Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Salad (Printable Version)

Fresh broccoli florets in a creamy garlic-Parmesan dressing with toasted almonds and tangy herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - ½ cup mayonnaise
05 - ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
06 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings

12 - ⅓ cup toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
13 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and just tender.
02 - Drain broccoli immediately and plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 - In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, red onion, and cherry tomatoes if using. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
05 - Sprinkle with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds and extra Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns raw broccoli haters into believers with a quick blanch that keeps everything crisp and bright.
  • The creamy garlic-Parmesan dressing clings to every floret without feeling heavy or overdressed.
  • You can prep it hours ahead and it only gets better as the flavors soak in.
  • It works as a side, a potluck hero, or a stand-alone lunch when you add grilled chicken.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice bath after blanching or your broccoli will keep cooking and turn limp and dull.
  • Pat the broccoli completely dry before dressing it, any water left clinging will make your creamy dressing slide right off.
  • Let it chill for at least half an hour before serving, the flavors need time to soak in and marry together.
03 -
  • Blanch the broccoli in well-salted water, it seasons the florets from the inside out and makes all the difference.
  • Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before tossing so the garlic mellows and the flavors blend together.
  • Taste and adjust the lemon juice or salt right before serving, chilling can dull flavors slightly so a last-minute tweak brings it back to life.
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