BROCCOLI SALAD + PEANUT SAUCE

We all know that as children, the most of us weren’t too fond of broccoli. It tended to be the last thing on the plate, and we weren’t allowed to leave the dinner table without finishing it all up. But as we’ve gotten older, it’s become more and more well liked. Some of us enjoy broccoli raw, making it the perfect pair for a good dip. Others love making stir-frys with broccoli mixed in with lots of other veggies. Our new favorite might just be this salad, though.

Who knew that broccoli and peanuts would be so incredibly perfect together!?

Plus, when you’re going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!) of this dish, you’ll be reaping the benefits that broccoli has to offer. How powerful is broccoli, you ask? Here’s just a few facts:

• Broccoli contains the flavonoid kaempferol. Kaempferol is an anti-inflammatory, helps fight against cancer and heart disease, and has been shown to be preventative in adult diabetes onset.
• Broccoli is high in fiber. Not only in soluble fiber but insoluble as well. Since your body needs both types, it’s great to know that broccoli is can fulfill both your needs.
• Eating broccoli helps you get large amounts of Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps fight cancer within your cells, as well as keep your eyes healthy and stave off glaucoma and other eye degenerative diseases. It also helps to promote healthy skin, break down urinary stones (a big issue with the summer heat and dehydration) and maintain healthy bones and teeth.
• Want something high in Vitamin C but don’t feel like eating fruit? Broccoli is very high in Vitamin C. In fact, making 1 cup of chopped broccoli the Vitamin C equivalent of an orange!

Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable that often gets overlooked. But we can change that – especially with this salad!

Ingredients

Broccoli Salad Ingredients – 

1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets

1 cup shelled cooked edamame

1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions

1/2 cup peanuts

1 batch peanut sauce (recipe below)

Peanut Sauce Ingredients –

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

1 tbsp. rice vinegar

1 tbsp. soy sauce (or tamari)

1 tbsp. honey or agave nectar

1/8 tsp. toasted sesame oil

3 – 5 tbsp. hot water, as needed to thin the sauce