Description
Mediterranean roasted broccoli salad blends crisp florets with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Herb-infused olive oil and tangy feta create a fresh, wholesome dish you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or mint
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an ideal roasting environment for caramelizing broccoli florets.
- Roasting Technique: Toss broccoli with olive oil and seasonings, then spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring maximum surface contact for even browning and crisp edges.
- Flavor Development: Roast broccoli until edges turn golden-brown and slightly charred, rotating the pan midway through cooking to achieve uniform caramelization and enhance depth of flavor.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a small bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy emulsion that will complement the roasted vegetables.
- Salad Assembly: Combine roasted broccoli with red onion, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of textures and complementary flavors.
- Final Touches: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating, and optionally sprinkle with crumbled cheese for an additional layer of richness.
- Serving Recommendation: Present the salad warm or at room temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a complex, nuanced flavor profile that highlights the roasted broccoli’s caramelized essence.
Notes
- Maximize Roasting Technique: Spread broccoli florets with ample spacing to prevent steaming, ensuring each piece develops a crispy, caramelized exterior with beautiful golden-brown edges.
- Customize Dressing Intensity: Adjust the dressing’s tanginess by incrementally adding lemon juice or vinegar, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance that complements the roasted broccoli’s natural sweetness.
- Enhance Textural Contrast: Toast nuts separately and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch, preventing moisture from softening their delightful crisp texture.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version, or replace almonds with sunflower seeds for nut-free diets while maintaining the salad’s complex flavor profile and satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg