Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad is a delightful and health-conscious twist on the traditional recipe. Perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or even a light weekday lunch, this salad combines crunchy broccoli, tangy dressing, and sweet cranberries, making it an appealing choice for everyone. With no meat, dairy, or refined sugar, it’s a wholesome addition to any meal.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Dressing
• For the Smoky Tamari Almonds
• How to Make Broccoli Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
• Step 2: Make the Dressing
• Step 3: Assemble the Salad
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Broccoli Salad
• At a Cookout
• As a Light Lunch
• Picnic Ready
• With a Protein Boost
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Broccoli Salad
• Reheating Broccoli Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Broccoli Salad?
• Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
• What are some variations of Broccoli Salad?
• Is this Broccoli Salad suitable for vegans?
• How should I store leftover Broccoli Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh broccoli and tangy dressing creates a burst of flavor in each bite.
• Nutritious and Light: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from almonds and olive oil, this salad is both filling and nutritious.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with your favorite nuts or additional veggies for a unique touch.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Broccoli Salad effortlessly, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking smoother and faster.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing the dressing and combining all salad ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the almonds and pepitas evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking during baking, ensuring easy cleanup.
• Whisk: Helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly for a creamy consistency.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 pound broccoli crowns, chopped into ½-inch florets and ¼-inch diced stems
• ⅓ cup diced red onions
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (regular or vegan)
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)

For the Smoky Tamari Almonds

• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• ½ teaspoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (more to taste)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the almonds and pepitas with tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

1. Bake for 10-14 minutes until golden brown.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes (they will crisp up as they cool).

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, garlic, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the chopped broccoli, red onions, and dried cranberries into the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

1. Mix in the roasted almonds and pepitas while reserving a few for garnish.

Step 4: Serve

Taste your Broccoli Salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle reserved nuts on top before serving. Enjoy your fresh creation!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to elevate your meal. Whether as a side dish or a main course, here are some serving suggestions to make your broccoli salad shine.

At a Cookout

• Serve alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast that complements smoky flavors.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with whole grain bread or pita for a satisfying and healthy meal option.

Picnic Ready

• Pack in portable containers for an easy, nutritious dish that travels well.

With a Protein Boost

• Add chickpeas or grilled chicken on top for additional protein and texture.

As an Appetizer

• Serve in small portions with toothpicks for a fun and bite-sized starter at gatherings.

How to Perfect Broccoli Salad

Creating the perfect broccoli salad can enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your salad is always a hit.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and quality dressing ingredients for the best taste.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
• Customize Crunch: Feel free to add different nuts or seeds for varied crunchiness and flavor.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you go; adjust sweetness or acidity to match your preference.
• Add Color: Incorporate colorful veggies like bell peppers or carrots for visual appeal.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours prior to serving for maximum flavor infusion.

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Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn adds a delicious contrast.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty and hearty dish that complements the lightness of broccoli salad.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks provide comfort alongside fresh salads.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes offer satisfying texture that balances the crunch of broccoli.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw brings additional crunch and flavor variety to your table.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley can cleanse the palate between bites of savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious broccoli salad can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Not chopping broccoli properly: If the broccoli is cut too large, it can be hard to eat. Aim for ½-inch florets and ¼-inch diced stems for even bites.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to achieve the desired flavor.
• Skipping the crunchy topping: The smoky tamari almonds and pepitas add texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; they elevate your broccoli salad significantly!
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste the salad before serving. Adjust salt or other seasonings to enhance flavors for the best result.
• Making it too far in advance: For optimal freshness, prepare your broccoli salad a few hours before serving rather than days ahead.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Broccoli Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze broccoli salad as it may alter its texture.
• If necessary, freeze components separately, like the dressing and nuts, but not the entire salad.

Reheating Broccoli Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broccoli Salad?

Broccoli salad is a light dish made primarily from fresh broccoli mixed with various ingredients like nuts, cranberries, and a flavorful dressing.

Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What are some variations of Broccoli Salad?

You can customize your broccoli salad with additional veggies like shredded carrots or swap pepitas for sunflower seeds for unique flavors.

Is this Broccoli Salad suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This recipe includes vegan-friendly mayonnaise and no animal products, making it perfect for vegan diets.

How should I store leftover Broccoli Salad?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within three days.

Final Thoughts

This lightened-up broccoli salad is not only refreshing but also versatile! You can easily customize it by adding different nuts or vegetables according to your preference. Try this recipe at your next gathering—it’s bound to be a hit!