Before we get to the yummy vegetarian healthy recipes below, here are the facts about broccoli: No matter how you prepare it, broccoli is high in fiber, rich in vitamins, low in calories, virtually fat-free and a great source of calcium.

It’s believed that broccoli can even reduce the risk of some cancers (colon cancer and lung cancer, in particular), diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. And eating broccoli may also help you lose weight, because its high fiber content fills you up without adding extra calories.

The following salad recipe is just one of many ways to get more broccoli into your diet:

Broccoli and Feta Salad
Serves 4 people

• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 8 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 bunches green onions, diced
• 1 cup low fat or non-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 12-15 black olives, cut in half
• Bibb or butter lettuce

1. Wash and prepare broccoli and green onions. Set aside.
2. Mix together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
3. Pour over vegetables.
4. Add Feta cheese and olives.
5. Toss well and place in refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
6. Serve on lettuce leaves on chilled plates.

The following cooked broccoli recipe also is a great way to serve this healthy vegetable:

Kickin’ Broccoli and Garlic
Serves 4 people

• 1 bunch broccoli
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne or chili pepper
• 2 tablespoons water

1. Wash and cut broccoli.
2. Steam in a microwave for about 3-5 minutes, or cook in boiling water for about 10 minutes until barely tender and still brightly colored.
3. Finely chop the garlic.
4. Place olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add salt, then garlic to hot oil.
6. Saute until garlic starts to soften.
7. Add the water, then pepper.
8. Lower heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
9. Place cooked broccoli in a bowl and pour the garlic mixture over it.
10. Mix gently.

Healthy recipe tip:
A drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil over cooked broccoli is a quick and tasty addition that won’t add a lot of extra calories.

We hope you enjoyed these vegetarian healthy recipes. Here’s wishing you good health!

You might also be interested in these other recipes:

• Asparagus Recipes
• Beet Juice Recipes
• Blueberry Recipes with Antioxidant Power
• Garlic Recipes with Antiviral Power
• Pasta Recipes to Boost Your Immune System
• Recipes to Control Blood Sugar
• Recipes to Help Your Vision
• Recipes to Keep Anemia at Bay