Broccoli salad with lemon sauce

Here's a refreshing and nutritious broccoli salad with a tangy lemon sauce:

Broccoli Salad with Lemon Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup almonds, slivered or chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Lemon Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

   • Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Blanch the broccoli by boiling it in salted water for 1-2 minutes until it's bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain well.

2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, red onion, almonds, dried cranberries or raisins, and feta cheese (if using). Add sunflower seeds if you like extra crunch.

3. Make the Lemon Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Pour the lemon sauce over the broccoli salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

This broccoli salad with lemon sauce is a great side dish, bursting with flavor and texture!