Preparation

Step 1 – Blanch the Broccoli

Start by cutting the 4 cups of broccoli into bite-sized florets (if they are not already cut)., and you can also include some of the tender stems and add some more texture to your low carb broccoli salad.

Once that’s done, pour the broccoli florets into salted boiling water and boil them for about 5 minutes. You will know they are ready when you notice that bright green color and their tenderness. Make sure not to overcook them, as you still want a crunchy broccoli salad. When they are ready, immediately drain them and rinse them under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and ensure that the broccoli stays firm. Lastly, you will want to pat them down with a paper towel.

Step 2 – Make the Broccoli Salad Dressing

Your fresh broccoli salad dressing comes next, and preparing it is a great way to wait for your florets to cool down. Take a mixing bowl and add the extra-virgin olive oil, the red wine vinegar, the lemon juice, the lemon zest, and the shallot.

These ingredients are carefully selected to provide the perfect balance of nutrients during your Ideal Protein journey. You can then add flavor to the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper. We recommend starting with just a pinch of each and then adjust accordingly, so you don’t overdo it.

Step 3 – Combine the Ingredients

With the dressing for your low calorie broccoli salad ready and the florets cooled and dried, it’s time to combine them. Take the broccoli florets and add them to the bowl with the dressing. Mix or toss them all together (without spilling anything) and make sure that all of the florets are coated with the dressing.

Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy

If you want to enjoy the salad slightly warm, you can transfer it to a serving dish right away. However, you can also let it refrigerate for about half an hour, allowing the flavors to better blend together.

How to Pair the Broccoli Salad?

If you want something additional, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes as well, such as fish, or you can even add grilled chicken in the mix and make a tasty broccoli salad with chicken. On the other hand, you can stick to the basics and enjoy the vegan broccoli salad as it is. If you want to have the broccoli salad as a side  dish, you can pair with with some of our great chicken main dishes, such as Garlic Soy Chicken, Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs, or even the fish options, like Grilled Mahi Foil Packets, Baked Cod, and more.

PRO TIP: Make Ahead

One of the best things about this cooked broccoli salad is that it can be prepared ahead. Cooking the broccoli florets and letting them refrigerate overnight can make them even more delicious. Just mix the broccoli and the dressing before serving, or at least half an hour before serving, and you are ready to go.

FAQs

How to make broccoli salad?

Follow the carefully crafted recipe above and you can’t go wrong. Prepare the broccoli florets, boil them for about 5 minutes, let them dry and cool down, and them just mix them with the dressing.

Is broccoli salad healthy?

Yes, the low carb broccoli salad is very healthy. It is carefully designed to keep you in a state of ketosis, allowing you to continue with your Ideal Protein program.

How long is broccoli salad good for?

The raw broccoli salad and the cooked broccoli salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

How many calories in broccoli salad?

The broccoli salad has around 150 calories per serving.

Is broccoli salad good for you?

Yes, the best broccoli salad recipe is very good for you. It has little carbs, low fat, and plenty of broccoli salad nutrition.

Can you use frozen broccoli for broccoli salad?

You can, but the texture of the broccoli will probably not be the same.

What to eat with broccoli salad?

Broccoli salad pairs nicely with many main dished, such as fish and even grilled chicken.

Do you cook broccoli for broccoli salad?

Yes, you will need to boil the broccoli for about 5 minutes before you use them in the salad.

Can you make broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad beforehand and let it refrigerate overnight.

What’s in broccoli salad?

Broccoli salad is made with broccoli florets, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and shallot.

Is broccoli salad gluten free?

Yes, none of the ingredients used for this broccoli salad include gluten. However, it’s still important to check the labels and make sure.

How many carbs in broccoli salad?

This low carb broccoli salad has around 26 grams of carbs in total, or around 13 grams per serving.