A twist on the classic, this broccoli Caesar salad features roasted broccoli, tossed in Caesar dressing and flavoured with homemade garlic chips and toasted everything spice mix. All the parts of this salad can be made ahead. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
5-6clovesgarlic, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
1/4cupneutral-tasting cooking oil, or enough for a thin, even layer in the skillet
For the salad:
1/4cupCaesar Salad Dressing, store-bought or homemade
1/4cupParmesan cheese, grated
For serving:
Lemon Wedges, for drizzling
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Instructions
For the roasted broccoli (can be made ahead):
Preheat oven to 475F (regular bake setting/not fan assisted)
Prepare the broccoli by cutting into bite-size pieces, trying to cut lengthwise where possible, so they have a flat side to brown up nicely on the baking sheet. Scatter the broccoli onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then place the florets so the flat side is down on the baking sheet.
Place into the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes, then stir and roast for 3-5 minutes more, or until the broccoli is tender crisp and browned in spots. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before removing to a bowl if using immediately or cool completely and cover and refrigerate to use later.
For the Toasted Everything Spice Mix (can be made ahead and you can also make extra, so you can skip this step next time!):
Add the spice mix to a dry, nonstick skillet and cook, stirring constantly over medium heat, until the seeds are fragrant and the sesame seeds have some golden colour. Remove and allow to cool before using. Store any extra in an airtight container, to use later.
For the garlic chips (can be made ahead and you can make extra, so you can skip this step next time!):
Pour oil into a small skillet until you have a thin, even layer covering the bottom of the skillet. Heat over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and cook, stirring, until deep golden in colour. Remove to a piece of paper towel and separate the pieces with a fork. Allow to cool and use or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to use later.
For the salad:
*If you made the roasted broccoli ahead, remove from the fridge to come to room temperature before making the salad.
Toss the roasted broccoli in the Caesar salad dressing. You want the broccoli to be well coated in dressing and if the broccoli is warm, it will soak it up more. You can add a bit more, if needed.
Place broccoli onto a plate. Sprinkle with garlic chips and toasted Everything Spice Mix. Top generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve with a lemon wedge for drizzling before eating.
Notes
Be sure to read the information above this Recipe Card, for more tips and step-by-step photos, that you might find helpful.