This easy broccoli salad is the perfect dish to brighten up your spring gatherings. Bursting with vibrant colors and crisp textures, it’s a delightful combination of fresh vegetables that are both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a side dish for a family barbecue, this salad is sure to impress. Serve it chilled for a refreshing moment that everyone will enjoy!
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for Broccoli Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup edamame, shelled
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
How to Make It
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by chopping the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re easy to eat. Next, shred the purple cabbage finely and prepare the carrots. Add the shelled edamame, sliced green onions, and thinly sliced bell pepper to the bowl. Each vegetable brings its own unique crunch, creating a colorful medley.
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. The dressing adds a zesty flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and edamame, then drizzle with the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and give it a final gentle toss.
Variations and Customizations
Ingredient Swaps
This broccoli salad is incredibly versatile! If you want to switch things up, consider substituting edamame with chickpeas or adding creamy avocado. You can also mix in nuts for extra texture or use different dressings to make it your own.
Adding Extra Flavor
For a flavor boost, try incorporating fresh herbs or bulking it up with quinoa. Adding spices can also elevate the taste, while a sprinkle of cheese or seasonal fruits can bring a new dimension to your salad.
FAQs
Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make broccoli salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
What can I serve with broccoli salad?
Broccoli salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet. It’s a great side dish for picnics and barbecues.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
- Easy Spring Mix Salad
- Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad
- Chopped Peach Caprese Salad
Conclusion
This easy broccoli salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious addition to any meal. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out Elly’s Recipes on Pinterest for a variety of creative ideas and delicious dishes!
Easy Broccoli Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
Equipment
- skillet
- small bowl
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup edamame, shelled
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce for the dressing
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar for the dressing
- 1 tbsp sesame oil for the dressing
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for the dressing
- 1 tsp garlic, minced for the dressing
- 1 tsp ginger, grated for the dressing
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and shred the purple cabbage and carrots.
- Add shelled edamame, sliced green onions, and thinly sliced bell pepper to the bowl.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Combine all chopped vegetables and edamame in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and give it a final gentle toss.