Wash the broccoli under running water. Cut off the tough ends of the stem and separate into florets about 2–3 cm in size (even pieces will ensure even cooking). Cut larger florets in half. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Peel the onion and slice it into very thin feathers (you can separate the layers with your fingers). Crumble the feta cheese into large pieces. Measure and prepare the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and peel the garlic cloves.
Description
A light, colorful salad with crunchy broccoli florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy garlic sauce made from thick Greek yogurt. The dish has a fresh, slightly tangy flavor thanks to lemon juice and a gentle garlic kick; the creamy sauce brings the ingredients together, while optional toppings — toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds — add a contrast of textures and a striking, Valentine's Day appearance. It works great as an appetizer or a light meal for a romantic dinner; it can be served chilled or at room temperature. Aesthetics: vibrant green of the broccoli contrasted with the red of the pomegranate and the white of the cheese, perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients (13)
- Broccoli florets 400 g
- Thick Greek yogurt (natural) 200 g
- Garlic 3 ząbki
- Olive oil 30 ml
- Lemon juice 30 ml
- Red onion 0.5 szt.
- Cherry tomatoes 200 g
- Feta cheese 120 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Black pepper 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Roasted almonds (optional) 40 g
- Pomegranate seeds (optional) 80 g
- Honey (optional) 20 g
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Preparation steps
Preparation of ingredients
Blanching broccoli
In a large pot, pour about 1.5 liters of water and add 5 g of salt (about 1 teaspoon). Bring to a boil. Place the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 1.5–2 minutes — the broccoli should become bright green and slightly tender, but still firm (test: a fork goes in, but resistance is felt). Immediately transfer the florets to a bowl of very cold water with ice (ice bath) for 2 minutes to stop the cooking process and preserve the color. After blanching, drain the broccoli in a colander and gently dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Toasting almonds (optional)
If you are using almonds: heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add whole or coarsely chopped almonds and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring or shaking the skillet frequently, until golden and fragrant. Be careful, as the nuts darken quickly and can burn. Once removed from heat, set aside to cool and, if necessary, chop coarsely.
Preparation of garlic sauce
Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop or press them through a garlic press. In a small bowl, place the Greek yogurt, add the pressed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and 2 g of salt (two pinches) along with 1 g of freshly ground pepper. If you want to slightly sweeten it, optionally add honey (20 g). Use a whisk or fork and vigorously mix for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly emulsified — it should have a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Salad Assembly
In a large bowl, combine the drained and dried broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced onion. Add the crumbled feta. Drizzle with the prepared garlic sauce and gently mix with a silicone spatula or your hands in kitchen gloves for 30–45 seconds — mix so that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients, but do not crush the tomatoes. Taste and season with an extra pinch of salt or pepper if needed. If using toppings: sprinkle toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds on top just before serving.
Final touches and serving
Before serving, let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature or chill it for 10–15 minutes in the refrigerator — this allows the flavors to meld. Arrange the salad aesthetically on the plates: in the center of the plate, create a nest of broccoli, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and almonds for a contrast of colors and textures. Serve as an appetizer or a light meal.
Fun Fact
Broccoli comes from cabbage vegetables that were cultivated in ancient Rome; the name "broccoli" comes from the Italian 'broccolo', meaning 'sprouting plant'. The combination of broccoli with pomegranate is a relatively new culinary trend, blending Mediterranean flavors with textures from the Middle East.
Best for
Tips
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature; just before serving, add the pomegranate seeds to keep them juicy. For a Valentine's effect, use two plates and arrange the salad in the shape of a heart or sprinkle with a few extra mint or parsley leaves.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Almonds and pomegranate seeds are best kept separately and added just before serving to maintain their crunch. The salad may not be suitable for longer storage due to the softening of the broccoli and the mushiness of the tomatoes.
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