Why do you blanch broccoli for salad?

The broccoli will still be firm enough for the salad, the color will be even prettier, because blanching brings out the green, and the taste will be less raw and more cooked .

What is the active ingredient in broccoli?

Broccoli and its active ingredient, sulforaphane were reported to possess tremendous pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic to mention but few.

What are the healthy ingredients in broccoli?

Broccoli is a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, and A. It also contains several important minerals, including potassium, calcium, and iron . These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.

Is it OK to eat broccoli every day?

Regularly incorporating broccoli into your daily diet can contribute to stronger bones and potentially lower the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis . Broccoli can be a beneficial inclusion in the diet of those seeking to manage their weight.

How long will broccoli last in the fridge?

Fresh broccoli lasts between 3 to 5 days in the fridge when properly stored. “For cut-up broccoli, I would say no more than 4 days for optimal use,” Amidor says. “But it's best to cut from the whole head right before cooking or eating to maintain nutrients.”

Do you boil broccoli before cutting?

If you are using small broccoli florets in a stir-fry, there is no need to cook it in water first. I, personally, never “boil” broccoli even if I'm cooking it stems and all . I cut off the long stems, peel them, cut them into 1/2″ thick coins, then bring lightly salted water to a boil.

What happens if you don't blanch broccoli?

If you don't blanch your broccoli, it will turn color and acquire a bitter taste . You can either stick it in boiling water for three minutes to blanch, or steam it for five minutes, whichever you choose.

Can broccoli be eaten raw as in a salad?

Broccoli can be prepared in numerous ways, including sautéed, steamed, boiled, or roasted, but it can also be served raw in salads or with dips.

How long to boil broccoli?

Peel the stem and trim right where the florets branch off. Break apart the florets. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook, uncovered, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes depending on the size of the florets .

Can you eat broccoli raw in a salad?

Serving broccoli raw is an excellent option , since it retains these nutrients and the enzyme that forms isothiocyanate compounds. Before serving on a relish tray or salad, quickly blanching and cooling allows you to get even a bit more of these compounds.

What is the difference between broccoli and broccoli heads?

The dark green broccoli plant has a firm stalk and branching arms that end in heads of florets. Broccoli heads are actually groups of buds that are almost ready to flower ; each group of buds is called a floret.

Why is restaurant broccoli so good?

How do restaurants make broccoli taste so good? As with everything made by chefs, they have unexpected (read: unhealthy) additions to their meals — mostly butter, oil and heaps of salt . An excellent tip for the perfect broccoli is the blanching step.

Broccoli Salad Recipe (2024)

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Delicious Broccoli Salad made with bacon, sunflower seeds, red onion, and goat cheese mixed with a creamy Greek yogurt-mayo sauce. So good!

Broccoli Salad

Here’s a great way to get a cup of veggies into your meal, serve this fresh Broccoli Salad as a side with a sandwich, burger, or your favorite protein. It’s perfect as a side dish for a summer BBQ or potluck or a tasty lunch option. It’s easy to customize to your liking – try adding in some chopped nuts like almonds, raisins, or other dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. If you’re a broccoli lover and need more broccoli ideas, try this Italian Sub Broccoli Salad, Broccoli and Orzo, or this cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup.

This light and easy Broccoli Salad is from the new Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep cookbook by Lisa Bryan, is the best broccoli salad recipe! Her book offers over 100 make-ahead recipes that can be frozen or repurposed into different meals. I polled my audience on Instagram to see which recipe they wanted me to share from her book, and this one was the winner. I’m so glad because I really enjoyed it!! Her recipe has this as 4 servings, but I made it 8 1 cup servings which is perfect for a side dish. If you want to have it as a main you can double the portion.

A Healthier Broccoli Salad

This healthy salad recipe uses many nutritious ingredients:

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
Sunflower seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and nutrients, like vitamin E and selenium.
Goat cheese is a lower-fat alternative to other types of cheese and is a good source of protein and calcium.
The Greek yogurt in the dressing boosts the protein content and gives the salad a creamy texture without adding too much fat.

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

Bacon: Use real bacon. I like center cut because it’s leaner. Bacon bits would also work in a pinch.
Broccoli: Cut a head of broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Red Onion: For flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Unsweetened dried cranberries add a touch of tartness and sweetness.
Raw Sunflower Seeds: Add healthy fats, nutrients and texture.
Goat Cheese: for creaminess
Broccoli Salad Dressing: Greek yogurt and mayonnaise (light or regular) make an easy creamy dressing.

How to Make This Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Lean Center Cut Bacon: Cook the bacon in the skillet or place the bacon on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F.
Vegetables, seeds and cheese: In a large bowl combine broccoli florets, red onion, cranberries, seeds, and cheese.
Light Dressing: Stir the mayo and yogurt in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, and add the crumbled bacon.

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

This salad recipe would go great with any almost protein, like burgers, pork chops, chicken, or steak. I also like it on its own for an easy lunch.

How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?

Broccoli salad will last up to 4 days an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Variations:

Broccoli: If you prefer to blanch your broccoli, you can by boiling it for about 1 minute. Drain it, rinse it with cold water to stop it from overcooking, and dry it before mixing the broccoli with the other ingredients.
Fruit: Swap dried cranberries for raisins, dried dates, or diced apples.
Vegetarian Broccoli Salad: Omit the bacon.
Seeds: Substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or pecans.
Cheese: Sub goat cheese with feta or shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Dairy Free: omit the goat cheese and use dairy free yogurt.

More Broccoli Recipes You’ll Love:

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Capers
Sesame Orange Broccoli
Broccoli and Cheese Tots
Roasted Broccoli with Smashed Garlic
Broccoli and Orzo