Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
Enjoy Broccoli Deliciously! Healthy Broccoli Salad with Savory Sesame Dressing
Discover a delightful way to enjoy broccoli, a powerhouse of Vitamin C and dietary fiber. This recipe features a mouthwatering creamy sesame dressing, transforming simple broccoli into a vibrant and healthy salad. Perfect as a light snack, a side dish, or even an appetizer for guests.
Main Ingredients- 1 head of fresh broccoli
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar (for cleaning)
- 1.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for cleaning and blanching)
Creamy Sesame Dressing- 1.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, ground (freshly ground is best for maximum flavor!)
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise (adds a smooth, rich texture)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide or honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 0.5 Tbsp peanut butter (enhances richness and complexity)
- 1.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, ground (freshly ground is best for maximum flavor!)
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise (adds a smooth, rich texture)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide or honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 0.5 Tbsp peanut butter (enhances richness and complexity)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh broccoli thoroughly under running water. Then, cut it into bite-sized florets. If the stems are tender, you can peel them and use them as well.
Step 2
To sanitize and ensure freshness, prepare a bowl with about 2 cups of water. Add 2 Tbsp of white vinegar and 0.5 Tbsp of coarse salt, mixing well. Submerge the prepared broccoli florets in this solution. Place a heavy plate or bowl on top to keep the broccoli fully submerged. Let it soak for about 30 minutes for effective sanitization.
Step 3
Fill a pot with plenty of water and add 1 Tbsp of coarse salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the blanching water not only seasons the broccoli slightly but also helps maintain its vibrant green color.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the sanitized broccoli florets. Blanch them for a short period, approximately 30 to 40 seconds. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the broccoli mushy. Adjust the blanching time slightly depending on the size of your broccoli florets.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice-cold water to shock them. This rapid cooling process stops the cooking and preserves the crisp texture. Once cooled, drain the broccoli thoroughly. Gently press out any excess water, or pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 6
Prepare 1.5 Tbsp of ground toasted sesame seeds for the dressing. For the most intense sesame aroma and flavor, it’s highly recommended to grind your sesame seeds just before making the dressing.
Step 7
In a small bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, 3 Tbsp of mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of oligosaccharide (or honey), and 0.5 Tbsp of peanut butter. Whisk or stir until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful dressing. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.
Step 8
Arrange the drained blanched broccoli on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the prepared creamy sesame dressing. You can serve it as is, or gently toss the broccoli with the dressing before serving. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of nuts.
