As Popular as Broccoli at a Tailgate
This is not a post about middle school Johanna, although the title might lead you to believe as much. No, this is about the dish I decided to make to bring to our tailgate at Country Fest on Saturday. When you think tailgate, you probably think hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and beer. And don’t you worry, we had all of those things.
But no meal is complete without veggies! And no, Michelle didn’t ask me to say that. I totally believe it. What can I say, I really like broccoli with my brats!
I did at least try to redeem myself by throwing in all sorts of delicious things… like BACON! If anyone ever tells you bacon doesn’t win friends, they’re lying. It totally does.
I personally loved how this salad turned out: sweet, savory and lightly dressed, it totally hit the spot. And I can say without hesitation, compared to my middle school days, this broccoli salad was prom king.
Honey Mustard Broccoli Apple Salad with Almonds, Dates, Raisins and Bacon
Adapted from The Healthy Foodie
INGREDIENTS
- 3 lbs broccoli, florets only
- 2 large red apples, diced
- 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- 15 dates, chopped
- 8 slices crispy bacon, chopped
For the vinaigrette:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)
- 4 tbsp Dijon or spicy brown mustard (I did half and half)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Steam the broccoli over boiling water or cook it in the microwave in about a quarter of a cup of water for 2-3 minutes, until it turns bright green and is just slightly softened. Plunge the cooked broccoli in icy cold water to stop the cooking process and set it in a colander covered with a paper towel to drain and dry.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet set over medium heat, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a separate pan, cook the bacon strips until nice and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
- In a small food processor, add all the ingredients for the vinaigrette and process until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- When the broccoli is completely cooled and dry, combine add broccoli, apples and vinaigrette and mix until thoroughly combined. Mix in raisins, chopped dates and bacon.
- Serve immediately or leave in the fridge for a few hours to allow broccoli to absorb flavors.
Serves 10-12
