Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing

Looking for a delicious way to incorporate more raw broccoli into your diet? Look no further than this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with tangy Ginger Miso Dressing—a vibrant and flavorful recipe that will have you craving the benefits of raw broccoli in every bite.

As I’ve been on a quest to incorporate more raw broccoli into my diet, I came up with this delightful recipe that has become my go-to for a healthy and tasty salad. Let me introduce you to my Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing. It’s the perfect combination of crisp veggies, crunchy nuts, and a savory dressing. Not only is it packed with vibrant flavors and textures, but it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy the many benefits of raw broccoli.

Raw Broccoli vs. Cooked

You may be wondering why I’ve been particularly keen on consuming raw broccoli. Well, it turns out that this mighty cruciferous vegetable contains a powerful compound called sulforaphane, which has been linked to numerous health benefits. Sulforaphane has shown potential in reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and even aiding in the prevention of certain types of cancer. However, here’s the catch: sulforaphane levels significantly decrease when broccoli is cooked. In fact, a 2008 study shows that the consumption of raw broccoli results in faster absorption, higher bioavailability, and higher peak plasma amounts of sulforaphane, compared to cooked broccoli. So, to maximize the nutritional value, raw broccoli (and broccoli sprouts) are the way to go!

Ingredients in Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself. This salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. To make it, you’ll need some broccoli (duh!), finely chopped shallot, fresh dill, red bell pepper, avocado, dried cranberries, pecans, and hemp hearts. These ingredients combine to create a perfect balance of crunchiness, creaminess, and sweetness.

• Broccoli: Make sure to finely chop the broccoli to make it easier to digest and absorb. If you have trouble digesting raw broccoli but still want to retain most of its nutrients, you can try lightly steaming or blanching. To blanch broccoli, boil it in salted water for 2-3 minutes until it is bright green and crisp-tender, then immediately transfer it to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its color and nutrients.
• Shallot provides a crisp texture, vibrant flavor, and aromatic qualities that enhance the freshness and complexity of the salad. You could use a small onion instead. If you don’t like the taste of raw shallots or onions, soak them in cold water for 5-10 minutes to mellow their sharpness, reduce their pungency, and create a more balanced and pleasant flavor profile.
• Fresh dill: Adding herbs like dill provides a refreshing herbal flavor and aroma to the salad. It also offers health benefits like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being a good source of vitamins and minerals for overall well-being. Feel free to substitute dill with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Red bell pepper provides a vibrant pop of color, a subtle sweetness, and a crunchy texture that complements the tender broccoli, adding a variety of flavors and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish. You could use orange or yellow bell peppers here as well.
• Avocado adds a creamy and rich texture, along with a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients like vitamins E and K, making the salad more satisfying and nutritious.
• Dried cranberries add a sweet/tangy and chewy texture to the salad. Use unsweetened cranberries or replace them with dried cherries or raisins, if desired.
• Pecans add a crunchy and nutty flavor. You could replace them with other nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
• Hemp hearts provide a nutty flavor, a pleasant crunch, and a nutritional boost to the salad. They are rich in plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals such as vitamins E and B, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Ingredients in Ginger Miso Dressing

To enhance the flavors even further, we have the star of the show: the Ginger Miso Dressing. This dressing adds a zing of umami goodness to the salad and perfectly complements the vibrant vegetables. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Miso paste adds a rich umami flavor and creamy texture that boosts the overall taste and mouthfeel of the salad. I used Shiro (white) miso, which is a bit sweet and less intense than red miso and works better in salad dressings.
• Apple cider vinegar: Rice vinegar or lemon juice could also be used instead.
• Extra-virgin olive oil is my preferred oil to use in salad dressing. If you don’t like the taste, you can opt for light olive oil or flaxseed oil instead.
• Pure maple syrup provides a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and tangy flavors, creating a harmonious taste profile, while also adding depth and complexity to the dressing. Leave it out if you’re avoiding sweeteners or replace it with stevia or monk fruit extract.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger root adds a fabulous spicy zing to this dressing. If you’re unable to use fresh ginger, you can opt for 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger powder instead.
• Garlic: Use a fresh clove of garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Taste test and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

How to Make Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing

Preparing the salad is a breeze.

1. If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak the shallots in cold water for about 5-10 minutes to soften their flavor. This step is totally optional.
2. Simply mix the chopped broccoli, fresh dill, and red bell pepper in a large bowl. Drain the shallots (if soaking) and add them to the salad bowl.
3. Prepare the ginger miso dressing by adding all the ingredients to a mason jar and shaking well to combine.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and give it a good toss.
5. Garnish with chopped avocado, dried cranberries, pecans, and hemp hearts.

Add More Protein

If you’re looking to turn this salad into a complete meal, it’s easy to do so by adding some more protein. One option is to add shelled edamame beans, chickpeas, or beans to the salad. They’re all great sources of plant-based protein and will keep you feeling full and satisfied. You could also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, depending on your preference. The beauty of this salad is that it’s versatile and can be customized to your liking. So feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storing Instructions

One of the great things about this Crunchy Broccoli Salad is that you can prepare it in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after a couple of days as the vegetables soften and the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re making it ahead, remember to save the avocado, pecans, and hemp hearts, and add them just before serving. Dried cranberries, on the other hand, can be added in advance without any issue.

So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a quick and healthy dinner option, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing is a winner. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll also reap the benefits of raw broccoli and its sulforaphane content. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

More Delicious Salad Ideas

• Black Bean Burrito Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
• Orange Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
• Kale Beet Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
• Baked Carrot Falafel Bowl

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