Broccoli Caesar Salad

Broccoli Caesar Salad is a delightful, nutritious twist on the classic Caesar salad. Crisp broccoli florets, crunchy toasted all-bran buds flavored with garlic and soy sauce, and a rich, vegetarian Caesar dressing make this salad both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this Broccoli Caesar Salad will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Table of Contents

• About Caesar Salad
• Why You’ll Love Broccoli Caesar Salad
• What Is in Broccoli Caesar Salad
• Key Ingredients
• How To Make Broccoli Caesar Salad
• Have It Your Way!
• Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
• Health Benefits:
• Other Recipes You’ll Love
• Broccoli Caesar Salad Recipe

About Caesar Salad

The Caesar salad was created by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s. Traditionally made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, egg, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper, the Caesar salad has become a beloved staple in many households and restaurants.

This Broccoli Caesar Salad takes a fresh approach to the classic dish by substituting broccoli for romaine lettuce. The use of capers instead of anchovies, along with Greek yogurt and vegan mayo, makes the dressing vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the tangy, creamy flavor that defines a Caesar salad. Additionally, toasted all-bran buds flavored with garlic and soy sauce add a unique crunchy element that enhances the overall texture and taste.

Caesar salad is widely enjoyed across the globe, often appearing in varied forms to suit different dietary preferences. This vegetarian version aligns with the growing trend towards plant-based eating, offering a delicious and nutritious option for those who avoid meat and fish.

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Caesar Salad

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
• Unique Twist: A fresh take on the traditional Caesar salad.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Uses capers and a yogurt-mayo blend instead of anchovies.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

What Is in Broccoli Caesar Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh and crisp, providing a healthy base.
• Toasted All-Bran Buds: Adds a delightful crunch with garlic and soy sauce flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a rich, savory flavor.
• Vegetarian Caesar Dressing: Made with capers, Greek yogurt, and vegan mayo.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds a bright, tangy flavor.
• Garlic: Essential for the dressing’s robust taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth to the dressing.

Key Ingredients

• Broccoli Florets: Rich in vitamins C and K, and fiber.
• Toasted All-Bran Buds: Flavored with garlic and soy sauce for added crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional for vegans; nutritional yeast can be a substitute.
• Capers: Provide the salty, briny flavor in place of anchovies.
• Greek Yogurt and Vegan Mayo: Create a creamy and tangy dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for best results.
• Garlic and Dijon Mustard: Essential for the dressing’s flavor profile.

How To Make Broccoli Caesar Salad

1. To prepare the broccoli, thoroughly rinse and dry. Then cut the stems off, and cut the florets into bite sized pieces.

2. In a bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk.

3. In a small pan over low-medium heat, add EVOO, along with the bran buds, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and toast over low heat until all the bran buds are dry crunchy again.

4. In a salad bowl, add the broccoli, vegetarian caesar dressing, and bran buds and more parmesan cheese. Toss until all broccoli pieces are coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy 🙂

Have It Your Way!

• Add Protein: Include chickpeas or grilled tofu for extra protein.
• Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Extra Crunch: Add sunflower seeds or toasted almonds.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat.

Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

• Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
• Protein: 8 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Sodium: 350 milligrams

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: Broccoli is high in vitamins C and K.
• High in Fiber: Promotes digestive health.
• Protein-Packed: Greek yogurt adds a good source of protein.
• Healthy Fats: From the vegan mayo and Parmesan cheese.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Cowboy Caviar (Four Bean Salad)
• Watermelon Feta Salad
• Southwest Taco Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Wood Ear Mushroom Salad

Broccoli Caesar Salad Recipe

Broccoli Caesar Salad

Broccoli Caesar Salad is a delightful, nutritious twist on the classic Caesar salad. Crisp broccoli florets, crunchy toasted all-bran buds flavored with garlic and soy sauce, and a rich, vegetarian Caesar dressing make this salad both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this Broccoli Caesar Salad will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb Broccoli Florets

Dressing:

• ▢ 3 Tbsp Greek Yogurt
• ▢ 4 Tbsp Vegan Mayo
• ▢ 2 Tbsp Capers minced
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 Lemon Zest
• ▢ 1 Tsp Garlic minced
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• ▢ ¼ Tsp salt or to taste
• ▢ ½ Tsp Black Pepper ground (or to taste)
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
• ▢ ¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper optional

Topping:

• ▢ 1 Cup Bran Bud or flakes
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ▢ 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce

Additional topping:

• ▢ Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Salad Spinner

Instructions

 

• To prepare the broccoli, thoroughly rinse and dry. Then cut the stems off, and cut the florets into bite sized pieces.
• In a bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk.
• In a small pan over low-medium heat, add EVOO, along with the bran buds, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and toast over low heat until all the bran buds are dry crunchy again.
• In a salad bowl, add the broccoli, vegetarian caesar dressing, and bran buds and more parmesan cheese. Toss until all broccoli pieces are coated.
• Serve and Enjoy 🙂

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately until ready to serve.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcal

Keyword 15 minutes, Broccoli, Salad

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