, making salad truly special.

Why Make This Healthy Broccoli Salad?

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is a nutritional powerhouse, featuring ingredients that provide a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Versatility

This salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light main course. It’s perfect for family dinners, picnics, and potlucks or as a meal prep option for healthy lunches throughout the week. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This salad can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Letting it marinate for at least 2 hours enhances the taste, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy days or entertaining.

What Do You Need for Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad requires simple ingredients:

• Broccoli florets: Chop them into small-sized pieces.
• Apples: Dice in medium dice. Apple will add sweetness and crispiness to the dish. 
• Red onion: Finely dice to add a bit of crunch to the salad.
• Dried black currants: Add the perfect touch of slightly tart sweetness to the salad! Any dried berries, apricots, or raisins would also be delicious here.
• Tangy dressing:  You will need strawberries, olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
• Optional ingredients: crunchy sunflower seeds, bacon bits, feta cheese, plain Greek Yogurt (if you want it to be more creamy), crispy bacon, or even add some grilled chicken.

Tips For Broccoli Salad

• Chop your broccoli florets and apples small. This will ensure the pieces become thoroughly coated and softened in the dressing. You also want to make sure that the size of broccoli is similar to the size of other ingredients to get a little of everything in each bite.
• Let it marinate. Make sure that you marinate the salad for a bit so the flavor soaks into the ingredients. This salad is even better after a few hours in the fridge!

Broccoli: To Blanch or Not to Blanch?

One common question when making an easy, healthy broccoli salad recipe is whether to blanch the broccoli or leave it raw. Both methods have merits, and the choice largely depends on your preference for texture and flavor. Let’s explore the benefits of each approach.

Blanching Broccoli

Pros:

• Enhanced Color: Blanching brings out the vibrant green color of the broccoli, making your salad look more appetizing.
• Softer Texture: Lightly steaming or blanching the broccoli can soften it slightly, making it easier to chew while retaining some crunch.
• Milder Flavor: Blanching can mellow broccoli’s raw, sometimes slightly bitter taste, resulting in a more delicate flavor

How to Blanch:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green.
• Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
• Drain and pat dry before adding to your salad.

Raw Broccoli

Pros:

• Maximum Crunch: Raw broccoli retains its full crunch, satisfying every bite’s texture.
• Nutrient Retention: Keeping the broccoli raw preserves all of its nutrients, as some vitamins and minerals can be lost during cooking.
• Fresh Flavor: Raw broccoli has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with various dressings and salad ingredients.

Tips for Using Raw Broccoli:

• Chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces to make them easier to eat.
• Consider massaging the broccoli with a bit of lemon juice or dressing to soften the texture and enhance the flavor slightly.

Both methods can yield a delicious and healthy salad, whether you choose to blanch or keep your broccoli raw. Blanching provides a softer texture and a milder flavor, while raw broccoli offers a crisp bite and maximum nutrient retention. Try both techniques and see which one you prefer for your perfect broccoli salad!

Storing Broccoli Salad

Store your fresh broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and delicious. It will stay good for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead, add the dressing just before serving for the best texture. If the salad has already been dressed, give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the flavors.

This best broccoli salad recipe is a treat for your taste buds and a boost to your health. Its vibrant mix of ingredients offers a variety of nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your diet. Whether you’re looking for a great side dish for your next family dinner or a light, wholesome lunch, this salad will satisfy you. It is a very easy broccoli salad recipe that you can whip with your children if you want to. Give it a try and enjoy the harmony of flavors in every bite!

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