I love broccoli! I know I say that about most veggies, but broccoli is amazing – especially in a salad. Which is why I created this Easy Broccoli Salad recipe. It’s super nutrient-rich and may even help to fight cancer and chronic inflammation. It’s one of the foods that I eat all the time.
Broccoli is a Nutrition Powerhouse
Broccoli is loaded with a TON of vitamins and minerals! One serving has 135% of your daily Vitamin C needs (20% more than one orange)! Vitamin C is important for so many things, but it’s especially important for healthy immune function.
That same serving of broccoli also has 116% of your daily Vitamin K needs, and it’s a good source of calcium. Both are key nutrients for bone health. Broccoli is also packed with antioxidants that help to neutralize cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage to cells can cause them not to reproduce correctly or at all (in the case of some immune cells). So basically, broccoli helps to keep you young & healthy on a cellular level.
Broccoli Can Help With Inflammation & Hormone Imbalance
Broccoli contains bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation in your body and reduce cell damage caused by chronic disease. Research shows that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli (but think Brussels, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower, too!) may reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
One of the reasons for this is broccoli’s role in the production of a compound called Diindolylmethan (DIM). When you digest broccoli you produce DIM from another compound called indole-3-carbinol. Although human research is limited, early studies in women and men show DIM supplements may have anti-cancer effects and might be useful in treating and preventing hormonal acne, prostate enlargement, hot flashes, weight gain and PMS.
Broccoli is a Good Source of Dietary Fiber
Broccoli also helps keep your gut healthy. Fiber plays an important role in digestion, and broccoli contains 2.3 grams of fiber in just one cup. This is 5-10% of your daily fiber needs!
How to Get More Broccoli in Your Diet
In case you need a little broccoli inspiration, below are some ways to get your daily dose of this superfood:
- Roast it and then dip in hummus, tahini, guacamole, or salsa
- Add broccoli to smoothies (or use broccoli powder)
- Steam or roast it and add to scrambled eggs, egg muffins or frittata
- Roast it and top with pesto, your favorite dressing, olive tapenade, or peanut sauce
- Shred it and make coleslaw or rainbow slaw
- Make a colorful stir-fry
- Mix it into stew, soup, fajitas, or make roast broccoli tacos
Easy Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad is super simple to throw together and it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. To make it a bit more substantial, you could add white beans, chickpeas, or grill salmon to serve with it.
It’s topped with feta cheese and pumpkin seeds and I used roasted broccoli instead of raw florets. The broccoli is seasoned with turmeric and garlic for extra flavor and antioxidants. I topped it off with sliced strawberries and pomegranate seeds and drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Easy Broccoli Salad
Equipment
- Sheet pan
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli (florets, chopped)
- 4 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 3 Tbsp pomegranate seeds
- 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled and sliced in half)
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400º F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with half the olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, garlic powder and turmeric. Add more oil if needed. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until crispy.
- To a Mason jar, add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, the lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. Taste and re-season, as needed.
- To prepare the salad, add the greens to a large bowl. Top with broccoli, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, strawberries and feta. Drizzle the dressing over top and toss to combine.
