Broccoli Caesar Salad is a fresh and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad. Instead of using romaine lettuce, this recipe calls for broccoli florets, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. The broccoli florets are lightly blanched to make them tender, yet still crisp, and are then combined with a creamy and tangy Caesar dressing, crispy bacon bits, and shaved parmesan cheese.
How To Make:
To make the dressing, you will need a few key ingredients such as mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and grated parmesan cheese. Simply whisk all the ingredients together until well combined, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Once you have made the dressing, you can prepare the broccoli by blanching the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender. Drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the Caesar dressing to the broccoli and toss until the florets are evenly coated. Top the salad with crispy bacon bits and shaved parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Blanch the broccoli: To make the broccoli tender and crispy, blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the Throughout the cooking process, the vivid green color is preserved.
Make the dressing from scratch: Homemade Caesar dressing is easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought versions. It usually includes mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and anchovy paste. If you don't have anchovy paste, you can use Worcestershire sauce instead.
Add protein: For a heartier salad, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the mix.
Add crunch: To add some crunch to your salad, sprinkle some croutons or toasted nuts (such as almonds or pine nuts) on top.
Variations:
Swap out the lettuce: Instead of using traditional romaine lettuce, try using a mix of kale and Brussels sprouts for a more unique twist on the classic Caesar salad.
Use different cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try using crumbled feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add some fruit: To balance out the savory flavors, add some sweetness with sliced apples or pears.
Make it vegan: Use a vegan mayonnaise and skip the anchovy paste to make a vegan version of the Caesar dressing. You can also swap out the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative.
Add roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as sweet potato, cauliflower, or red bell peppers can add a delicious depth of flavor to the salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Croutons (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the broccoli under cold running water and dry it thoroughly with paper towels. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until you get a smooth dressing.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli florets and toss well to coat all the pieces.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix well again.
To allow the flavors to mingle, wrap the bowl in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For additional crunch, sprinkle some croutons on top just before