Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a burst of flavor and crunch? This Broccoli Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette is not just any ordinary salad—it's a vibrant, delicious dish that combines the freshness of crisp broccoli, the sweetness of honey, and the nutty richness of peanut butter. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this recipe takes just 20 minutes to whip up! Dive into this delightful medley of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crunch.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined to create the vinaigrette.
- Drain the broccoli from the ice bath and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Pour the prepared peanut vinaigrette over the vegetables and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the salad for added crunch and texture.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, garnishing with additional chopped peanuts if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh, bright green broccoli florets and crisp carrots. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in salads!
- Perfectly Steamed Broccoli: Steam the broccoli for just 3-4 minutes. You want it tender yet still crisp. The ice bath is crucial for maintaining that vibrant green color and crunch.
- Make-Ahead Vinaigrette: You can prepare the peanut vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add other nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or cashews, for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving helps the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal, or can be served as a side dish at barbecues and potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
