Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
- ¾ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Grilled chicken
- Crispy bacon, crumbled
- Avocado slices
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Roasted chickpeas
- Toasted sunflower seeds
- Hard-boiled eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small, bite-sized florets.
For a slightly more tender texture and vibrant green color, blanch the broccoli by placing it in boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water. Drain well and pat dry.
If you prefer extra crunch, use the broccoli raw.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste (if using), olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, Parmesan, or pepper if desired.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped romaine lettuce, red onion, and parsley.
Add the croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish
Top with extra shaved Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and any optional add-ins such as grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or roasted chickpeas.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Caesar Salad
- Cut the broccoli into small florets so they’re easy to eat.
- Blanching the broccoli softens it slightly while keeping it crisp and vibrant.
- Dry the broccoli well after blanching so the dressing clings properly.
- Add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Freshly shaved Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the dressing for at least 15 minutes before serving for even better flavor.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Broccoli Caesar Salad
Top with sliced grilled chicken to turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
Bacon Caesar Salad
Add crispy crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
Kale and Broccoli Caesar
Replace half of the romaine with chopped kale for a heartier salad.
Mediterranean Caesar Salad
Mix in cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Spicy Caesar Salad
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Vegan Broccoli Caesar
Use vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free Parmesan, and omit the anchovy paste for a plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Caesar Salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken
- Baked salmon
- Garlic shrimp
- Steak
- Pasta dishes
- Homemade soup
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Pizza
- Grilled sandwiches
It’s also an excellent choice for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and weeknight dinners.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For the best texture, keep the dressing and croutons separate until ready to serve.
If already dressed, the salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the lettuce and croutons will soften over time.
