Broccoli Salad Recipe by Alton Brown That’s Crunchy and Fresh

Alton Brown’s broccoli salad bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that transform a humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

Crisp green florets dance with zesty ingredients, creating a mouthwatering texture adventure.

Raw broccoli takes center stage, delivering remarkable nutritional power and taste complexity.

Crunchy elements blend with a tangy dressing, sparking a sensory explosion that tingles your taste buds.

This innovative recipe elevates a simple side dish into a gourmet sensation that challenges traditional expectations.

Light yet satisfying, the salad weaves nutritional wisdom with creative flair.

You’ll fall in love with every crisp bite that promises a delectable flavor journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Broccoli Salad

• Lemon Zest: Choose bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum aromatic essence.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Select organic, unfiltered vinegar with visible cloudy sediment for deeper flavor complexity.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Pick plump, heavy lemons that feel soft when gently squeezed for juiciest results.
• Dijon Mustard: Opt for smooth, tangy mustard with clean, sharp flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse-grained salt for better texture and controlled seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns and grind fresh for robust, intense spiciness.

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin cold-pressed oil with rich, fruity undertones.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Select firm, deep green florets with tight, compact clusters and minimal yellowing.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Pick vibrant green leaves without dark spots or wilting edges.
• Hazelnuts: Select plump, golden-brown nuts with crisp, clean nutty aroma.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose firm, glossy tomatoes with bright red color and slight give when pressed.

Required Tools for Alton Brown’s Broccoli Salad

• Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking dressing ingredients and mixing salad components.
• Whisk: Essential for blending and emulsifying dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Zester/Grater: Helps create fine lemon zest for intense citrus flavor.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping herbs and tomatoes.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of hazelnuts, basil, and cherry tomatoes.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Refrigerator: Crucial for chilling and marinating the broccoli salad.

Making Alton Brown’s Broccoli Salad

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Grab a bowl and blend tangy lemon zest with punchy apple cider vinegar, bright lemon juice, and bold Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, whisking everything into a vibrant, smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Create Flavor Magic

Slowly drizzle silky olive oil into your dressing while stirring constantly, transforming the liquid into a creamy sensation. Toss crisp broccoli florets into this liquid gold, ensuring every crunchy piece gets a luxurious coating of zesty goodness.

• Build Flavor Depth

Chill the broccoli salad in the refrigerator for an hour, letting the flavors mingle and intensify. When ready to serve, gently fold in fragrant basil leaves, crunchy chopped hazelnuts, and juicy halved cherry tomatoes. Let the salad rest at room temperature for a final 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to whisper their delicious secrets to each other before you dive in and enjoy this incredible culinary creation.

Flavor Additions for Alton Brown’s Broccoli Salad

Swap lemon juice with lime for a tangy tropical twist or add a splash of honey to balance the acidity and create a sweeter profile.

Toss in grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted tofu cubes to transform this side dish into a complete meal that satisfies hunger and adds nutritional value.

Replace hazelnuts with toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for different textures and nutty undertones that complement the broccoli’s fresh crispness.

Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in sealed containers to streamline meal preparation and maintain maximum freshness.

Serving Alton Brown’s Broccoli Salad Ideas

• Elevate Brunch Spread: Serve this zesty broccoli salad alongside quiche, frittata, or a light egg Benedict for a refreshing morning side dish.
• Perfect Picnic Companion: Pack in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or park lunches where fresh, tangy flavors shine.
• Grill-Side Partner: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetable skewers to add a bright, crunchy element to your barbecue menu.
• Quick Weekday Lunch Boost: Enjoy as a standalone quick meal or add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein and substance.

Storing Alton Brown’s Broccoli Salad Correctly

• Preserve Freshness: Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the crisp texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients and prepare dressing separately, storing them in sealed containers to assemble quickly when hunger strikes.
• Smart Serving Tip: Keep nuts on the side until right before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent soggy texture.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining salad into a quick lunch by adding grilled chicken or tossing with mixed greens for a refreshed meal experience.

Crunchy Alton Brown Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s broccoli salad combines crisp vegetables with a tangy mayonnaise dressing and crunchy bacon bits. Hearty ingredients mingle in this classic side dish that delivers robust flavors and satisfying textures you will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) broccoli, florets broken into bite-sized pieces and stems peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ⅔ cup toasted pecans or hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsps thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Combine lemon zest, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
2. Emulsification: Slowly drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette with a silky consistency.
3. Broccoli Marination: Introduce chopped broccoli florets to the dressing, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating, then seal and refrigerate for one hour to intensify flavor absorption.
4. Final Garnishing: Moments before serving, scatter torn fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped hazelnuts, and halved cherry tomatoes across the marinated broccoli salad.
5. Serving Technique: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, which helps mellow the chill and optimize the ingredient interactions, ultimately enhancing the dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

• Zest with Precision: Remove only the bright yellow part of the lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith for a clean, fragrant flavor base.
• Whisk with Technique: Emulsify the vinaigrette by slowly drizzling olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow the broccoli to sit in the dressing for exactly 60 minutes to soften slightly and absorb maximum flavor without losing its crisp texture.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Let the salad rest for 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance taste and allow ingredients to meld harmoniously.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg