Prepare to fall head over heels for Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce! This vibrant, crisp salad absolutely bursts with color, crunch, and a nutty, irresistible flavor that manages to be cozy and refreshing at the same time. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish, a meal prep hero, or a healthy lunch with bold Asian-inspired flair, this recipe pulls it all together in minutes. The creamy peanut sauce transforms humble broccoli into something crave-worthy, and the rainbow of veggies makes every bite as cheerful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce is how every ingredient brings something special to the table. There’s no filler here — from the veggies to the sauce, each part pops with texture, color, or flavor to make this dish shine.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups, chopped small): The star of the show, providing irresistible crunch and soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Carrots (1 cup, shredded): Adds sweetness and a beautiful burst of color.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Juicy and sweet, it offers a punchy red hue and snappy bite.
- Green onions (1/2 cup, chopped): Brings a mild oniony zing that brightens each forkful.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh, herby notes that balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Roasted peanuts (1/4 cup, chopped): For crunch and an extra layer of roasted, nutty flavor.
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): A sprinkling of nutty seeds adds lovely texture and visual appeal.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/4 cup): The essential base for the luscious sauce — choose smooth for easy mixing.
- Soy sauce or tamari (1 1/2 tbsp): Delivers a savory, umami-rich depth; use tamari for a gluten-free twist.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a zippy tang to balance the creamy sauce.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp): Fresh citrus brightness wakes up all the flavors.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tbsp): A touch of natural sweetness to bring it all together.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): A few drops give the dressing an unmistakably toasty scent.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For a little aromatic punch that rounds out the peanut sauce.
- Warm water (1–2 tbsp): To thin the sauce, just enough to make it pourable and silky.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Prep All Your Veggies
Start by chopping your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets for the best crunch factor. Shred those carrots (a box grater or pre-shredded from the store keeps things speedy), dice the vibrant red bell pepper, slice your green onions, and chop a good handful of fresh cilantro. Toss all the veggies and herbs into a big mixing bowl — you’ll want plenty of room for tossing!
Step 2: Whisk the Peanut Sauce Together
In a separate small bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, then slowly drizzle in warm water a little at a time until you reach a perfectly pourable, silky consistency. Give it a quick taste and adjust any seasonings if needed — more lime for brightness, or soy sauce for added savoriness.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the satiny peanut sauce generously over your broccoli and rainbow veggies. Using tongs or two large spoons, start tossing everything together until each bite is glossy and coated. If it looks like a lot of veggies, don’t worry — they’ll soak up the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Crunch
To serve, top your Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce with a scattering of chopped roasted peanuts and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These last touches add irresistible crunch and visual interest that make the dish sing.
Step 5: Let It Chill (Optional but Awesome!)
Although you can dive in right away, this salad really rewards a little patience. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes (if you can wait!) and the flavor meld in the most delightful way, while the veggies stay crisp and refreshing.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, scatter extra roasted peanuts, a few cilantro leaves, and another dusting of sesame seeds right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a gentle squeeze of fresh lime over the top adds a little sparkle.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce absolutely shines next to grilled meats, smoky tofu, or a big bowl of rice noodles. Try it with satay skewers, crisp spring rolls, or as a bright counterpoint alongside spicy curries at your next dinner gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this salad into vibrant meal prep bowls with rice or quinoa, stuff it into lettuce wraps for party bites, or serve over chilled ramen for a playful noodle salad twist. It’s just begging for you to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it an even more flavorful lunch or snack the next day!
Freezing
Due to the fresh veggies, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad as the texture can become soft and watery when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy it freshly prepped or after a chill in the refrigerator.
Reheating
No reheating necessary — this one is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature! If you’re adding protein like grilled chicken, heat that separately and toss with the salad just before eating.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours (or a day) in advance, as the flavors in the peanut sauce have time to mingle with the veggies. Just keep the toppings separate until serving for the best crunch.
Is this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this recipe is completely gluten-free and great for anyone avoiding wheat.
Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! Snap peas, purple cabbage, or thinly sliced radishes all work wonderfully. Consider this a versatile base for whatever crisp veggies you have on hand.
What protein can I add to make it a meal?
This salad goes from side dish to satisfying main with the addition of grilled chicken, marinated tofu, or shelled edamame. Each option is delicious with the savory, creamy peanut sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
Without any added chili, this Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce is quite mild. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha instantly livens things up!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fresh, feel-good dish that’s as easy as it is addictive, you can’t go wrong with Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce. It’s one of those rare recipes that always disappears fast, so go ahead and try it — your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you.
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Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines crunchy fresh vegetables with a creamy and tangy peanut dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy meal or a side dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
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
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Pour the sauce over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds before serving.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic. Add water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
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
