She Strengthens

Elevate Your Salad Game with a Delicious Broccoli Creation

When it comes to salads, it’s time to think beyond the usual suspects. A broccoli salad can be a game-changer, offering a refreshing twist on the classic cabbage slaw. By incorporating both broccoli florets and stalks, you’ll add texture and depth to this vibrant dish.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The broccoli provides a crunchy base, while dried cranberries and scallions add natural sweetness. The smoky flavor of bacon takes center stage, balanced by the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese. Sunflower seeds provide a satisfying crunch, tying everything together.

A Dressing that Brings it All Together

The key to this salad’s success lies in its dressing. A harmonious blend of lemon and orange juices, Dijon mustard, shallots, garlic, and olive oil creates a zesty and aromatic sauce. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of dressing to your taste – you may not need it all.

Customize to Your Heart’s Content

This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re not a fan of bacon, try substituting it with our teriyaki chicken recipe for a protein-packed alternative. The possibilities are endless, making this salad a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Get Ready to Impress

With its vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors, this broccoli salad is sure to impress at any gathering. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only 25 minutes of active time. Serve it as a side dish or add it to a bed of bitter greens for a satisfying main course.

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 25 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the dressing:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
• 1 clove finely minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the salad:

• 1 large head broccoli (about 1 pound)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, green parts only
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved

Instructions:

1. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Peel the broccoli stems and cut the stalks into 2-inch chunks. Slice each chunk, then cut lengthwise into thick matchsticks. Separate the broccoli heads into bite-size florets.
3. Combine stalks and florets in a medium salad bowl. Add the scallions, cranberries, bacon, and sunflower seeds to the bowl.
4. Add half the dressing, toss to combine, and taste. Add more dressing and additional salt to taste. Finish by tossing in the shaved Parmesan.
5. Serve scattered with additional Parmesan shavings.