I’m thrilled to share my take on the classic Caesar salad with a twist – my Broccoli Caesar Salad! It’s not just a salad, it’s a wholesome dish packed with flavors and textures, where tender boiled broccoli meets the creamy embrace of homemade Caesar dressing! Join me in creating this vibrant dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, perfect for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and unique twist on the classic Caesar Salad! I’ve crafted a delightful dish where boiled broccoli meets the creamy embrace of my homemade Caesar Dressing, creating a refreshing contrast and a side dish that’s both crunchy and bold in flavor!
It’s perfect for anyone seeking a healthy, fail-proof side dish that can be prepared in advance, allowing for a stress-free experience when preparing your main course! Join me in experiencing the vibrant flavors of this Broccoli Caesar Salad – it’s time to elevate your salad game and enjoy something truly special!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Broccoli – broccoli florets only, cut into bite-size pieces.
- Mayonnaise – your choice of American style mayo.
- Garlic – fresh garlic clove.
- Parmesan Cheese – grated.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire Sauce packed in a bottle. Found in grocery stores.
- Lemon Juice – fresh lemon juice.
- Mustard – yellow or Dijon.
- Anchovy Fillets – canned anchovies packed in oil.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese – fresh shaved Parmesan.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Combine mayo, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy, salt and black pepper in a food processor and pulse until seamlessly blended to make Caesar dressing.
Step 2 Section broccoli into bite-sized pieces and boil for approximately 90 seconds, achieving your preferred tenderness. Immediately rinse the broccoli under cold water to halt the cooking.
Step 3 In a large bowl, drizzle the Caesar dressing over the broccoli, toss to coat evenly, and serve chilled.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
Ensure that the broccoli you use is Completely Dry, free from any water. Any moisture can alter the dressing’s consistency, making it runny instead of creamy.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For an extra burst of flavor, enhance your dish by garnishing it with Shaved Parmesan Cheese.
Pairing Recommendations
Garlic Butter Oven-Seared Steak or BBQ Lemon Chicken. The creamy Caesar dressing adds a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the steak or the tanginess of the BBQ chicken. For a nice comforting pairing, serve it alongside a bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Caesar dressing in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make the Caesar dressing in advance, which I highly recommend for an even quicker preparation of this dish. The dressing will hold well in the fridge when stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
How can I adjust the creaminess of the dressing to my preference?
To adjust the creaminess of the dressing to your preference, simply vary the amount of mayo used in the recipe. Increasing or decreasing the mayo quantity allows you to tailor the dressing to your desired level of creaminess.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While frozen broccoli can be convenient, I recommend using fresh broccoli for this recipe. Frozen broccoli may not provide the same texture and freshness as fresh broccoli.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, if the broccoli is tossed with the dressing, it will hold in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, any leftover dressing will last in an airtight container stored in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Japanese Egg Salad
- Asian Steamed Vegetables With Sesame Sauce
- Asian Cabbage Salad
Watch How To Make It
Broccoli Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Broccoli Crowns
- 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2-3 Cloves Garlic more or less depending on preference
- 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Mustard or Dijon Mustard
- 2-3 Anchovy Fillets canned
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Shaved Parmesan Cheese optional topping
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a small food processor combine mayonnaise, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy fillets, salt and black pepper. Pulse until well combined and set aside.
- Prepare broccoli by removing the stems and cutting the crown down to bite-size pieces.
- In a stovetop pot, add water and bring to boil on high heat. Once boiling, add in broccoli and boil for 90 seconds or until desired tenderness. Immediate run broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process, completely strain out the water, and then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Note - it's important that minimal water remains in the broccoli otherwise it will dilute the flavors.
- Combine dressing from step 2) with boiled broccoli to liking, toss, and transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy cool/chilled!
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving