If you’re craving a vibrant and nutritious dish that sings with freshness and zesty goodness, the Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad bursts with the crunch of broccoli florets, the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, and the briny depth of kalamata olives, all beautifully brought together by a creamy, tangy cashew lemon dressing. It’s a perfect way to savor authentic Mediterranean flavors while keeping things light, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.

Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in creating an explosion of textures and flavors. From the crunchy broccoli to the silky cashew dressing, every component contributes to making this salad irresistibly fresh and creamy.

Raw cashews (1 cup, soaked overnight): Soaking softens the cashews, ensuring a silky, luscious texture in the dressing.
Water (6 tablespoons): Helps blend the cashews smoothly into a creamy dressing without added oils.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds vibrant acidity, lifting the flavors with a bright citrusy tang.
Lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon): Intensifies the lemony aroma and deepens the dressing’s complexity.
Dried oregano (1¼ teaspoons): Brings that classic Mediterranean herbal note that’s quintessentially Greek.
Fresh garlic, minced (1 teaspoon): Provides a mild pungency and warmth to balance the salad.
Sea salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while keeping the salad light.
Dried basil (¾ teaspoon): Offers a sweet, slightly peppery herbal flavor that complements the oregano.
Dried thyme (¾ teaspoon): Adds an earthy depth for a well-rounded dressing.
Freshly ground black pepper (pinch): Just a hint of spice to round out the taste.
Broccoli florets (5 cups, chopped): The crunchy vegetable base packed with vitamins and fiber.
Cherry tomatoes (1½ cups, halved): Sweet and juicy bursts that brighten every bite.
Kalamata olives (½ cup, pitted and halved): Salty and rich, adding authentic Greek character.
Red onion (6 tablespoons, diced): Adds sharpness and slight sweetness for depth.
Cucumber (1 large, thinly sliced): Cool and crisp, balancing the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews

Start by draining the water from your cashews that have been soaking overnight. This soaking step is crucial because it softens the cashews, which will help you achieve that irresistible, creamy texture in your dressing.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Place the drained cashews in a high-powered food processor. Add the water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, minced garlic, sea salt, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Begin blending at a low speed and gradually increase to high. Keep blending until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally to get every bit of that rich dressing.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together your chopped broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, diced red onion, and halved kalamata olives. Each ingredient adds its own crunch, sweetness, or burst of briny flavor, setting the stage for the dressing to bring it all together.

Step 4: Toss With Dressing

Pour the cashew lemon dressing over the mixed veggies and toss well, making sure every piece is fully coated with that creamy, herbaceous goodness. This step is where the salad truly starts to come alive with flavor.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. For best results, let it chill overnight—this allows the broccoli to soak up all the dressing, softening slightly yet maintaining a satisfying crunch. The flavors will meld beautifully, making every forkful a delight.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, give your salad a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. A little extra seasoning can make all the difference to elevate the flavors just perfectly. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill adds a fragrant, fresh burst on top. You could also add some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for an extra bit of crunch and nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the cashew dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fantastic side to grilled chicken, fish, or lamb dishes, complementing the protein with its bright, fresh, and tangy notes. If you’re craving a plant-based meal, serve it alongside warm quinoa or a hearty grain bowl for a complete, satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish presentation, layer the salad in individual glass jars or clear bowls—this really showcases the beautiful colors and textures. Alternatively, serve it on a large platter, arranging the salad with additional lemon wedges on the side for an inviting, family-style spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to deepen, making it even more delicious on the second day.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing. The texture of the broccoli and cucumbers will change, and the dressing may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let refrigerated portions sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating to take the chill off. Reheating is not recommended as it disrupts the crunch and creamy dressing balance.

FAQs

Can I use raw almonds or walnuts instead of cashews in the dressing?

Cashews are ideal because of their naturally creamy texture after soaking, which gives the dressing its smooth consistency. Almonds or walnuts can be used but may result in a grittier or more textured dressing. If using them, soak well and blend longer for better creaminess.

Is this salad gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! All the ingredients in the Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe are naturally gluten-free and vegan. It’s a wonderful option for a nourishing, plant-based meal or side dish.

Can I add feta cheese to this salad?

While this version keeps things vegan and dairy-free, crumbled feta cheese would be a delicious traditional addition if you’re not avoiding dairy. It adds a salty, creamy touch that complements the cashew lemon dressing beautifully.

How long should I soak the cashews?

Soaking cashews overnight (about 8-12 hours) is best to achieve that perfectly creamy texture in your dressing. If you’re short on time, soaking them in very hot water for 1-2 hours can work, but overnight soaking yields the best results.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cashew lemon dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir or blend before drizzling it over the salad to refresh the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cashew Lemon Dressing Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a deliciously fresh and wholesome meal or side dish that never feels heavy. The creamy dressing married with crisp vegetables creates a wonderful harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. I encourage you to make this salad soon—your taste buds will thank you, and it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for healthy, happy eating!