I am so excited to share this ultimate summer salad: Crunchy Broccoli Salad. This salad is healthy, fresh, and nutritious. It is packed with benefits and perfect for those warm BBQ gatherings or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion. This salad is not only a breeze to prepare but also caters to dietary restrictions, as it is both gluten-free and dairy-free. This easy-to-make salad is a must-have addition to your summer menu. Eat it as a side dish or top it with a protein and you have a full meal!
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Broccoli Salad
It’s refreshing and delicious!
This crunchy salad is packed with so many nutrients!
It’s easy to throw together.
This salad is perfect to bring to your next BBQ.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this crunchy broccoli salad is a bowl, cutting board, knife and a small bowl to mix the dressing. You also have the option of using a blender to combine the dressing.
Ingredients Needed for This Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Broccoli: Broccoli is a nutritious cruciferous vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It contains vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Red Onion: Red onions not only add flavor to dishes but also provide health benefits. They contain antioxidants, such as quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Apples: Apples are a versatile fruit and are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants.
Roasted Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious nut that adds a delightful crunch to recipes.
Corn: I love the addition of roasted corn in this salad!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats.
Garlic: Garlic is widely used for its distinct flavor and potential health benefits. It contains compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to recipes. It is an excellent source of vitamin C.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener with various health benefits!
How to Make This Crunchy Broccoli Salad
First, prepare the dressing by mixing together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and honey. Feel free to mix in a dish or combine in a blender. Next, combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over. Let sit for an hour in the fridge for optimal taste! This also helps the broccoli soften as it soaks up the dressing.
Substitutions and Variations
This crunchy broccoli salad can be made nut-free by swapping out the hazelnuts and adding in a seed, such as sunflower seeds, instead. Feel free to use a different dressing as well!
Storage
I recommend consuming this crunchy broccoli salad the same day you make it or prepping the night before and adding the dressing the day you are going to consume it. This ensures the salad is as fresh as possible.
Recipe FAQ
Can this recipe be made nut-free?
Yes! This recipe can be made nut-free by adding sunflower seeds instead of hazelnuts.
Related Recipes
Make sure to try these gluten-free and dairy-free dinner ideas next:
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Creamy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
How to Make Delicious Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 apple, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup hazelnuts, roasted
- 1/2 cup corn, roasted
- 1/4 cup evoo
- 1/4 lemon, juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare dressing by mixing together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and honey. Feel free to mix in a dish or combine in a blender.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour dressing over. Let sit for an hour in the fridge for optimal taste! This also helps the broccoli soften as it soaks up the dressing.
- Enjoy!
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