Refreshing Broccoli, Grape, and Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer

Crafting a delightful broccoli, grape, and cucumber salad can turn an ordinary meal into a vibrant culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables mingle with sweet fruit, creating unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Summer’s freshest ingredients come together in this light, refreshing dish.

Green florets and juicy grapes provide a stunning color contrast that makes the plate look irresistible.

Crunchy cucumber adds a cool, clean dimension to the mix.

A simple vinaigrette ties all the elements together with zesty sophistication.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this surprisingly elegant salad that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

FAQs

• Why blanch the broccoli first?

Blanching helps preserve the broccoli’s bright green color, reduces bitterness, and creates a tender-crisp texture while maintaining its nutritional value.

• Can I use a different type of yogurt for the dressing?

Greek yogurt works best due to its thick, creamy consistency, but you can substitute with plain regular yogurt, though the dressing might be slightly thinner.

• How do I toast the almonds?

Spread slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. Broccoli provides vitamin C and fiber, grapes offer antioxidants, cucumber adds hydration, and almonds contribute healthy fats and protein.

Light & Crisp Notes in Broccoli, Grape, and Cucumber Salad

• Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with vibrant vegetables and fruits, this salad delivers a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals without complicated preparation.
• Quick Kitchen Creativity: Minimal cooking required with simple chopping and whisking, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without extensive culinary skills.
• Texture Sensation: Combines crisp broccoli, juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta to create a delightful mix of textures that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution that appeals to diverse tastes and dietary preferences with its balanced, fresh ingredients.

Broccoli Grape Cucumber Salad Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Bright green florets with a slight crunch.
• Grapes: Sweet, juicy halves for a burst of freshness.
• Cucumber: Crisp and cool slicing ingredient.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy flavor enhancer.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Rich and smooth dressing component.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbly and tangy topping.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid for dressing balance.
• Honey: Natural sweetener for dressing.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer.
• Black Pepper: Spicy seasoning for depth.

• Slivered Almonds: Toasted and crunchy nutty topping.

Broccoli, Grape, and Cucumber Salad Prep

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the broccoli florets and cook for a quick 1-2 minutes until they turn a brilliant green and become slightly tender. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve its crisp texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Salad Base

• Halved grapes
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Finely chopped red onion

Gently toss the ingredients to create a colorful and fresh base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Creamy Greek yogurt
• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy apple cider vinegar
• Sweet honey
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of ground black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until they transform into a silky, well-combined dressing.

Step 4: Dress and Coat

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a large spoon to carefully toss and coat every morsel, ensuring each bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Finishing Touches

• Toasted slivered almonds
• Crumbled feta cheese

These additions will provide a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

For the best taste experience, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. When ready, serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of textures and tastes.

Salad Tips for Broccoli, Grape, and Cucumber

• Blanch Broccoli Perfectly: Briefly cook broccoli in boiling water to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, then quickly cool in ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Manage Moisture Wisely: Pat cucumber and broccoli dry after preparation to prevent the salad from becoming watery and diluting the dressing's flavor.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy blend that coats ingredients evenly without being too thick or runny.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to absorb the dressing and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Add Crunch Strategically: Sprinkle toasted almonds just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy in the salad.

How To Keep Broccoli Grape Cucumber Salad Crisp

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the almonds and feta separate to maintain their crunch.
• Before storing, gently pat the vegetables with paper towels to remove extra liquid and prevent sogginess.
• When ready to eat, stir the salad and add fresh almonds and feta to restore texture and crispness.
• Do not freeze this salad as the yogurt dressing and fresh vegetables will lose their quality and become watery when thawed.

Broccoli Grape Cucumber Salad Complements

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the salad's refreshing profile with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light and zesty notes complement the broccoli and cucumber's crispness.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Create a balanced meal by serving the salad alongside a lemon-herb roasted chicken, where the bright, tangy dressing harmonizes with the tender, flavorful meat.
• Serve with Whole Grain Bread: Add a rustic whole grain baguette or sourdough slice to provide a hearty texture contrast and soak up the delightful yogurt-based dressing.
• Add Sparkling Water Infusion: Enhance the dining experience with a sparkling water infused with cucumber or mint, mirroring the salad's fresh ingredients and cleansing the palate between bites.

Broccoli, Grape, and Cucumber Salad: Tasty Twist Ideas

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with cashew cream and vegan mayo. Swap feta cheese with crumbled firm tofu or nutritional yeast for added protein and cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Substitute grapes with diced bell peppers for fewer carbs. Add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to increase protein content. Use Greek yogurt with zero added sugars to keep the dressing light.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Replace cucumber with diced cherry tomatoes. Add kalamata olives and swap almonds for pine nuts. Use extra virgin olive oil instead of mayonnaise for a more authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Spicy Herb Garden Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and mint into the dressing. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. Include chopped jalapeños for extra spiciness and crunch.

Broccoli, Grape, And Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing Broccoli, Grape, and Cucumber Salad brings crisp Mediterranean flavors to your table with zesty charm. Crunchy vegetables and sweet grapes dance together, promising a delightful summer experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Salad Vegetables:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150 grams) seedless grapes, halved
• 1/4 (40 grams) red onion, thinly sliced

Protein and Crunch Elements:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for approximately 90 seconds until they achieve a vibrant emerald color and maintain a crisp texture. Immediately submerge in an ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve their bright appearance. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
2. Create a refreshing base by combining the blanched broccoli with halved grapes, thinly sliced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion in a spacious mixing vessel. Gently fold ingredients to ensure an even distribution.
3. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate small bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, using a delicate folding technique to guarantee complete and even coating of all ingredients.
5. Elevate the salad’s texture and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted slivered almonds and crumbled feta cheese across the top, creating a delightful contrast of crunchy and creamy elements.
6. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the salad for approximately 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their combined taste.

Notes

• Blanch broccoli quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, preventing it from becoming mushy or losing nutrients.
• Toast almonds separately in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a golden, crunchy element to the salad.
• Adjust dressing consistency by adding a splash of milk or water if it feels too thick, ensuring a smooth and easy-to-coat mixture.
• Customize the salad for dietary needs by using dairy-free yogurt alternatives or omitting feta for a vegan version that still delivers incredible flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg