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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Dressing Preparation: Combine lemon zest, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
- Emulsification: Slowly drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette with a silky consistency.
- 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.
- Final Garnishing: Moments before serving, scatter torn fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped hazelnuts, and halved cherry tomatoes across the marinated broccoli salad.
- 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