Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re attending a summer cookout or looking for a healthy side dish for family dinners, this salad stands out. With its crunchy tamari almonds, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing, it’s a fresh take on a classic that everyone will love. Plus, it’s completely meat-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free!

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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
• As a Side Dish
• In a Wrap
• On Top of Greens
• As a Snack
• At Potlucks
• How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Broccoli Salad
• Reheating Broccoli Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I add other vegetables to my Broccoli Salad?
• How do I make this broccoli salad vegan?
• What can I substitute for tamari in the smoky topping?
• How do I make my broccoli salad sweeter?
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The combination of tangy dressing and sweet cranberries creates a delicious contrast.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh broccoli and healthy fats from nuts.
• Easy to Prepare: Quick prep time makes this salad a breeze to whip up for any meal.
• Versatile: Ideal as a side dish or light lunch; great for picnics and potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance for better flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing your Broccoli Salad. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the almonds and pepitas evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Large mixing bowl: Allows enough space to combine all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth dressing consistency by blending ingredients thoroughly.

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)

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the almonds and pepitas with tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika.
3. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Let cool for 5 minutes (they will crisp up as they cool).

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. 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

1. Add the chopped broccoli, red onions, and dried cranberries to the bowl with dressing; toss well to coat.
2. Mix in the roasted almonds and pepitas but reserve a few for garnish.

Step 4: Serve

1. Taste your salad and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Sprinkle reserved nuts and seeds on top before serving.

This Broccoli Salad is not only an easy recipe but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can fit into various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a picnic, this salad can be served in multiple ways to enhance your meal.

As a Side Dish

• Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside burgers for a colorful addition to your cookout.

In a Wrap

• Use broccoli salad as a filling in a whole wheat wrap for a nutritious lunch option.
• Combine with sliced turkey or hummus for added protein.

On Top of Greens

• Mix broccoli salad with fresh spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Drizzle with additional dressing to enhance the flavors.

As a Snack

• Enjoy broccoli salad as a light snack on its own.
• Serve with whole-grain crackers or veggie sticks for extra crunch.

At Potlucks

• Bring broccoli salad to potlucks; it’s always a hit!
• Prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together.

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How to Perfect Broccoli Salad

To ensure your broccoli salad is nothing short of perfect, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli crowns will give your salad the best texture and flavor.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
• Adjust the dressing: Taste and modify the dressing ingredients according to your preference for tanginess and sweetness.
• Add variety: Consider adding different veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Customize toppings: Experiment with nuts, seeds, or even cheese alternatives to find your favorite combination.
• Make it ahead: Preparing the salad several hours in advance allows flavors to develop beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad

Complementing your broccoli salad with other side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender add smokiness.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf brings protein and heartiness while balancing the freshness of broccoli salad.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a satisfying contrast and pair well with salads.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes offer comfort and warmth next to the coolness of broccoli salad.
5. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad introduces sweetness and bright colors that complement savory dishes well.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans make an eye-catching addition to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making broccoli salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the Broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long makes it mushy. Blanch it quickly for a crisp texture.
• Ignoring Flavor Balance: A bland dressing leads to a dull salad. Ensure you balance tanginess with sweetness and season well.
• Using Stale Nuts: Old nuts can ruin the taste. Always use fresh almonds and pepitas for that perfect crunch.
• Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately can make flavors less pronounced. Chill your salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste.
• Forgetting Garnishes: Skipping toppings reduces visual appeal. Always sprinkle some reserved nuts and seeds before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Broccoli Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze broccoli salad, as it may alter the texture of the vegetables.
• Instead, prepare ingredients separately and combine before serving.

Reheating Broccoli Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This works well if you want to serve warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until heated, being careful not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making broccoli salad that might help you out!

Can I add other vegetables to my Broccoli Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

How do I make this broccoli salad vegan?

Simply use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayonnaise, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

What can I substitute for tamari in the smoky topping?

You can use soy sauce as a substitute if you don’t need it gluten-free.

How do I make my broccoli salad sweeter?

In addition to maple syrup or honey, consider adding diced apples or pears for natural sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this broccoli salad is gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

This lightened-up broccoli salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional recipes. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it ideal for gatherings or meal prep. Customize by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the dressing to suit your taste. Try this versatile dish today!