Broccoli, often hailed as the “tree of life” for its dense nutritional profile, can be transformed into a delightful dish when combined with the creamy texture of avocado, the crispness of cucumber, and the hearty goodness of boiled eggs. This salad not only serves as a refreshing dish for warm summer days but also doubles as a nourishing meal that delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Whether you're hosting a lunch for friends or preparing a side dish for dinner, this broccoli salad with avocado, cucumber, and boiled eggs is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. As a bonus, it's easy to put together, ensuring you don’t spend hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
Balanced Flavors and Textures: The beauty of this salad lies in the balance of its components. Broccoli, with its earthy and slightly bitter undertones, is complemented by the buttery softness of avocado. Meanwhile, the cucumber lends a cooling, crunchy contrast, and the boiled eggs add a rich and filling touch. This mix ensures that with every bite, there's an explosion of varying textures and flavors that keeps the palate intrigued and wanting more.
Nutritional Powerhouse: One cannot emphasize enough the health benefits packed into this salad. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins C and K, folic acid, and fiber. Avocado offers healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fat, along with a dose of potassium and fiber. Cucumber is hydrating and a good source of antioxidants, while boiled eggs are protein-rich and contain essential vitamins and minerals. Combining these ingredients not only creates a tasty dish but also a nutritionally dense one, making it an excellent choice for those who are health-conscious or seeking a fulfilling, nutrient-rich meal.
Ingredients
Broccoli - This green veggie is packed with vitamins and fiber. It's the star of this salad. Substitute: Cauliflower, if you prefer a milder taste.
Avocado- Creamy and rich in healthy fats, it adds a nice texture and flavor. Substitute: Green peas or mashed edamame for a green touch and creamy texture.
Cucumber- Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. Substitute: Zucchini or bell peppers for a different type of crunch.
Boiled Eggs- These provide a protein boost and make the salad more filling. Substitute: Tofu cubes or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein source.
Dressing- A mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simple but effective in bringing out the flavors. Substitute: Any vinaigrette or creamy dressing you like.
Tips
- To keep the avocado from browning, toss it in a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
- Make sure to use fresh broccoli for the best taste and texture.
- For a bit of extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- To hard boil eggs perfectly, start them in cold water, bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat for 10 minutes.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors together.
How to Serve
This salad shines best when served chilled, making it an excellent dish for summer picnics or as a refreshing side. It beautifully complements grilled dishes due to its light and crisp nature.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced and healthy meal.
- Perfect for potlucks – just double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
- As a standalone lunch – you can add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Similar Recipes
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 3 boiled eggs sliced
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, diced avocado, and sliced cucumber.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to form the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Top the salad with the sliced boiled eggs.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- To keep the avocado from browning, toss it in a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
- Make sure to use fresh broccoli for the best taste and texture.
- For a bit of extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- To hard boil eggs perfectly, start them in cold water, bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat for 10 minutes.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors together.