Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Salad (Print View)

Fresh broccoli tossed in creamy garlic-Parmesan dressing with toasted almonds and Parmesan cheese.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - ½ cup mayonnaise
05 - ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
06 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings

12 - ⅓ cup toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
13 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
02 - Drain broccoli immediately and plunge into ice water to halt cooking. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
04 - In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
05 - Sprinkle with toasted almonds and additional Parmesan cheese. Top with fresh chopped parsley.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The quick blanch keeps the broccoli crisp and vibrant instead of soggy or raw
  • Garlic and Parmesan make vegetables taste like something you actually crave
  • It holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day
  • You can prep everything ahead and toss it together right before serving
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice bath after blanching or your broccoli will keep cooking and turn drab olive green
  • Pat the broccoli completely dry with paper towels or the dressing will slide right off instead of clinging
  • Make the dressing a few hours ahead and let it sit in the fridge so the garlic mellows and the flavors blend
03 -
  • Use a salad spinner to dry the blanched broccoli quickly and thoroughly without bruising it
  • Grate the garlic on a microplane instead of mincing it for a smoother, more evenly distributed flavor
  • Toast your nuts or seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, shaking often, until they smell nutty and turn golden
Return