Let’s start off with the name of this salad. Shaved? Ugh…I’ll admit, I hesitated over using that word. Seriously though, it was the word that just kept repeating in my head as I wondered how this would all work if I “shaved” the broccoli. I imagined, instead of hunks of stalky, unyielding crowns, this salad would have crisp, crunchy slivers of broccoli, surrounded by a light and creamy dressing and flecked with sweet cranberries, tart apple slices and nutty almonds. I used my best chef’s knife to slice through each crown, as you would julienne any other vegetable. You could used your mandoline or slicer blade on your food processor, but I enjoy the process of chopping. It’s therapeutic. I will warn you…it is a bit messy. The broccoli heads break up and get all over your hands, but you’ll want to tough it out. This salad is so worth it!
Shaved Broccoli Salad
3 – 4 small broccoli heads, stems cut to about 2″ and julienned
1 small red apple, cut into slices about the same size as the broccoli
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 small red onion, sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise or vegenaise
1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (I use Bragg’s)
2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine all of the salad ingredients, up to the onion, in a large bowl. Combine the dressing in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Pour the dressing over the broccoli and toss to combine and get it all covered. Add the almond slices and toss a bit more. If you can stand it, refrigerate for an hour before serving…but I bet you eat half of it before it makes it to the fridge!
Notes:
I made this salad for my women’s ministry potluck and everyone loved it. What I like the most is that bacon is not necessary, I did cut it in julienne . Thanks so much for your sharing, Carol!
Alicia, I’m so happy to hear that you all enjoyed this salad! Yes, a julienne cut works great too. I just love those small, crunchy bites. Thanks for putting a huge smile on my face today!
This is delicious!
Thanks so much, Robin! I’m so happy you liked it!
This is not shaving broccoli and it is most certainly not julienning as you are not cutting into batons.
Thanks for your input, Graham. You are correct in that this cut is not julienne. I use that term loosely to reinforce that the cuts be made very thin and small. That said, this is shaving broccoli. The culinary definition of shaving is to cut into wide and paper thin slices using a knife or mandoline, as I suggest. I hope that clarifies my description.
Thank you so much for this!
Also, for the non-vegetarians out there, I have tried making this salad with beef and also with king prawns and both work really well!
You are most welcome Nick! I love your idea of adding some protein with beef and prawns! Sounds delicious and makes a complete meal! Thanks so much for sharing!
I want to try your recipe here but I am a bacon lover and would have to add that. I never shaved Broccoli before but I do love to cook, so I will try it.
Bacon sounds delicious, George! Let me know how it turns out! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
I made this salad during a cookery lesson that I gave my daughter this afternoon, she and her boyfriend are building a house together and will be moving in next year. She is has reached her twenties unable to cook and is out to impress him. She is vegetarian but he is not so she is learning to cook meat dishes and he is learning to appreciate vegetarian dishes. This salad is sure to win him over.
I’m so glad you and your daughter liked this salad, Kerry! It’s one of my favorites! I hope her boyfriend agrees! I love that you and your daughter spend time in the kitchen cooking together…those are the best moments we always remember! Thanks for sharing your story with me…you made my day.
Caroline,
Thanks so much for sharing this! Made it Sunday morning after church when I threw a pork roast in the crock pot for dinner. I’m still eating this shaved broccoli salad (also stuck in a roasted broccoli rut) and cannot stop telling everyone how delicious this came out! Sharing it now with my soon to be MIL!
Best!
Awww, Blair…your message means so much to me! I love hearing when my recipes have been tested and loved so much! What a great pairing with a pork roast…I’ve got to keep that one in mind! I love it roasted too…but this salad is nice in the summer! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know and for sharing it with everyone! AND…congratulations and best wishes on your future wedding!
Hi Caroline! Thanks for following me on G+. Nice to make your acquaintance. You know, the fact that shaving broccoli had humorous undertones never occurred to me until you noted it but Mrs. Stuntman would say I’m a little dense. I would have thought to use my mandolin to do so at first too, but I could also see the crowns being quite messy in doing so. Either way, it looks delicious!
Mmmm, I love me some shredded veggies. I have been eating a ton of pan-seared broccoli lately and have been looking to mix it up in broccoli-land, I also have a giant tub of Greek yogurt in my fridge, so I am definitely going to be giving this a try!
Eva, you are so funny! I love them too! Let me know how you like it! :)
How many people does this salad serve. I’d like to take it to a pot luck.
Hi Carol! If you use the 3 to 4 broccoli heads, this salad can serve about 6 to 8 portions. I’m so glad you’ll be taking it to your potluck! Hope everyone loves it!