When you’re trying to eat healthier but want something more substantial than a leafy green salad, broccoli salad is there for you. I love the crunch and heft of broccoli, especially when it’s cut up into bite size spoonable pieces.
Some people aren’t into raw broccoli, but I love it! I always go for the raw broccoli on those vegetable platters that seem to be at every potluck/party you go to.
This is a simple broccoli salad: you have the bulk of it, raw broccoli; crunchy red onions for a bit of acidity and raw crunch, craisins for sweetness, almonds for a nutty counter point; and a sweet and tangy soy-rice vinegar-sesame dressing.
How to cut broccoli for broccoli salad
Give your broccoli a good wash under running water then shake it off and dry it.
Trim off any leaves on the stalks and cut off the very bottom of the stalk.
Trim off the florets into small, bite sized pieces.
Peel the outer edges of the stem and discard and chop the stem into the same size pieces as the florets.
How to customize broccoli salad
Feel free to add in any sort of hearty vegetables, seeds, nuts, or dried fruits like:
carrots, cauliflower, celery, cabbage
sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds
pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, macadamia, cashews, pistachio
raisins, currents, dried cherries, dried apricots, dried blueberries, dried figs
Storage and meal prep
This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, just make sure to give it a good toss before serving. Also, if you’re planning on making it for meal prep, leave the almonds and toasted sesame seeds out and add them right before you eat.
broccoli salad | www.iamafoodblog.com
Tips and tricks
smaller is better – because the broccoli is raw, it’s nicer to have small bite sized spoonable pieces of broccoli. This makes sure that all of the broccoli can be dressed properly. Plus, when you scoop up the salad, you get a bit of everything in each bite.
let it sit. letting the broccoli marinate in the dressing “cooks” the broccoli slightly. Well, technically it doesn’t cook it, but it makes it a touch softer and it becomes more flavorful and delicious.
finish with the crunchy bits. i like to sprinkle on extra sliced almonds and toasted sesame seeds at the end so they have some crunch.
What to serve with broccoli salad
indulgent crispy crunchy Korean fried chicken
super juicy garlicky chicken breast
sweet and spicy Carolina style bbq ribs
Make it for dinner and eat it with a spoon. So satisfying.
broccoli salad | www.iamafoodblog.com
The Best Broccoli Salad
Spoonable, super healthy, and simply delicious.
Serves
4
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Ingredients
Dressing
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or other vinegar
1 tbsp neutral oil
1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Salad
3 cups broccoli chopped, about 1 small head
1/4 red onion diced
1/4 cup craisins
2 tbsp sliced almonds
1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds to finish
Instructions
Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl, then add the remaining ingredients and toss well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds and enjoy!
sesame soy broccoli salad | www.iamafoodblog.com
Estimated Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
The Best Broccoli Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 106Calories from Fat 64
% Daily Value*
Fat 7.1g11%
Saturated Fat 0.9g6%
Cholesterol 0.01mg0%
Sodium 248mg11%
Potassium 259mg7%
Carbohydrates 9.1g3%
Fiber 2.5g10%
Sugar 4.4g5%
Protein 2.9g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Read More almondsbroccolicraisinsveganvegetarian
8 Comments
Sara says:
May 29, 2019 at 6:30 pm
5 starsThis looks so good! I love that it’s raw and the flavors combine so well!
Reply
Stephanie says:
June 2, 2019 at 10:21 am
i love raw broccoli :)
Reply
Claudette Bath says:
September 9, 2019 at 4:24 pm
What is neutral oil??
Reply
Stephanie says:
September 9, 2019 at 10:49 pm
we usually use grapeseed or canola, neutral oil is just any oil that doesn’t have a strong flavor (ie, don’t use coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil) :)
Reply
maggie says:
July 18, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Excuse my ignorance, but what is “1 tablespoons soy” in the dressing? Soy what, please?
Reply
Stephanie says:
July 19, 2020 at 10:21 am
hi maggie,
it’s soy sauce :)
Reply
Diana says:
April 21, 2021 at 12:40 pm
5 starsHi! I’ve eaten this salad everyday for lunch for the last two weeks and just want to let y’all know how much i love it! Broccoli is such an underrated salad base!!
Reply
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