Charred Broccoli Salad Recipe by Michael Symon with Bold Flavor

Michael Symon’s charred broccoli salad electrifies ordinary green vegetables with explosive flavor dynamics.

Smoky florets pirouette through a symphony of unexpected taste sensations, challenging traditional side dish expectations.

Robust ingredients intertwine like culinary dancers, creating a sensational experience that transcends typical vegetable preparations.

Complex yet wonderfully accessible, this recipe transforms mundane greens into a gourmet masterpiece.

Carefully selected components whisper tales of culinary innovation, elevating broccoli from humble background ingredient to center-stage star.

Tangy, sweet, and intensely smoky notes weave together in a harmonious blend that will seduce your palate.

Get ready to unleash a salad revolution that defies every bland vegetable stereotype you’ve ever encountered.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Charred Broccoli Salad (Michael Symon)

• Broccoli: Select firm, deep green heads with tight, compact florets and minimal yellowing for peak freshness and flavor.

• Dates, Cheddar Cheese: Choose plump, soft dates without crystallization and aged cheddar with sharp, complex undertones for robust taste.

• Nuts: Select fresh, crisp nuts with no sign of rancidity or bitter aftertaste, preferably raw or lightly toasted for maximum crunch.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Honey: Pick cold-pressed, fruity olive oil with grassy notes and raw, unfiltered honey for depth and natural sweetness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance and balance the dish's complex flavor profile.

Tools to Make Michael Symon’s Broccoli Salad

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Large Cast-Iron Pan: Heavy-bottomed skillet for perfect charring and even heat distribution.
• Large Bowl: Spacious container for seasoning and mixing broccoli.
• Medium Bowl: Smaller bowl for combining final salad ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise cutting of broccoli, dates, and nuts.
• Cake Tester or Toothpick: Tool to check broccoli's doneness and crunchiness.
• Spatula or Tongs: Utensil for flipping and handling broccoli in the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle Spoon: Small spoon for evenly distributing olive oil and honey.

Instructions for Symon’s Charred Broccoli Salad

• Prep Broccoli Magic

Carefully clean and break down broccoli by trimming tough ends and separating stems from crowns. Slice stems lengthwise to create beautiful, uniform pieces that will transform into a delightful salad.

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a cast-iron pan until it’s sizzling hot. Coat the surface with a thin layer of oil, creating the perfect stage for charring broccoli to golden perfection.

• Char and Caramelize

Arrange broccoli pieces cut-side down, allowing them to develop a rich, deep golden color without moving for 4-5 minutes. The goal is a crispy exterior that locks in incredible flavor while maintaining a satisfying crunch.

• Create Flavor Layers

Flip broccoli to brown rounded sides briefly, then transfer to a cutting board. Chop the pieces into bite-sized morsels and combine with sweet dates, tangy cheddar cheese, and crunchy nuts in a mixing bowl.

• Dress and Elevate

Drizzle a harmonious blend of extra-virgin olive oil and honey over the mixture. Gently toss to ensure every ingredient is beautifully coated, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfect balance between sweet, bitter, salty, and sour notes. The result should be a vibrant, exciting salad that surprises and delights with each bite.

Tips to Enhance Broccoli Salad

• Optimize Broccoli Charring: Create deep caramelization by keeping broccoli pieces completely stationary during initial cooking. The motionless technique develops rich golden-brown edges without burning.
• Cheese Swap Options: Replace cheddar with crumbled goat cheese, shaved parmesan, or creamy blue cheese for different flavor profiles. Each cheese variety transforms the salad's overall taste experience.
• Nutty Texture Boosters: Experiment with almonds, pistachios, or toasted walnuts instead of standard chopped nuts. Selecting crunchy, freshly roasted nuts enhances the salad's textural complexity.
• Quick Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat, add fresh herbs like chopped mint or parsley for brightness, or drizzle balsamic reduction for extra depth. These simple additions elevate the entire dish's taste dimension.

Serving Charred Broccoli Salad

• Serve with Crusty Companions: Pair this vibrant broccoli salad with rustic sourdough bread or crispy ciabatta slices for a delightful textural contrast.
• Elevate Protein Possibilities: Top the salad with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crumbled tofu to transform it into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create Picnic-Perfect Portions: Pack this salad in individual mason jars for a portable, colorful lunch option that travels beautifully and looks Instagram-worthy.
• Enhance Dining Presentation: Serve on a large wooden board with scattered fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of honey to create a stunning, rustic-chic presentation that impresses guests.

Storage Tips for Michael Symon’s Broccoli Salad

• Preserve Freshness: Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ingredients maintain their crisp texture and vibrant flavors when chilled properly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare broccoli components ahead of time by charring and chopping vegetables up to 2 days before serving. Keep ingredients separate until just before mixing to prevent soggy textures.
• Smart Serving Suggestions: Pack this salad in portable containers for quick lunches or picnic meals. The hearty mixture holds up well at room temperature for several hours, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
• Revive Leftovers: Quickly refresh day-old salad by adding a fresh drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of nuts to restore crunch and brightness. Gently toss to redistribute flavors and restore the salad's original appeal.

Vibrant Michael Symon Charred Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Broccoli lovers unite for michael symon’s charred broccoli salad, a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with bold flavors. Crisp florets mingle with tangy feta and crunchy almonds, creating a satisfying side that surprises and delights palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 broccoli heads (1 ½ pounds / 680 g)
• 6 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
• 2 oz (57 g) sharp or aged cheddar, shaved
• ½ cup (60 g) salted Marcona almonds, roughly chopped
• 5 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp honey, plus more to taste
• kosher salt
• black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Trim the broccoli stalks, removing tough ends and discolored sections. Separate florets from the stem, peel and slice stem lengthwise, and cut crowns into symmetrical segments.
2. Seasoning: Generously season broccoli pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
3. Charring: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, coating the pan surface. Place broccoli cut-side down and roast undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, developing a golden-brown caramelization.
4. Searing: Rotate broccoli pieces to briefly sear rounded sides, enhancing flavor depth. Transfer to a cutting board and cool.
5. Chopping: Dice cooled broccoli into precise 1/4-inch pieces and transfer to a mixing bowl.
6. Combining: Fold in finely chopped dates, shaved aged cheddar cheese, and roughly chopped toasted nuts.
7. Dressing: Drizzle with honey and remaining olive oil, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
8. Finishing: Taste and adjust seasoning, balancing crisp, sweet, bitter, and tangy flavor profiles.

Notes

• Trim with Precision: Remove tough, fibrous broccoli ends meticulously to ensure tender, enjoyable texture and eliminate any bitter or dry sections.
• Slice Strategically: Cut broccoli into symmetrical halves and segments for even cooking and attractive presentation, guaranteeing consistent caramelization.
• Char with Confidence: Use high heat and cast-iron skillet to develop deep golden-brown caramelization without burning, creating complex flavor layers through controlled roasting.
• Balance Flavor Profiles: Combine sweet dates, sharp aged cheddar, crunchy toasted nuts, and honey to create a harmonious blend of textures and taste sensations that elevate the simple roasted broccoli.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg