Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

Name: Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Author: Tessa

Published: July 16, 2025

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Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing has been a revelation in my kitchen, transforming what used to be a humble side dish into a vibrant, crave-worthy main event. I remember the first time I experimented with roasting broccoli instead of steaming it – the way the florets caramelized, developing those irresistible crispy edges, completely changed the game. This salad is not just healthy; it’s bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a light lunch or a standout side at any dinner table. It’s truly a delicious way to enjoy your greens!

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

This Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing is a true weeknight hero! It’s incredibly simple to throw together, yet it delivers such a satisfying punch of flavor. You’ll adore how the gentle roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, creating a texture that’s both tender and slightly crisp. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free pleasure every time.

The Appeal of Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

The beauty of this Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing lies in its perfectly balanced flavor and delightful texture. The nutty, umami-rich sesame dressing coats each caramelized floret beautifully, offering a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. It’s incredibly versatile, working as a side dish or a light lunch, and deceptively easy to prepare, making it a regular in my kitchen!

Essential Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

Crafting this delicious Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing starts with a few key players, each bringing its unique magic to the table. You’ll want 1 1/2 pounds of fresh broccoli, cut into uniform florets, ensuring even roasting. For that perfect caramelization, grab 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. The dressing calls for 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fragrant sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, and 1 clove of garlic, minced very fine. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds for garnish!

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

Making this Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing is a breeze once you break it down into a few simple steps. The key is to get your oven nice and hot and prepare your dressing while the broccoli roasts, so everything comes together seamlessly. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful salad ready in no time!

Preparing the Broccoli for Roasting

First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper – this makes cleanup a dream! In a spacious bowl, toss your fresh broccoli florets with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until each piece is lightly coated. Then, spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this helps the broccoli roast rather than steam.

Crafting the Flavorful Sesame Dressing

While your broccoli is happily roasting, it’s time to whip up that incredible sesame dressing. Grab a small bowl and whisk together your rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing looks emulsified and slightly creamy. This ensures every bite of your Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing gets that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

Combining and Serving Your Roasted Broccoli Salad

Once your broccoli is tender-crisp and beautifully caramelized from roasting (about 20-25 minutes), carefully transfer it to a serving bowl. Immediately pour the prepared sesame dressing over the warm broccoli. Toss everything gently to ensure every floret is coated in that delicious, aromatic dressing. Finally, garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch and visual appeal. Serve your Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience!

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Tips for a Perfect Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing

To truly elevate your Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing, a few simple tips can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to let your broccoli get some color in the oven – those slightly charred, crispy edges are where so much of the flavor lives! Also, always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasonings to your liking. A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy is what we’re aiming for here.

Achieving Optimal Roasting for Your Broccoli Salad

For that perfect tender-crisp, caramelized broccoli in your salad, never overcrowd the baking sheet. Give those florets space to breathe and brown properly. Roast until they’re slightly fork-tender but still have a bit of bite, with beautiful golden-brown spots. This is key for developing that deep, nutty flavor that makes this Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing so irresistible.

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Roasted Broccoli Salad

While this Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing is absolutely delicious as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. It pairs wonderfully with so many main courses, from grilled fish to a simple bowl of rice. You can easily turn it into a more substantial meal or simply adjust it based on what you have in your pantry.

Delicious Additions to Your Roasted Broccoli Salad

To enhance your Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing, consider adding some extra crunch with toasted slivered almonds or cashews. For a heartier meal, toss in some grilled chicken strips, pan-seseared tofu, or even some edamame for a protein boost. Other roasted vegetables like bell peppers or carrots would also be fantastic additions, adding more color and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Broccoli Salad

I get a lot of questions about making and enjoying this Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing, and I’m always happy to share my insights! It’s such a versatile and popular dish, so it’s natural to wonder about things like meal prep or ingredient swaps. Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best advice to ensure your roasted broccoli salad turns out perfectly every time.

Can I Prepare the Roasted Broccoli Salad Ahead of Time?

You can definitely do some prep work for your Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing in advance! The dressing can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend roasting the broccoli fresh and tossing it with the dressing right before serving to maintain that lovely tender-crisp texture. If you must prepare it ahead, the broccoli will soften a bit.

What Can I Substitute for Sesame Oil in the Dressing?

If you don’t have sesame oil, or have an allergy, you can still enjoy this delicious Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing! While sesame oil provides a unique nutty depth, you can use a neutral oil like avocado oil or a light olive oil in its place. For a hint of nuttiness, a tiny dash of peanut oil could work, but be mindful of allergies. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a fantastic salad.

Storage and Reheating Your Roasted Broccoli Salad

Storing your leftover Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing is straightforward. Simply transfer any remaining salad to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. While it’s perfectly safe to eat cold, reheating isn’t always recommended as the broccoli can become a bit soggy and lose its tender-crisp texture. If you prefer it warm, a quick sauté in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes is better than microwaving, which can overcook the broccoli and make it too soft.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Roasted Broccoli Salad

For those mindful of their dietary intake, each serving of this Roasted Broccoli Salad with Sesame Dressing is estimated to contain approximately 180 calories, with 7g of sugar and 650mg of sodium. It provides about 12g of total fat (1.5g saturated, 8g unsaturated, 0g trans fat), 15g of carbohydrates (including 5g of fiber), 6g of protein, and 0mg of cholesterol. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more recipe ideas, check out BBC Good Food.