If you love a crunchy, fresh salad that gets even better as the days go by, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette is for you! The best part about this salad is that the veggies soften and soak up the delicious honey Dijon dressing as it sits in the fridge. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I kept it simple with bacon and cashews for added crunch and healthy fats, but feel free to add your favorite protein, like chicken or tofu, if you want. It’s also a great option for meal prep you can store it in the fridge for up to a week, making it the perfect grab-and-go salad for busy days!
Method
Make the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Start by preparing the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette. In a jar, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, mashed garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously to mix the ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy dressing. If you don’t have a jar, you can use a small bowl and whisk the ingredients together until well-combined. Once the dressing is ready, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed if you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey, or if you like a tangier flavor, a bit more mustard will do. Set the vinaigrette aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.
Prepare the Salad
Now, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Start by chopping the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them finely chopped so that the dressing can really coat each piece and so you get a nice crunch in every bite. Next, chop the purple cabbage finely to add color and crunch to the salad. Chop the bacon into small, crispy pieces, and finely dice the red onion for a bit of sharpness. Finally, chop the raw cashews into smaller pieces for a nutty crunch. Once all the ingredients are chopped, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Combine and Toss
With all your ingredients ready, pour the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette over the chopped vegetables, bacon, and cashews. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Make sure the bacon and cashews are well-mixed with the broccoli and cabbage. To finish, sprinkle freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese over the top. Give the salad another toss to incorporate the cheese into the mix. Now, your crunchy broccoli salad is ready to be served!
Necessary Tools
- Large bowl
- Jar or small bowl for vinaigrette
- Whisk for mixing vinaigrette
- Knife for chopping veggies and bacon
- Cutting board
- Grater for parmigiano reggiano
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy15
servings10
minutes6
minutes16
minutesIngredients
For the Salad:
4 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup purple cabbage, finely chopped
6 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup raw cashews, finely chopped
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese, freshly grated
For the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Make the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
In a jar, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, mashed garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Put the lid on and shake well, or if you’re using a small bowl, whisk everything together until it’s nice and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if needed add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang! Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad ingredients. - Prepare the Salad
Next, chop up your broccoli florets, purple cabbage, bacon, red onion, and cashews. I like to chop everything finely so that every bite has a little bit of everything! Add all these chopped ingredients to a large bowl. - Combine and Toss
Pour the honey Dijon vinaigrette over the chopped veggies, bacon, and cashews. Toss everything together well so that the dressing coats all the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated parmigiano reggiano over the top and toss once more. Your salad is ready to serve!
Notes
- When chopping the veggies and bacon, try to chop everything finely so it all mixes well and you get a nice bite of everything in each spoonful.
- Taste the vinaigrette before adding it to the salad. You can always add a little more honey for sweetness or more mustard for a stronger tang.
- This salad soaks up the dressing over time, so if you plan to store it for later, you may want to add a bit more dressing before serving to freshen it up.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on its own: This salad is perfect as a light lunch or side dish all on its own.
- Add protein: For a more filling meal, top it with grilled chicken or tofu.
- Serve with crackers: Pair it with your favorite crunchy crackers for an extra crunch.
- Great for meal prep: Divide it into 4-6 containers and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It gets better with time!
Fun Fact
Did you know that broccoli is a powerhouse veggie full of vitamins and antioxidants? It’s a great source of vitamin C and can help support your immune system. Plus, it’s also high in fiber, which helps keep you full and aids digestion. So not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients!
Conclusion
This Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and sweet. It’s light enough for summer but still hearty and filling. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, meal prep, or a quick lunch, it’s the perfect salad to keep on hand throughout the week. With the healthy fats from the cashews and bacon, the sweetness of the honey Dijon vinaigrette, and the crunch of broccoli, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy!
