Easy Asian Broccoli Salad

Discovering the Delight of Asian Broccoli Salad

My Favorite is Asian Broccoli Salad and I first stumbled upon the idea of an Asian Broccoli Salad during one of my regular visits to the local farmers’ market. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce caught my eye, especially the bright green broccoli and the crisp, fresh spinach. I wanted to create something light yet flavorful for a quick lunch. That’s when inspiration struck – why not combine these ingredients into a refreshing salad with an Asian twist?

Experimenting with Flavors and Textures

Back in my kitchen, I laid out all the fresh vegetables and started imagining the flavors. I decided to blanch the broccoli to keep its bright green color and tender-crisp texture. While the broccoli cooled, I prepared a zesty sesame ginger dressing, blending the tangy and sweet elements perfectly. Chopping the red onion and slicing the cucumber felt almost therapeutic, each piece adding its unique crunch and flavor to the mix.

Bringing the Salad Together

As I tossed the broccoli, spinach, cilantro, red onion, and cucumber with the dressing, the kitchen filled with a delightful aroma. The fresh ingredients, combined with the ginger and sesame, created a scent that made my mouth water. The final touch was sprinkling crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds on top, adding just the right amount of texture and nuttiness. The salad looked vibrant and inviting, making it hard to wait for the first bite.

A New Favorite Dish

When I finally tasted the Asian Broccoli Salad, it was even better than I had imagined. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, with a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice. It quickly became one of my go-to dishes for a quick, healthy meal. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also leaves me feeling satisfied and energized. This salad has become a staple in my meal prep routine, and I can’t wait to share it with friends and family at our next picnic.

Chef’s Notes-Asian Broccoli Salad

• Ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the broccoli to maintain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture. Immediately transferring to an ice bath halts cooking and preserves texture.
• For uniformity and even flavor distribution, chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
• Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure the honey or maple syrup (if used) is fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the spinach leaves and other delicate vegetables.
• Allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes after dressing enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together.
• Adjust the amount of red chili pepper based on your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder salad or add more chili for extra heat.
• For a more filling dish, add marinated tofu, chickpeas, or grilled chicken. These options blend well with the salad’s flavors.
• Toasting peanuts and sesame seeds can add extra depth and crunch to the salad.
• Store the salad and dressing separately if you plan to have leftovers. Combine just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Asian Broccoli Salad

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Dive into this vibrant Asian Broccoli Salad, bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch! Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad combines tender broccoli, crisp veggies, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing. It’s a healthy, easy-to-make dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a refreshing side, this salad is a must-try!

Course: Salad, Side DishCuisine: Chinese, Japanese, ThaiDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

116

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 4 cups Broccoli Florets

• 2 cups Fresh Spinach Leaves

• 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves

• 1/2 Red Onion

• 1 small Cucumber Slices

• 1 Red Chili Pepper

• 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Root

• 2 Garlic Cloves

• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce

• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil

• 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup

• 1/4 cup Peanuts

• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds

Directions

• Blanching Broccoli – Rinse the broccoli under cold water. Bring a large saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes depending on your preferred tenderness. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking.
• Preparing Dressing – While the broccoli cools, grate the ginger and mince the garlic. Finely chop the red chili pepper after removing the seeds. Combine these with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey/maple syrup in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
• Chopping Vegetables – Finely chop the red onion and slice the cucumber thinly. Remove the broccoli from the ice bath and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
• Assembling Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, spinach leaves, cilantro leaves, chopped red onion, and cucumber slices. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
• Adding Toppings – Sprinkle the peanuts and sesame seeds over the top of the salad before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• large saucepan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 116kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 193mg
• Potassium: 783mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 2628IU
• Vitamin C: 161mg
• Calcium: 115mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQ-Asian Broccoli Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and store them separately. Combine the salad and dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dressing gluten-free.

What protein options can I add to this salad?

You can add marinated tofu, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp for added protein and a more substantial meal.

Can I use a different type of nut or seed?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds. Similarly, you can use poppy seeds or chia seeds instead of sesame seeds.

What can I use as a substitute for the red chili pepper?

If you prefer a milder option, use finely chopped bell pepper. For a different heat level, jalapeño or even a small amount of sriracha can work well.