The Ultimate Broccolini, Prosciutto, Feta & Avocado Salad with Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette
Craving a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and delightfully light? Look no further than this vibrant Broccolini, Prosciutto, Feta, and Avocado Salad with a Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors, effortlessly bringing together creamy avocado, crisp broccolini, salty prosciutto, and tangy feta cheese into one harmonious dish. It’s the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating can be utterly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for any day of the week.
This salad embodies the spirit of a “raid your fridge” moment – where a handful of fresh, quality ingredients transform into an unbelievably refreshing, healthy, and low-carb lunch. Forget heavy, complicated meals; this creation focuses on fresh, wholesome components that deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s ideal for those seeking a quick, nutrient-packed option that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Why This Broccolini & Prosciutto Salad Will Be Your New Favorite
This salad stands out for its unique combination of ingredients that, at first glance, might seem unconventional but come together in a truly spectacular way. The star of the show, broccolini, might be an unexpected addition to a cold salad for some, but trust us, its tender-crisp texture and subtle earthy flavor elevate the dish beyond your typical leafy greens. When perfectly steamed or blanched, broccolini adds a wonderful bite and a wealth of nutrients, making the salad more substantial and satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. We’re talking about real food, bursting with natural flavors. It’s incredibly adaptable, making it a staple for anyone looking to incorporate more fresh vegetables and lean proteins into their diet without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re aiming for a low-fat, low-carb, or simply a deliciously healthy meal, this salad ticks all the boxes.
The Star Ingredients: A Deep Dive
Broccolini: The Underrated Salad Gem
While often seen as a side dish, broccolini shines brightly in this salad. Its delicate florets and long, tender stalks offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than traditional broccoli, along with a satisfying crunch when prepared just right. We recommend steaming or blanching it until it’s tender-crisp – vibrant green and still holding its shape. This preparation method ensures it retains its nutrients and provides a pleasant textural contrast to the other ingredients.
Prosciutto & Feta: A Salty, Savory Punch
The addition of thinly sliced prosciutto (or Parma Ham) and crumbled feta cheese provides the essential salty, umami notes that make this salad truly addictive. Prosciutto adds a luxurious, savory depth and a delicate texture, while feta contributes a tangy creaminess that beautifully balances the freshness of the vegetables. Together, they create a rich flavor profile that keeps every forkful exciting.
Creamy Avocado: The Healthy Fat Hero
No truly satisfying salad is complete without creamy avocado. Its rich, buttery texture and subtle flavor provide a wonderful counterpoint to the saltiness of the cured meat and cheese. Avocado also packs a punch of healthy monounsaturated fats, making this salad not just delicious but also incredibly nourishing and filling. Personally, I believe avocado can improve just about anything, and in this salad, it’s absolutely indispensable.
Radishes & Red Onion: A Burst of Freshness
To further enhance the freshness and add a delightful crunch, thinly sliced radishes and red onion are incorporated. The peppery bite of the radishes provides a refreshing contrast, while the subtle sharpness of the red onion adds another layer of flavor complexity. These ingredients not only contribute to the taste but also add beautiful color, making the salad as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
With the rich combination of creamy avocado, the savory depth of prosciutto and feta, and the fresh crunch of broccolini, radishes, and mixed greens, this salad was truly the perfect lunch for me. It’s a meal that satisfies on all levels – taste, texture, and nutrition.
The Perfect Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette
A great salad is only as good as its dressing, and this Dijon vinaigrette is simply perfect. Simple yet impactful, it features a classic combination of olive oil, Dijon mustard, a hint of crushed garlic, and water for thinning, all whisked together to emulsify. This dressing provides a bright, tangy counterpoint that harmonizes with the rich and savory components, bringing all the flavors of the salad into a cohesive and delightful experience. It’s light enough not to overpower, yet flavorful enough to make every ingredient sing.
Tips for Success and Creative Variations
This salad is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking to change things up or cater to different dietary preferences, consider these simple substitutions:
- Cheese Swap: While feta provides a wonderful salty tang, fresh goat cheese can offer a creamier, milder, and slightly more pungent alternative.
- Protein Alternatives: For a non-pork option, smoked salmon (flaked or thinly sliced) works beautifully, adding a different kind of rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Cooked chicken breast or chickpeas can also be added for extra protein.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Don’t let the weather dictate your cravings! This salad, with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, brings a taste of sunshine even on the coldest days. Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Herbacious Kick: A sprinkle of fresh dill, parsley, or chives can add another layer of aroma and flavor to the finished dish.
Give this unique Broccolini, Prosciutto, Feta, and Avocado Salad a try at home. We promise it’s not as strange as it might seem to combine these ingredients – in fact, it’s a culinary revelation that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
MORE SUCCULENT SALAD INSPO:
Southwestern Chicken Salad With a Low Fat Creamy Dressing
Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with Creamy Cajun Dressing
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa
BLT Breakfast Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

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Broccolini, Prosciutto, Feta And Avocado Salad
Karina
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
2 serves
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 bunches broccolini
- 4 cups mixed salad leaves washed
- 3 oz Prosciutto/Parma Ham torn into strips
- 1/2 large avocado sliced thinly
- 3 small radishes sliced thinly
- 1 oz reduced fat Feta cheese crumbled
- 2 slices red onion thin
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 clove garlic crushed or minced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
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Steam or boil the broccolini in a pot of salted water for about 10 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Assemble the salad with the salad leaves, prosciutto, avocado, radishes, Feta and red onion.
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To make the dressing, combine the oil, mustard, garlic and water in a small jug or bowl. Whisk until combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 22g |
Fat: 41g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 23g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 36mg |
Sodium: 630mg |
Potassium: 1.278mg |
Fiber: 12g |
Sugar: 9g |
Vitamin A: 38.129IU |
Vitamin C: 206mg |
Calcium: 305mg |
Iron: 6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this? Leave a comment below!
