Description
Crispy Asian Sesame Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and colorful dish featuring blanched broccoli, shredded carrots, red bell peppers, and toasted nuts and seeds, all tied together with a savory-sweet sesame dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
-
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Transfer to ice water, then drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, shredded carrots, and red bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and green onions. Toss lightly.
- Let salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- To make it spicy, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- For added protein, mix in grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or edamame.
- Try other veggies like snap peas, purple cabbage, or radishes for variety.
- For a heartier dish, toss in soba or rice noodles.
- Make ahead by storing the dressing separately and tossing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blanching + Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
