Cold Broccoli Salad: A Refreshing and Nutritious Dish

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Cold Broccoli Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the crunchiness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of golden raisins and the nutty flavor of toasted pepitas. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish for any meal. The tangy and slightly sweet dressing adds a burst of flavor, making this salad a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious and nutritious salad.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dry tarragon
  • Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference

For the Salad

  • 4 cups crowns and stalks of broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 medium red onion, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of roasted and salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and dry tarragon.
  2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely blended.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

  1. Rinse the broccoli crowns and stalks thoroughly under cold water.
  2. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, including the stalks for added crunch.
  3. Blanch the broccoli pieces in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step is optional but helps retain the vibrant green color and adds a slightly tender texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, thinly sliced red onion, toasted pepitas, and golden raisins.
  2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
  3. Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Marinate the Salad

  1. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This process lets the flavors merge, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
  2. Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
  3. Enjoy the Cold Broccoli Salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal.

Conclusion

Cold Broccoli Salad is a tasty and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh broccoli, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy pepitas, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing, makes this salad a delightful addition to your meal repertoire. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the refreshing and satisfying flavors of this Cold Broccoli Salad, and make it a staple for your gatherings and family meals.