Looking for a quick family meal or easy weeknight dinner side that packs a punch of flavor without any fuss? This Broccoli Salad With Garlic and Sesame is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, crunchy salad featuring raw broccoli lightly softened with a zesty vinegar marinade and tossed in a warm, fragrant garlic-sesame dressing. Whether you’re into healthy comfort food or need a budget-friendly recipe that shines, this salad delivers on every level.
This salad not only bursts with bright flavors but also fits seamlessly into high protein meal plans and vegan meal prep routines. It’s naturally gluten-free and made from wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for anyone following a low calorie premade meal delivery or best meal prep healthy lifestyle. Plus, it tastes even better the longer it sits, making it perfect for meal prep microwave lunches or prepared meals for two on busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No cooking is required to make this fresh and delicious salad, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a flavorful, healthy dish. The vinegar lightly softens the broccoli, keeping it crisp but tender enough to enjoy easily.
The nutty sesame oil paired with savory garlic creates an irresistible aroma and taste that elevates this salad beyond your average greens. This dish is super versatile—you can add nuts, dried fruit, or extra veggies to customize it your way.
Perfectly light but satisfying, this salad is a fantastic side for everything from grilled chicken to a full English breakfast or even as a stand-alone healthy comfort food lunch. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and enjoy for days.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The combination of raw broccoli with a warm garlic-sesame dressing is what sets this salad apart. Instead of drowning your greens in a creamy dressing, the warm oil infuses the garlic and spices, creating a rich flavor that coats every bite.
The quick vinegar soak slightly softens the broccoli, making it more enjoyable to eat while preserving its vibrant color and crunch. This salad is also customizable, allowing you to experiment with toppings like toasted sesame seeds, crunchy cashews, or even dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.
It’s an elegant, simple dish that feels fresh and nourishing without requiring hours of prep or cooking.
Ingredients
- 450 g fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion or shallot
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped cashews, red bell pepper strips, dried cranberries
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli and chopped red onion. Add any optional toppings like cashews or dried cranberries for texture and flavor contrast.
- Pour the garlic-sesame dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant side dish or light lunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay crisp and maintain its bright green color.
- Use freshly toasted sesame seeds for an extra burst of nutty flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness in the dressing with honey or maple syrup to suit your taste.
- For added freshness, toss in some chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
- This salad improves after resting, so make ahead for a richer flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Swap soy sauce for tamari to keep it gluten-free.
- Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice vinegar if preferred.
- Replace maple syrup with agave nectar or omit for a sugar-free version.
- Add sliced red bell peppers or julienned carrots for color and crunch.
- Top with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for an alternative nutty twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this broccoli salad alongside grilled chicken breasts or salmon for a balanced high protein high carb low fat meal. It’s also a refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes like fried rice or curries.
Pair it with warm flatbreads or a bowl of hearty soup for a complete meal. The bright, tangy flavors make it a perfect addition to healthy boxed meals or meal planning chicken menus when you want variety.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Enjoy this salad with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light, citrusy sparkling water with a sprig of mint. For non-alcoholic options, iced green tea with lemon complements the sesame and garlic beautifully.
Sides like roasted sweet potatoes or steamed brown rice provide wholesome balance. It also works well alongside best high protein frozen meals or high protein microwave meals for quick weeknight dinners.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Avoid reheating, as the fresh crunch of broccoli and bright dressing are lost when heated.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare and toss the salad several hours or even a day before serving to let the flavors deepen.
Freezing is not recommended, as broccoli’s texture deteriorates when frozen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-blanching broccoli leads to mushy texture and dull color.
- Skipping the resting period means the flavors won’t meld properly.
- Using old sesame seeds can result in a bitter taste; always toast fresh.
- Adding dressing too early when prepping for later can make broccoli soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is best, but thawed and well-drained frozen broccoli works in a pinch.
Does the broccoli need to be cooked?
Blanching is optional but recommended to soften slightly while keeping crunch.
Can I add protein?
Yes, chickpeas, grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame are great protein add-ons.
Is this salad spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes; adjust to your taste or omit.
Can I substitute vinegar?
Yes, white wine, apple cider, or lemon juice all work well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just choose gluten-free tamari if needed.
How do I keep broccoli bright green?
Blanch briefly and shock in ice water to preserve vibrant color.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase dressing quantities proportionally.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for blanching
- Ice bath bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
This Broccoli Salad With Garlic and Sesame is a best meal prep healthy staple and a fantastic addition to your protein meal plan. It’s flavorful, colorful, and simple to prepare—perfect for ready meals for 2 or cheap meal plans for 2 that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
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Broccoli Salad With Garlic and Sesame
Ingredients
- 450 g fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion or shallot
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional chopped cashews, red bell pepper strips, dried cranberries
Instructions
- Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 1–2 minutes until bright green. Drain and transfer to ice water, then drain thoroughly.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, warm toasted sesame oil. Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together the garlic-sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, chopped red onion, and optional toppings.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Let the salad marinate for 10–15 minutes before serving chilled or at room temperature.
