Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
There’s just something magical about a chilled, crunchy veggie salad absolutely drenched in creamy flavor, and this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce delivers on every level. Packed with vibrant colors, tender-crisp veggies, and a silky peanut dressing that sings with sweet, salty, and tangy notes, it transforms everyday produce into an irresistible, protein-rich meal or side. If you crave a healthy salad that’s equally suited for lunchboxes and potlucks (and makes veggies the superstar of your table), you’ll fall in love with this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce as quickly as I did.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple but powerful each ingredient is – every one brings something to the party, whether it’s crunch, freshness, or a pop of color. Trust me: don’t skip a thing; each item has a purpose for taste, texture, or visual appeal that really brings the Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce together.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups, chopped small): This is our star ingredient; chop it fine for perfect crunch in every bite.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds sweet flavor and gorgeous orange color for eye appeal and lovely texture.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brings a juicy, crisp bite plus a pop of red vibrancy.
- Chopped green onions (1/2 cup): The mild onion flavor enhances everything and adds a little bite.
- Chopped cilantro (1/4 cup): Freshens the whole salad with its herbal zing – skip only if you must!
- Roasted peanuts (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds bold, nutty crunch that plays perfectly with the creamy dressing.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): A final flourish that’s toasty and subtle, giving a hint of Asian-inspired flair.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/4 cup): For the luscious base of the sauce—use smooth for the silkiest finish.
- Soy sauce or tamari (1 1/2 tablespoons): This brings depth, umami, and just the right saltiness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Bright and slightly sweet, it balances the richness of the peanut butter.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Its fresh tang cuts through everything and keeps the salad light.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle sweetness that harmonizes all the flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle gives that toasty, nutty background note typical of Asian-inspired dressings.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): A pungent touch that enriches the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Warm water (1–2 tablespoons, as needed): To adjust the sauce to your favorite pourable consistency.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces—this is key for maximum flavor and easy eating. Dice the red bell pepper, slice the green onions, shred the carrots (or grab them pre-shredded to save time), and chop up that fresh cilantro. Gather everything in a big mixing bowl: seeing all those colors come together is half the fun!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Give it all a good whisk, adding warm water a tablespoon at a time until your dressing is smooth, glossy, and easily pourable but not too thin. Taste as you go; this peanut sauce is the heart and soul of the salad.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the silky peanut sauce over the chopped veggies and cilantro in your big bowl. Now comes my favorite part—use large salad tongs (or your impeccably clean hands!) to toss everything together, ensuring every bite gets a generous coating of that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Finishes
Once everything is mixed, sprinkle the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the top. If you love an extra crunch, save a few peanuts to add just before serving. This little step transforms the texture—every bite is lively, nutty, and satisfying.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
Enjoy your Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce right away for maximum crunchiness, or (my personal favorite) cover the bowl and chill for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and deepen. The salad softens a touch but stays beautifully crisp!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
Garnishes
A finish of extra chopped cilantro, a scatter of roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can make your bowl of Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce look restaurant-worthy. For a fresh zing, add a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing—guests love the personalized pop of citrus.
Side Dishes
This salad stands out with rice noodles, jasmine rice, or a side of crispy tofu to round out the meal. If you’re serving a crowd, try pairing it with grilled shrimp, satay chicken, or even a bowl of miso soup for a full Asian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce is a showstopper in mason jars for a picnic, or piled high in lettuce cups for appetizer bites. For potlucks, spread it out on a platter and finish with all garnishes so guests can serve themselves a rainbow of flavors. If you need a party centerpiece, try arranging in alternating stripes by ingredient for a stunning visual effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The veggies soften a little (which some people absolutely love), and the flavors mellow together for an even more addictive taste. Just give it a quick toss before serving to revive that just-mixed freshness.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the raw veggies will lose their crisp texture and be a little sad and soggy when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the peanut sauce separately, then toss with freshly chopped veggies on the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or cool, straight from the fridge. If you’d like it a little closer to room temperature, let it stand on the counter for 10–15 minutes after removing from the fridge, but don’t heat it up or the veggies will lose their crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad gets even better after a short chill in the fridge, allowing the flavors to blend. Just wait to add the peanuts and sesame seeds until right before serving so they stay perfectly crisp.
Is this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use tamari in place of soy sauce and double-check all your labels. This recipe is naturally vegan, too, making it a hit for various dietary needs.
How can I add protein to this salad?
For a heartier salad, toss in some steamed edamame or cubes of grilled chicken breast. Tofu or tempeh are fantastic vegan add-ins that pair perfectly with the peanut sauce.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No worries—just leave it out or substitute chopped fresh parsley for a different herbal touch. The salad will still have tons of bright flavor from the remaining ingredients.
Can I use pre-cut veggies to save time?
Definitely! Pre-chopped broccoli and bagged shredded carrots are your friends for speedy meal prep. Just be sure to dice the bell pepper and green onion fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing salad, Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce is as good as it gets. It’s fast, versatile, and so full of flavor you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. Try it soon, and let this colorful bowl of goodness brighten up your next meal!
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Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful and refreshing salad featuring crisp broccoli florets, colorful veggies, and a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds before serving.
Peanut Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic. Add water gradually to achieve desired consistency. Pour the sauce over the salad and toss well to coat.
Notes
- This salad can be served immediately but tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes.
- For added protein, stir in edamame or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
