Sunflower Broccoli Salad

Traditional broccoli salad is made with fresh fruit, crunchy vegetables, and sunflower seeds and topped with a sweet and savory Greek yogurt dressing. 

“Broccoli salad for dinner?” I was asked this question a few weeks back by my loving husband with an honest and concerned tone. Little did he know the photos he was sending of work lunches and dinners out WITHOUT me would come back to bite him. I’m joking— I’m not punishing him for dining out at work. But I do think he and I both need a little more green on our plate from time and time. What I love about sunflower broccoli salad is that Ted happily ate salad for dinner without making his “salad for dinner” remark. Why? Because this so-called broccoli salad doesn’t really feel like you are eating a salad—- the no lettuce factor tricked him!

I’ve lightened up the classic broccoli salad by opting out on the mayo and replacing it with plain Greek yogurt. It’s just as creamy in my opinion and a nice alternative when you want to make a mayonnaise switch. Pair this broccoli salad with perfectly grilled chicken breasts or an open-faced burger and you’ve got yourself a meal!

I put some of this broccoli salad on Joey’s plate and he of course gobbled up the grapes and apples and sunflower seeds. I’m pretty sure he would’ve licked the dressing bowl if I had let him. The broccoli? Eh. That ended up half chewed and in his bib. The celery? He picked around it. And yes, I did catch Ted giving his son THAT look only a father and son give one another when Mom puts a big scoop of salad on Dad’s plate. I’m sure Joey was thinking “better you than me man.”

All in all, I’m lunching and dinnering with this broccoli salad all week long. And so are my guys! The longer it sits, the better it tastes! Just make sure to save some extra dressing if you do decide to keep it in the fridge for a few days. The broccoli definitely soaks up the dressing!

Disclaimer:  I am proud to partner with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to bring you healthy recipes made with cow’s milk.  Because of these great partnerships I am able to share delicious and nutritious family-friendly recipes. As always all opinion and ideas are 100% my own. Find out why Milk Means More on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.