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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Broccoli: Broccoli is a superfood. It has vitamins C and K. These help keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy. It also has fiber, which helps digestion. Eating broccoli can lower the risk of some diseases. Cranberries and Feta: Cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor. They are full of antioxidants, which are good for your heart. Feta cheese gives a nice creaminess and adds calcium. Together, they make the salad tasty and nutritious. - Mixing bowls - Pot for blanching - Whisk for dressing preparation When you gather these items, you set yourself up for success. Enjoy the process of making this vibrant Broccoli Bliss Salad! For the full recipe, refer to the section above. First, we need to blanch the broccoli. This means we will cook it quickly in boiling water. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pot and drain it. Next, we cool the broccoli quickly. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Transfer the broccoli to the ice water right away. This stops the cooking process and keeps the color bright. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. After that, drain the broccoli again and pat it dry with a paper towel. Now, it’s time to mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of roasted sunflower seeds, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle this dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently until it is well-coated. Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. For serving, use a large bowl. Garnish with extra feta cheese and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds on top. This adds extra crunch and makes it look nice. Enjoy your Broccoli Bliss Salad! For the full recipe, check the section above. To make the best Broccoli Bliss Salad, start by blanching the broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. Then, drain the broccoli and place it in ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps the color bright. Let it cool for about five minutes. After cooling, drain and pat dry. Achieving a balanced flavor is key. The mix of sweet cranberries, tangy feta, and crunchy sunflower seeds brings joy. Use fresh cherry tomatoes and red bell peppers for color and taste. A touch of honey adds sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. You can change the dressing if you want. Instead of honey, use maple syrup for a vegan option. You can also swap apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a bright flavor. If you enjoy herbs, try adding fresh basil or parsley to the dressing. To customize the dressing, start with olive oil as your base. Add your preferred vinegar and sweetener. Whisk together until smooth. Taste and tweak to match your palate. The best temperature for serving Broccoli Bliss Salad is cool. It tastes fresh and vibrant when chilled. If you make it ahead, store it in the fridge for an hour before serving. To keep the salad fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This protects the flavors and ingredients. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy your Broccoli Bliss Salad straight from the fridge or let it sit for a few minutes. For the full recipe, check out the Broccoli Bliss Salad instructions. {{image_2}} You can boost the Broccoli Bliss Salad with protein. Grilled chicken adds flavor and heartiness. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try beans. Black beans or chickpeas work well. Both options make your salad more filling and nutritious. Change up the salad based on what’s in season. In spring, add asparagus or snap peas for freshness. Summer is perfect for adding cucumbers or zucchini. In autumn, consider roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash. These changes keep the salad exciting and flavorful. To make the salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. Substitute it with a dairy-free cheese option. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor. For gluten-free options, ensure your dressing is gluten-free. Most ingredients in the salad are already gluten-free, making it easy to adapt. To keep your Broccoli Bliss Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal it tightly. This helps prevent air from making it soggy. You can keep the salad in the fridge for up to three days. If you see any moisture build-up, dry the salad gently before serving. If you want to save your salad for later, freezing is an option. However, I recommend freezing only the broccoli and grains. The other ingredients can become mushy. To freeze, place the broccoli florets in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For grains like quinoa, cook and cool them first. Then, store them in a separate freezer bag. This keeps the texture nice when you thaw. How long does Broccoli Bliss Salad last in the fridge? It lasts about three days at best. After that, the veggies start to lose their crunch. You should check for signs of spoilage. Look for wilted greens or off smells. If it smells sour or looks slimy, it's time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to mix well. Just keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. If you wait longer, the broccoli may lose its crunch. If you want to swap out sunflower seeds, try these options: - Chopped walnuts for a nutty taste - Pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture - Sliced almonds for a light crunch - Pecans for a sweet flavor These alternatives keep the salad tasty while adding a unique twist. Yes, broccoli salad is very healthy! Here’s a quick look at its nutrition: - Calories: About 200 per serving - Fiber: High in fiber, great for digestion - Vitamins: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K - Minerals: Contains calcium and iron Broccoli provides antioxidants, which help fight disease. The dried cranberries add natural sweetness and vitamins. This guide has shown you how to make a delicious Broccoli Bliss Salad. We explored each ingredient and its health benefits, from crunchy broccoli to sweet cranberries. I shared tips to make your salad stand out, plus variations to suit different diets. Remember, you can store leftovers wisely to enjoy later. The best salads are fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. Enjoy your cooking journey and create a salad that you and others will love.

Broccoli Bliss Salad

Elevate your meal with this Broccoli Bliss Salad! Bursting with fresh flavors from broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and cranberries, this vibrant dish is not only healthy but visually stunning. Enjoy the delightful crunch from roasted sunflower seeds and feta cheese, all brought together with a tangy dressing. Perfect as a side or a light lunch, click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this nutritious dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by blanching the broccoli florets: bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

    Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

          Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well-coated.

            Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl and garnish with extra feta cheese and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds on top for an added crunch and visual appeal.