Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad with garlic mayonnaise – a delicious, quick, and healthy recipe

Are you looking for a simple and quick idea for a light dinner? I invite you to discover this broccoli salad recipe with garlic mayonnaise. It is not only a healthy choice but also an explosion of flavors and colors that will delight your taste buds. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or as part of a main meal, being full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g fresh broccoli (or frozen, but fresh is ideal)
- 1 egg
- 100 ml sunflower oil or olive oil (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 lemon (the juice is essential for the mayonnaise)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic

A bit of history:

Broccoli is a vegetable that has gained popularity worldwide due to its nutritional benefits. This cruciferous vegetable is full of antioxidants and vitamins, being associated with a healthy diet. Over time, broccoli has been used in various dishes, from salads to soups, and is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its versatility in the kitchen.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the broccoli: Start by breaking the broccoli into small florets. Make sure to remove the tougher stems, keeping only the florets. Wash the broccoli well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Boil the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a pot of boiling water with a teaspoon of salt. Boil them for about 20 minutes, until they become tender, but do not let them get too soft. I recommend testing them with a fork; they should be easy to pierce but still hold their shape.

3. Cool the broccoli: Once boiled, drain the broccoli and let it cool. This step is essential to maintain a crunchy texture and vibrant green color.

4. Prepare the mayonnaise: While the broccoli is cooling, peel the two garlic cloves and crush them. You can use a mortar and pestle, but if you want to save time, a blender will do the job much faster.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a whisk or mixer, gradually adding the oil until you achieve a creamy consistency. Add the lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.

5. The perfect combination: In another bowl, mash the broccoli using a blender or a fork to achieve a less uniform texture. Then, mix the mashed broccoli with the previously prepared mayonnaise. Make sure everything is well incorporated.

6. Serving: You can serve the salad on slices of toasted bread, adding some slices of tomato and bell pepper on top for a contrast of textures and flavors. Arrange the plate nicely, and the result will be not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Serving suggestions and variations:

- You can add other ingredients such as corn, olives, or even nuts for an extra crunch.
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add some chili flakes to the mayonnaise.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with a refreshing drink or a dry white wine, which will highlight the flavors of the vegetables.

Useful tips:

- If you want to save time, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- The mayonnaise can be stored in the fridge for use in other dishes, but it is best to consume the salad freshly made.
- Instead of garlic, you can experiment with green onions or chives for a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

Broccoli is considered a superfood due to its rich content of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber. It is high in antioxidants, making it excellent for boosting the immune system and maintaining skin health. Additionally, this salad is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the egg, and healthy fats from the added oil.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can add carrots, cauliflower, or even zucchini to diversify the dish.
- How can I make the salad easier to digest? You can blanch the broccoli to reduce bitterness and aid digestion.
- Does it keep well? This salad is best consumed immediately. If there are leftovers, you can store it in the fridge, but the texture will change.

In conclusion, broccoli salad with garlic mayonnaise is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to bring health to your plate in a delicious and appealing way. So, I wish you happy cooking and enjoy your meal!