Why You’ll Love this Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
If you’re looking for a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s perfect for meal prep, I’m thrilled to share this Mediterranean broccoli-cauliflower salad with you.
The combination of crisp veggies with tangy feta and briny olives creates a flavor explosion that gets better as it marinates.
What makes this salad special? It’s incredibly versatile – perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck star.
The colorful mix of vegetables provides amazing texture contrasts, while the Italian dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Best of all, it’s make-ahead friendly.
Those eight hours of marinating time? That’s when the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
What Ingredients are in Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad?
This Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad brings together a rainbow of vegetables, tangy cheese, and briny olives in a celebration of fresh, bold flavors. What I love most about this recipe is how the ingredients maintain their crunch while soaking up all the delicious Italian dressing. It’s the kind of salad that makes you forget you’re eating something incredibly nutritious because it tastes so good.
- 1 small bunch broccoli, broken into small flowerettes
- 1/2 small head cauliflower, broken into small flowerettes
- 1 (6 ounce) can pitted ripe olives, drained
- 1 (6 ounce) jar stuffed green olives, drained
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes (whole or cut in halves)
- 1/2 cup purple onion, finely chopped (or use green onions)
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 1 (8 ounce) container reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup low-fat Italian salad dressing
Feel free to adjust these ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Not a fan of green olives? Just double up on the black ones. Want to add more protein? Chickpeas would be a lovely addition. And if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to reduce the amount of olives or feta, as these tend to be saltier components. The beauty of this Mediterranean-inspired salad is its flexibility—you can tweak it while still maintaining that perfect balance of crunchy, tangy, and savory elements.
How to Make this Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
Making this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad couldn’t be simpler, which is part of its charm. Start by breaking down 1 small bunch of broccoli and 1/2 small head of cauliflower into bite-sized flowerettes—not too big or they’ll be unwieldy to eat, not too small or they’ll lose their delightful crunch. I find that pieces about the size of a quarter work perfectly, allowing them to marinate well while maintaining their texture.
Next, gather your remaining ingredients and add them to a large bowl (preferably one with a lid that seals). Drain 1 six-ounce can of pitted ripe olives and 1 six-ounce jar of stuffed green olives, then toss them in with 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup finely chopped purple onion, and 1/2 cup grated carrot. The colors at this stage are already spectacular, like a little vegetable confetti party waiting to happen. This salad serves as a perfect complement to dishes prepared on a Hawaiian grill set for a tropical-themed outdoor gathering.
Sprinkle in the 8 ounces of crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, then pour 1 cup of low-fat Italian dressing over everything. Gently toss all ingredients until they’re well-coated with the dressing, making sure to distribute everything evenly.
Now comes the hardest part—waiting. Cover your beautiful creation and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, occasionally giving it a gentle toss to redistribute the marinade. This marinating time is non-negotiable, friends. It’s where the magic happens as all those Mediterranean flavors mingle and develop.
The vegetables soften ever so slightly while still maintaining their crunch, and the dressing infuses everything with its herby, tangy goodness. Having a quality Mediterranean cooking set with proper mixing bowls and storage containers makes preparation and marinating much easier and more efficient. Can you make it in less time? Sure. Will it taste as amazing? Not even close. Trust the process—your patience will be rewarded with flavor that’s worth every minute of that wait.
Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad lies in its flexibility—you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
Don’t have feta? Try goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar. Looking for more protein? Toss in some chickpeas or diced chicken.
Vegetarians might appreciate adding sunflower seeds or walnuts for extra crunch and nutrients.
Not a fan of olives? (Gasp! Though I can’t imagine this salad without them.) Substitute capers or artichoke hearts for that briny flavor.
And if you’re watching calories, simply use less cheese and a lighter dressing.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
Because this Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad shines as a vibrant side dish, you’ll want to pair it with complementary mains that let its flavors stand out.
I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish—think lemon garlic salmon or herb-roasted chicken thighs. A simple pasta dish works beautifully too.
For a vegetarian spread, try it with falafel, hummus, and warm pita bread. The salad’s tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables balance rich, savory mains perfectly.
Planning a picnic? Pack this salad with cold cuts and crusty bread. Trust me, the Mediterranean flavors make everything taste better.
Final Thoughts
After experimenting with this Mediterranean Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad countless times in my kitchen, I’m convinced it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
It’s truly a versatile dish that shines at potlucks, family gatherings, or as a healthy lunch option.
What I love most about this recipe is how the feta cheese and olives bring authentic Mediterranean flavors, while the colorful vegetables create a feast for the eyes.
The marinating time really allows those Italian dressing notes to penetrate every bite. Can you imagine a more perfect way to enjoy your veggies?
Trust me, even reluctant vegetable eaters might just ask for seconds.
Just like with ripe bananas in banana bread, using fresh vegetables will significantly enhance the flavor of this salad.
