Roasted Brocoli, Red Onions and Haloumi Salad

Another salad ! And again Brocoli ! You are going to think we love brocoli at our place ! And you’ll be right 🙂 My kids used to be a little reluctant, I guess when I was busy working in corporate and asking my au pair to cook them brocoli, it was probably not the yummiest meal of the week for them 🙂 And I do remember eating some watery green little trees at my grandma’s place (I love my grandman don’t get me wrong) as a teenager, which I really found tasteless and would only force myself to eat as I was told to be polite and because they were good for me !

And yes Brocoli is good for you : this super veggie is loaded with fiber, antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and vitamin C to aid iron absorption ! And yes it is also super tasty and versatile when you cook it well. Think, roasted coated with a little evoo and spices, boiled and blended with cashews for a creamy soup, shredded as an alternative to grains in tabouleh, and even better mixed with fruits for a creamy smoothie… The list is endless and this time it is a very simple yet very tasty salad I propose you to make. 20 min max, only a few ingredients, and you’ll thank me after tasting it for sure !

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4 as a side)

• 1 large brocoli ( or brocolini, or cauliflower)
• 1 red onion 
• 100 gr haloumi cut in small bites ( or smoked tofu for vegan alternative)
• 45 grs roasted walnuts chopped ( or any nuts)
• 3tbsp goji berries ( or cranberries, raisins,…)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ( or parsley if you prefer)
• 2 tbsp evoo 
• Zest and juice of 1 organic lemon
• 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin 
• Optional chili flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Separate the brocoli florets from the stem. Don’t throw it away, you ll use it later.
2. Coat the florets with 1 tbsp evoo, cumin powder, salt and pepper and optional chili flakes. Add the onion cut in  quarters to the same bowl and mix well. Transfer to roast in preheated oven at 190 deg C fan forced for 20 min ( until you get a nice roasted colour)
3. At the same time, grill your halloumi as per package instructions.
4. Once done, take it out and leave to cool down
5. Cut the stem of the brocoli to get some crispy brocoli match sticks you ll add to the salad later.
6. Once your brocoli and onions are at room temperature, transfer in your salad bowl the roasted broccoli and onions, the raw brocoli, the walnuts, herbs, goji, grated lemon and toss. 
7. Drizzle with your lemon juice and 1 tbsp evoo. Toss well again. Finish adding the chargrilled haloumi, add more herbs, cracked pepper, chia seeds sprinkle and serve immediately 🙂