Imagine a salad so addictively delicious that it transforms boring broccoli into a culinary masterpiece! This Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette is not just another side dish—it's a flavor explosion that combines crisp textures, sweet and tangy notes, and nutrition-packed ingredients. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor seekers alike, this recipe will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broccoli. Rinse 2 cups of broccoli florets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Next, chop the red onion. Take 1/4 cup of red onion and finely chop it. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1/4 cup of raisins. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
- Now, prepare the honey Dijon vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake well until the ingredients are fully emulsified and form a smooth dressing.
- Pour the honey Dijon vinaigrette over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together gently to coat the broccoli and other ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour if you prefer it chilled.
- Enjoy your Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette as a refreshing side dish or a light meal!
Tips
- • For maximum crunch, ensure broccoli florets are completely dry before mixing • Soak red onions in cold water to reduce sharp bite if you're sensitive to strong onion flavors • Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld • For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or toasted almonds • Use fresh, crisp broccoli for the best texture and flavor • The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days • For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
