Broccoli Salad for Oestrogen Support and Hormone Balance with PCOS

If you’re trying to support your hormones naturally with PCOS, what you eat really does matter. Certain foods can help your body rebalance key hormones like insulin, oestrogen and androgens, and broccoli is one of the most powerful options.

This salad isn’t just a tasty side dish, it’s packed with nutrients that can support detoxification, gut health and hormone clearance, especially important if you’re dealing with oestrogen dominance, slow metabolism or stubborn weight.

Keep scrolling for the recipe or read on to learn why broccoli belongs in your PCOS meal plan.

Why Broccoli Supports Hormone Balance in PCOS

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family (along with kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts). These veg contain a powerful compound called sulforaphane, which supports:

• Liver detox pathways to help clear excess oestrogen

• Gut bacteria involved in metabolising hormones

• Inflammation regulation

• Cell protection via antioxidant pathways

This is especially helpful in PCOS, where many women struggle with oestrogen imbalance, sluggish liver, and chronic inflammation. And because it’s high in fibre, broccoli also helps support blood sugar balance, another key factor in managing PCOS symptoms like cravings, acne, and fatigue.

How to Use This Salad in Your Weekly Plan

This broccoli salad makes a brilliant batch-prep lunch, dinner side, or picnic-style meal. It’s ideal for:

• Supporting hormone clearance during your luteal phase

• Adding a fibre-rich veg to meals when you’re short on time

• Pairing with protein (like grilled salmon, boiled eggs, or tofu) for blood sugar balance

Broccoli Salad Recipe (Serves 2–3)

Ingredients:

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (zinc + hormone support)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (anti-inflammatory fats)

• 1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• ½ small red onion, finely sliced

• 1 small handful fresh parsley or coriander

• Optional: 1 tbsp tahini or natural yoghurt for creaminess

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ avocado (healthy fats)

• ¼ cup cooked quinoa or chickpeas (extra fibre + protein)

Instructions:

1. Lightly steam the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and toss gently.

3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavours to develop.

Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why It Works for PCOS

Every ingredient in this recipe supports your hormone health in a different way:

• Broccoli – Supports oestrogen clearance and antioxidant pathways

• Pumpkin seeds – Rich in zinc for skin, androgen balance, and immune support

• Olive oil – Helps reduce inflammation

• Vinegar or lemon – Aids digestion and blood sugar balance

• Herbs – Natural liver and gut support

Pair this with a protein-rich food and you’ve got a balanced, blood sugar-friendly meal that fits beautifully into a PCOS-supportive eating plan.

More PCOS-Friendly Meal Ideas

If you found this recipe helpful, check out these PCOS food guides next:

• High-Protein PCOS Meals to Curb Cravings

• Get the 5-Day Crush PCOS Cravings Meal Plan

This isn’t about cutting everything out, it’s about adding in the right foods that support your body’s natural hormone pathways. Small changes like including more cruciferous veg can have a big impact on how you feel day to day.

Need help personalising your nutrition for PCOS?

Inside my 12-Week Hormone Shift Method, I help women with PCOS shift their hormones, weight and energy using food-first, real-life strategies.

I am a BANT registered nutritionist and health coach, specialising in hormone balance, fertility and weight management support for women with PCOS.

My nutrition programmes are designed to support busy women struggling with PCOS symptoms, who want to improve their fertility and lose weight naturally.

I provide online nutrition advice and functional testing for women locally in Manchester, across the UK and Europe.

Book your FREE no-obligation call to find out more.

For more tips on healthy eating and simple nutritionist approved recipes for hormone balance and weight loss or meal plans suitable for PCOS support.

Updated in June 2025 to reflect new PCOS research and nutrition strategies.

DISCLAIMER: The content on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.