Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Dive into the world of flavors with our Orange Sesame Broccoli Salad! This Asian-inspired recipe combines the crispness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of juicy orange segments, all brought together by a zesty sesame dressing. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a colorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion—whether as a side dish or a light meal. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup orange segments
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broccoli. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are large, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water. Carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- After blanching, immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.
- While the broccoli is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds and sliced almonds. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the broccoli has cooled and drained, place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the orange segments to the bowl, followed by the toasted sesame seeds and sliced almonds.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss everything together until the broccoli and orange segments are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and toss again to ensure an even distribution.
- Transfer the Orange Sesame Broccoli Salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. You can serve it immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Enjoy your refreshing Orange Sesame Broccoli Salad as a side dish or a light meal!
Tips
- Perfectly Blanch Your Broccoli: To achieve that vibrant green color and maintain a crisp texture, make sure to blanch the broccoli for just 2-3 minutes. The ice water bath is crucial to stop the cooking process and lock in that beautiful color.
- Toast Your Nuts and Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds and sliced almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly—stir frequently for even toasting.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste! Want it sweeter? Add a little more honey. Prefer it tangier? A splash more rice vinegar can do the trick.
- Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Add Extra Texture: Consider adding other ingredients like shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers for an extra crunch and a pop of color in your salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
