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Fresh Crispy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Easy Honey Dijon Dressing

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A fresh and crispy broccoli salad featuring a sweet, tangy, and nutty honey Dijon sunflower seed dressing. Perfect as a quick, healthy side dish with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup raw sunflower seeds, lightly toasted
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: ½ cup finely diced red onion or thinly sliced green onions
  • Optional add-ins: ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • Optional add-ins: ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups of broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces (roughly 1-inch chunks). Set aside.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup raw sunflower seeds and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons honey, 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously or shake until fully emulsified and creamy. For a silky smooth dressing, pulse the dressing ingredients with toasted sunflower seeds in a mini food processor until blended but still slightly textured.
  4. Place broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over broccoli and toss well to coat. Add any optional ingredients like diced red onion, dried cranberries, or cooked bacon and mix gently but thoroughly.
  5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and dressing soak into the broccoli.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad or let it sit too long to avoid sogginess. Prepare just a few hours ahead or the morning of serving to keep crispness. Toasting sunflower seeds adds flavor and crunch. Use room temperature ingredients for dressing to emulsify better. Salad holds well refrigerated up to 2 days; add fresh toppings just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, honey Dijon dressing, sunflower seed dressing, healthy salad, nut-free salad, quick salad, easy side dish, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/fresh-crispy-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-easy-honey-dijon-dressing/