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Brocc Mountain Super Caesar Salad Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

This Brocc Mountain Super Caesar Salad is a fresh, crunchy twist on the classic Caesar salad featuring broccoli florets coated in a creamy, zesty dressing made with mayo, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and anchovy paste. Topped with a fragrant garlic-infused crispy bran flake crumble, this salad is perfect as a light meal or a vibrant side dish. The salad benefits from marinating, allowing the flavors to meld and making the broccoli tender yet crisp enough to be eaten with a spoon.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 lemon, zest only
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup collagen or unflavored protein powder

Salad

  • 2 bunches broccoli (about 1 pound per bunch, or approximately 1 pound of broccoli florets)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup bran flakes, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and collagen/unflavored protein powder. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Wash broccoli thoroughly and dry completely. Separate florets from the stalks, trimming closely so the florets are small and bite-sized, ideal for spoon eating.
  3. Toss broccoli with dressing: Place the broccoli florets into a large bowl, pour over the prepared dressing, and toss until all florets are evenly coated. Let the salad sit to allow flavors to meld; it can also be refrigerated for several hours or overnight for best taste and texture.
  4. Make the crispy topping: Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for about one minute until fragrant. Add the crushed bran flakes and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, and cook until the flakes are warm, coated in oil, and crispy. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble and serve: Mound the dressed broccoli salad high on a serving plate to create a “broccoli mountain.” Generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the top, followed by the warm, garlicky crushed bran flake topping. Serve immediately for an impressive presentation and delightful flavor contrast.

Notes

  • For easy crushing of bran flakes, use a mini food processor or place flakes in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • The salad improves if allowed to marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, as the broccoli absorbs the dressing flavors without becoming soggy.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • This salad is great as a light lunch or a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Keywords: Caesar salad, broccoli salad, healthy salad, creamy dressing, garlic topping, protein salad, easy side dish