If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, nourishing salad that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors, the Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. This salad combines crisp broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and briny kalamata olives, all lovingly dressed in a creamy, tangy cashew lemon dressing that’s both dairy-free and bursting with herbaceous notes. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a bright, healthful dish that feels indulgent without guilt. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be that salad you crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building a salad that’s flavorful, colorful, and packed with textures. From the creamy cashew base for the dressing to the fresh crunch of vegetables, every bite is a treat.
- Raw cashews (1 cup, soaked): Soaking softens them for a silky, smooth dressing base that’s naturally creamy and rich.
- Water (6 tablespoons): Helps to blend the dressing ingredients effortlessly to the perfect consistency.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds bright acidity and freshness to brighten every bite.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1 medium lemon): Boosts citrus flavor with aromatic oils for an extra zing.
- Dried oregano (1 1/4 teaspoons): Brings classic Greek herbal depth to the dressing.
- Fresh garlic, minced (1 teaspoon): Packs a punch of warmth and savory flavor.
- Sea salt (3/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the tasty elements and balances the dressing.
- Dried basil (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, peppery layer of herbal goodness.
- Dried thyme (3/4 teaspoon): Complements the oregano and basil with a subtle, earthy note.
- Freshly ground black pepper (pinch): Brings a lively kick of spice.
- Broccoli florets (5 cups): The crunchy star of the salad, full of nutrition and color.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 1/2 cups): Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red hue.
- Pitted kalamata olives, halved (1/2 cup): Salty and tangy, these olives bring an authentic Greek touch.
- Red onion, diced (6 tablespoons): Adds bold flavor and a pleasant bite.
- Cucumber, thinly sliced (1 large): Cool, crisp, and refreshing to balance the dressing’s richness.
How to Make Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cashews
Begin by draining your soaked cashews to make sure they are ready to blend. Soaking overnight softens them beautifully, paving the way for that velvety dressing texture we love. This step is a game-changer for making a creamy yet dairy-free sauce that coats every veggie perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Place the softened cashews in a high-powered food processor. Add the water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, minced garlic, sea salt, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Start blending on the lowest speed, gradually cranking it up until the mixture becomes silky smooth—expect about 2 to 4 minutes of blending. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally to get that perfectly creamy texture without lumps.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Grab a very large bowl and toss in your chopped broccoli florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, thin cucumber slices, diced red onion, and the halved kalamata olives. Each ingredient shines on its own, but together they create an irresistible medley of tastes and textures that feel like a celebration of fresh, wholesome food.
Step 4: Toss With Dressing
Pour the luscious cashew lemon dressing over your salad mix and toss everything thoroughly until every piece is coated in that creamy, zesty goodness. This step is where the salad comes alive as all those delicious flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. For truly outstanding flavor, chilling overnight gives the broccoli time to soak up all that dressing, softening slightly yet maintaining a satisfying crunch. This waiting game is absolutely worth it.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, give your salad a taste and adjust with an extra sprinkle of salt or a twist of pepper if needed. The flavors will be brighter and more complex after chilling, so a small seasoning touch is often all it needs to be perfect.
How to Serve Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad presentation and add texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top. Fresh chopped parsley or mint leaves also add a dazzling pop of green and a fragrant lift. These little details not only look beautiful but bring even more layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, roasted vegetables, or a side of warm pita bread. It also works as a stunning stand-alone meal for a light lunch or picnic, thanks to its satisfying crunch and creamy dressing that makes every bite feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive party platter, serve the Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe in a large wooden bowl surrounded by colorful veggie sticks and dollops of hummus. Alternatively, use individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad on top—perfect for on-the-go lunches or stylish meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight, but the salad is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the broccoli crisp and the dressing fresh.
Freezing
This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe is best served fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables can become mushy and the dressing texture might change, losing its creamy appeal.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t really necessary or advised. Simply give it a good stir after taking it out of the fridge, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute cashews with another nut or ingredient?
Cashews provide creaminess while keeping the dressing dairy-free. You might try soaked almonds or sunflower seeds in a pinch, but the consistency and flavor will be different. Cashews are ideal for that buttery smooth texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep because it holds well in the fridge for a couple of days and tastes even better as the flavors meld. Just keep it chilled and toss again before eating.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Yes, adding some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese can boost protein content and turn the salad into a filling main dish. Just be sure to adjust the salt accordingly.
What can I use if I don’t have a high-powered food processor?
A strong blender can work if you blend in smaller batches and add a bit more water to help everything blend smoothly. Patience is key to get the right creamy consistency.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegan?
Definitely! This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce with a creamy dressing that’s healthy and heavenly all at once. Whether you’re sharing it at a family meal or packing it for lunch, it brings warmth, bright flavors, and nourishment in every forkful. Give it a try—you might just find yourself loving salad like never before!
Print
Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding cashew soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes (includes 9 hours soaking and 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish featuring crunchy broccoli florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crisp cucumbers, and red onions, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful cashew-based dressing infused with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light lunch, this salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based, making it a wholesome choice for a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup raw cashews (140g), soaked in water overnight
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 whole medium lemon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 5 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 6 tablespoons red onion, diced
- 1 large cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashews: Drain the water from the soaked cashews soaked overnight and place them in a high-powered food processor ready for blending.
- Make the Dressing: Add water, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic, sea salt, basil, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor with the cashews. Blend starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy, about 2 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a very large bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives.
- Toss With Dressing: Pour the prepared creamy cashew dressing over the combined vegetables and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the broccoli absorb the flavors of the dressing and for the salad to chill properly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: After chilling, taste the salad and add extra salt and freshly ground pepper if desired. Serve cold as a refreshing, healthy dish.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight softens them, resulting in a creamier dressing texture.
- Chilling the salad for several hours enhances the flavor as the broccoli absorbs the dressing.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- The salad is best served within 2 days for optimal freshness.
