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Easy Zesty Lemon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Honey Mustard Dressing

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A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad tossed with a tangy honey mustard dressing, toasted sunflower seeds, and a bright lemon zing. Perfect as a quick side dish or a light, flavorful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams or 10.5 ounces)
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • ½ cup (about 70 grams or 2.5 ounces) toasted sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry. Chop into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sunflower seeds and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Finely dice the red onion and add to the bowl with the broccoli florets.
  5. Pour the dressing over the broccoli and onion mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat every bit. Add the toasted sunflower seeds and toss lightly again. If using dried cranberries or parsley, fold those in now.
  6. Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. It can be served immediately if needed.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Toast sunflower seeds lightly for extra flavor but you can skip to save time. Keep broccoli dry for better dressing adhesion. Store broccoli and dressing separately if making ahead to keep broccoli crisp. Dressing can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, lemon broccoli salad, honey mustard dressing, sunflower seeds, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-zesty-lemon-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-honey-mustard-dressing/