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Crunchy Asian Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

Crunchy Asian Broccoli Salad - featured image

A crisp and refreshing broccoli salad with a nutty, tangy sesame dressing, toasted almonds, and vibrant veggies. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup sliced or slivered toasted almonds (about 35g)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded or julienned
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry about 4 cups (300g) of broccoli florets thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels to prevent watery dressing.
  2. Thinly slice 3 green onions, finely dice 1/2 red bell pepper, and shred 1 medium carrot.
  3. Toast 1/3 cup sliced almonds and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional) until smooth and emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, green onions, bell pepper, carrot, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds.
  6. Pour the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing soak in.
  8. Serve cold or at room temperature. Optionally garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and a wedge of lime.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to avoid watery dressing. Toast nuts and seeds carefully to prevent burning. Adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to taste. For vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use vegan mayo or omit mayo. Add crunchy toppings fresh before serving to maintain texture. Salad holds well chilled for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, Asian salad, sesame dressing, crunchy salad, healthy salad, potluck recipe, easy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad