Broccoli Salad With Garlic and Sesame

This Broccoli Salad With Garlic and Sesame is a fresh, flavorful, and crunchy side dish made with raw broccoli lightly marinated in vinegar, then tossed with a warm, aromatic garlic-sesame dressing. It’s simple to prepare and gets better the longer it sits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required—vinegar lightly softens the broccoli
• Bursting with nutty sesame and savory garlic flavor
• Make-ahead friendly—it improves as it marinates
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan
• Crunchy and refreshing, perfect for warm days
• Customizable with extra veggies or toppings
• A unique alternative to creamy broccoli salads
• Great as a side dish or light lunch
• Minimal ingredients, big flavor
• Elegant enough for potlucks and dinner parties

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Toasted sesame oil
• Garlic, finely minced
• Cumin seeds
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to slightly soften.
2. Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cumin seeds, and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlic is golden and fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour the hot oil and spices over the broccoli and toss thoroughly to coat.
4. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for up to 48 hours to deepen the flavor. Serve at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinate Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Lightly steam broccoli for 1–2 minutes for a softer texture
• Add sliced almonds, toasted sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds for crunch
• Mix in julienned carrots or red bell peppers for color
• Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an umami boost
• Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness

Storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Best served at room temperature
• Do not freeze—broccoli will become mushy
• Avoid reheating; this salad is meant to be served cold or room temp

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh is best for this salad’s texture, but you can use frozen if it’s thawed and patted dry.

Does the broccoli need to be cooked?

No. The vinegar and time slightly tenderize it while keeping it crisp.

Can I add protein?

Yes—chickpeas, grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame make great additions.

Is this salad spicy?

Only if you use red pepper flakes. Adjust or omit based on your preference.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes—white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar work well.

What’s the purpose of marinating?

It allows the broccoli to absorb the dressing and flavors to meld.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—it tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as written. Just ensure any added sauces (like soy sauce) are gluten-free.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green?

If blanching briefly, shock it in ice water. Otherwise, the vinegar helps maintain color.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just ensure enough dressing to coat all the broccoli.

Conclusion

Broccoli Salad With Garlic and Sesame is a quick, healthy, and delicious side that adds crunch and bold flavor to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, improves with time, and brings a vibrant twist to your salad game. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a refreshing change of pace at dinner.

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