Broccoli-Cauliflower Floret Toss
A vibrant and fresh vegetable medley featuring broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes, dressed with a tangy red wine vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli and cauliflower florets covered in boiling water for 3 minutes.
- Drain well and place in a shallow 1-quart dish.
- Add cherry tomato halves and minced onion; set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried parsley flakes, and a dash of pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets found at most grocery stores. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the vinaigrette if you prefer a citrusy twist. For a heartier version, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli-Cauliflower Floret Toss makes a vibrant side dish for grilled meats or a light vegetarian main. It pairs beautifully with Easy Grilled Ham or on a summer picnic table. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a grain salad or as part of a colorful platter with dips and spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully if allowed to chill overnight. To reheat, you can microwave the dish for about 30 seconds, but serving it cold is just as delicious and refreshing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Cauliflower Floret Toss contains roughly 80 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just remember to toss it again before serving to redistribute the vinaigrette.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but will work well in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Broccoli-Cauliflower Floret Toss is entirely plant-based and fits perfectly within vegan recipes. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).