Festive Broccoli Caesar Salad

🥦✨ Festive Broccoli Caesar Salad (Full Detailed Recipe)

This Festive Broccoli Caesar Salad is a fun twist on the classic Caesar—crunchy, colorful, and perfect for holidays or special dinners. It can be made with raw or roasted broccoli, and the add-ins make it feel extra celebratory.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Salad

• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)

• ½ cup croutons (garlic or plain)

• ⅓ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (festive touch)

• ¼ cup toasted nuts (pine nuts, sliced almonds, or walnuts)

• Optional:

  • ½ cup chickpeas (roasted or plain)

  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced (for extra punch)

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For the Caesar Dressing (Homemade)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated

• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional additions:

• 1 teaspoon honey (for a slightly sweet balance)

• 1–2 anchovy fillets, finely mashed (traditional but optional)

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🔪 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

You can choose raw or roasted broccoli:

Option A: Raw (Extra Crunchy)

1. Cut broccoli into small, bite-size florets.

2. Slice stems thinly (they’re sweet and crunchy).

3. Rinse and pat completely dry.

Option B: Roasted (Warm & Cozy)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss broccoli with:

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil

   • Pinch of salt and pepper

3. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer.

4. Roast for 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until lightly crispy.

5. Cool slightly before assembling the salad.

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Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • Mayonnaise

   • Lemon juice

   • Dijon mustard

   • Worcestershire sauce

   • Garlic

2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking.

3. Stir in grated Parmesan.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Taste and adjust:

   • More lemon for tang

   • More Parmesan for richness

   • A little honey if too sharp

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Step 3: Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)

1. Heat a dry pan over medium heat.

2. Add nuts and toast for 2–4 minutes, stirring often.

3. Remove once golden and fragrant.

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Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add:

   • Broccoli

   • Cranberries

   • Nuts

   • Chickpeas (if using)

2. Drizzle with ¾ of the dressing and toss well.

3. Add croutons and toss gently.

4. Top with:

   • Shaved Parmesan

   • Extra black pepper

5. Add remaining dressing if needed.

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🎄 Festive Serving Tips

• Serve on a large platter with extra Parmesan curls on top

• Add pomegranate seeds for extra holiday color

• Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and cracked pepper

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🥗 Make-Ahead Tips

• Dressing: Make up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate

• Broccoli: Chop or roast ahead, store airtight

• Assemble just before serving for best crunch

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