Broccoli and Tamari Almond Salad

This Broccoli and Tamari Almond Salad is a crunchy, nutrient-packed side dish perfect for cookouts or family meals. With tender broccoli, sweet cranberries, and roasted tamari almonds, it combines flavor, texture, and heart-healthy benefits. Easy to prepare and full of vitamins and minerals, this salad is a wholesome addition to any meal.

An easy, delicious side dish for family cookouts and barbeques, this delightfully crunchy salad abounds in nutrients that support oral, heart and brain health. The salad is tasty right after it’s made, but the flavor improves if you let it marinate for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Add the almond-pepita topping just before serving.

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium, both of which help reduce your risk for developing periodontal (gum) disease. A recent study of nearly 1,000 older adults reported that eating at least one serving of dark green vegetables a day (such as broccoli) may reduce age-related cognitive decline. Almonds are very high in magnesium, an essential mineral involved in more than 300 bodily functions, including blood sugar and blood pressure control. 

Ingredients

For the salad

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons reduced-fat or vegan mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup reduced-sugar or unsweetened dried cranberries 

For the tamari almond-pepita topping

½ cup almonds
½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 tablespoon tamari
½ teaspoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon smoked paprika 

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, garlic and pepper. Add broccoli, red onion and cranberries, then toss to coat. Place all tamari almond-pepita topping ingredients in a small bowl and toss to coat. Spread in a thin layer on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, cool for five minutes, then toss half of the mixture into the salad. Top salad with remaining almond-pepita mixture and enjoy! Serves four to six. Adapted from loveandlemons.com and myrecipes.com.

Broccoli and Tamari Almond Salad

1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the almond-pepita topping.

2. Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, reduced-fat or vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and freshly ground pepper until smooth.

3. Toss the Salad Ingredients

Add coarsely chopped broccoli florets, diced red onion, and dried cranberries to the dressing. Toss well to coat each piece evenly.

4. Prepare the Tamari Almond-Pepita Topping

In a small bowl, combine almonds, pumpkin seeds, tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika. Toss until all nuts and seeds are evenly coated.

5. Roast the Topping

Spread the almond-pepita mixture in a thin layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for five minutes.

6. Combine Topping and Salad

Toss half of the cooled almond-pepita mixture into the broccoli salad. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to absorb some of the seasoning.

7. Garnish and Serve

Top the salad with the remaining almond-pepita mixture just before serving for crunch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors develop.

8. Quick Tips

Use fresh, firm broccoli for the best texture. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. This salad can be made vegan and gluten-free.

FAQs

What pairs well with broccoli salad?

Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp pair nicely. It also goes well with sandwiches, wraps, or as a side at barbeques.

What are tamari almonds made of?

Tamari almonds are roasted almonds coated with tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce, sometimes combined with spices or sweeteners.

How many calories are in broccoli almond salad?

Calories vary based on ingredients, but a serving typically ranges from 200 to 300 calories, depending on the amount of dressing and nuts.

What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli?

Lightly steaming or eating raw preserves most vitamins. Pairing with healthy fats, like olive oil or almonds, improves nutrient absorption.