Sesame Soy Broccoli Salad is a delicious, refreshing dish that combines crunchy, tender broccoli with a savory sesame soy dressing. This salad is the perfect balance of flavors, with the nuttiness of sesame oil and the umami of soy sauce complementing the fresh, slightly bitter taste of broccoli. The dish is topped off with sesame seeds and optional add-ins like chopped nuts, garlic, or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. Whether served as a side or a light meal, it’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or raw
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
Start by steaming the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still vibrant green, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave the broccoli raw for extra crunch. Drain and let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness, depending on your preference.
3. Toss the Salad:
Place the cooled broccoli in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sesame soy dressing over the broccoli and toss until the florets are well-coated. For added crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds, green onions, and crushed nuts on top.
4. Chill and Serve:
Allow the salad to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Salad:
- Customize the Veggies: Add thinly sliced red cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil: For a deeper, more aromatic flavor, use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil.
- Make it Vegan: This recipe is easily adaptable for vegans by ensuring you use maple syrup instead of honey and checking that the soy sauce is gluten-free if needed.
This Sesame Soy Broccoli Salad is a great way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of broccoli while adding a delicious twist with the sesame soy dressing. It’s light yet flavorful, and a perfect dish for meal prep or gatherings. Whether served on its own or alongside a main course, this salad will surely become a staple in your healthy eating routine.