Zesty Creamy Broccoli Delight
This Zesty Creamy Broccoli Delight salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any gathering. Inspired by the Moosewood Creamy Broccoli Salad, this recipe elevates the classic with a tangy lemon dressing and a hint of tarragon, creating a balance of creamy and bright flavors. It’s a delightful side dish that’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy this salad chilled for a refreshing taste that is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
2 bunches (trimmed and steamed)
lemons
2 (juiced)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
yogurt
1/2 cup (or sour cream)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
scallions
4 (minced)
pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the broccoli: Cut off the bottom of each broccoli stalk and discard. Then, carefully shave away the tough outer skin of the remaining stalks to ensure a tender texture.
2
Next, steam the broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes until they are just tender yet still vibrantly green. Avoid overcooking to maintain their crunch and color.
3
Once steamed, immediately rinse the broccoli under cold water to halt the cooking process and retain its brightness. Allow it to drain well.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, tarragon, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well blended and creamy.
5
Add the minced scallions to the dressing, mixing them in to incorporate their flavor.
6
In a large bowl, gently toss the steamed broccoli with the creamy dressing until evenly coated. Be careful not to break the broccoli florets.
7
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be made a day in advance, enhancing its taste even further before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Creamy Broccoli Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing broccoli salad featuring a tangy lemon and tarragon dressing.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the classic Moosewood Creamy Broccoli Salad.
How long should I steam the broccoli?
The broccoli florets should be steamed for 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender.
What are the main components of the dressing?
The dressing is made from mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, tarragon, and pepper.
How should I prepare the broccoli stalks?
Cut off the bottoms and shave away the tough outer skin to ensure they are tender.
Can I use a substitute for yogurt?
Yes, you can use sour cream instead of yogurt in the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 70 calories per serving.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The salad offers a balance of creamy and bright flavors with a citrusy lemon zest and a hint of tarragon.
How long does the salad need to chill?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead can actually enhance the flavor profile.
How many bunches of broccoli are required?
The recipe calls for 2 bunches of broccoli.
Why should I rinse the broccoli in cold water?
Rinsing under cold water halts the cooking process and helps retain the vibrant green color.
What herb is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 4 minced scallions for this recipe.
Is this intended as a main dish or a side?
It is designed as a refreshing side dish perfect for any gathering.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6g of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in this broccoli salad?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the dish?
The salad provides 1.6g of protein per serving.
How much salt is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much ground pepper is recommended?
One teaspoon of ground pepper is used in the mixture.
Should the tarragon be fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for dried tarragon.
How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
Steam it for no more than 7 minutes and immediately rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It should be served chilled for the most refreshing taste.
How do I ensure the dressing is well blended?
Whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and seasonings thoroughly in a mixing bowl.
Do I need to peel the broccoli stalks?
Yes, shaving the tough outer skin is recommended for a better texture.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick salad to prepare.
How many lemons are required?
You will need the juice from 2 lemons.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this recipe.