Broccoli—it’s one of those veggies that can either be the star of a dish or hide in the background, unnoticed. But in this fresh Asian broccoli salad, it takes center stage, dancing in a vibrant peanut sauce that somehow makes you forget you’re eating something healthy. Imagine the crunch, the creamy dressing, and, oh, did I mention the little hint of spice that sneaks in like a plot twist in your favorite Netflix show?
Steps
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and let them cook for 30 seconds. Afterward, use a mesh strainer to transfer the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain.
- In a separate bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with cooked edamame, thinly-sliced green onions, and peanuts. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce and toss everything together until well mixed.
- To make the peanut sauce, whisk together natural peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or agave nectar, and toasted sesame oil. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve the broccoli salad immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. For a main dish option, consider adding cooked chicken, beef, or tofu and serve over rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 cup shelled cooked edamame
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 batch of peanut sauce (see below)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- 1/8 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons hot water, to thin the sauce as needed
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
- Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just ensure it’s thawed and blanched briefly in boiling water before using it in the salad. This will help maintain its texture and color.
- Is there a substitute for the peanut sauce if I have a nut allergy?
- If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to create a similar creamy sauce without the nuts.
- How can I make this salad a complete meal?
- To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding some cooked protein such as chicken, beef, or tofu. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for added substance.
- How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
- This broccoli salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the peanut sauce separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness.
- Can I make the peanut sauce in advance?
- Yes, the peanut sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk it again before using, and add a little hot water if it has thickened too much.
Tips
- Blanching the Broccoli: To ensure your broccoli maintains a vibrant color and crisp texture, blanch it by boiling for just 30 seconds and then immediately transferring it to a bowl of ice water. This process will halt the cooking and keep the broccoli fresh and crunchy.
- Adjusting Peanut Sauce Consistency: If your peanut sauce is too thick, gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. This will make the sauce easier to mix with the salad ingredients.
- Enhancing the Salad: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, beef, or tofu to the salad. Serve it over rice or quinoa to turn this side dish into a satisfying main dish.
- Garnishing with Sesame Seeds: For an extra touch of flavor and a bit of crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad just before serving. This simple garnish can elevate the dish’s presentation and taste.
Equipment
- Mesh strainer – for transferring the broccoli from boiling water to ice water.
- Large pot – for boiling the water needed to blanch the broccoli.
- Whisk – for mixing the peanut sauce ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing the salad ingredients together.
