Broccolini Superfood Crunch Salad

This fresh, crunchy superfood broccolini salad with blueberries and almonds is a delicious, antioxidant-packed side dish that is perfect for all of your summer meals! (vegetarian, gluten-free)

Got broccolini? Try this delicious superfood salad for something fresh, delicious, and loaded with antioxidants!

What Is Broccolini?

Broccolini (also called baby broccoli) is similar to broccoli, but with smaller florets and longer, thinner stalks. It's a cross between the regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli, and it's delicious! Like broccoli, it's a member of the brassica family of vegetables, which has been linked to all kinds of health benefits, from cancer prevention to stimulating the immune system.

Why You'll Love This Superfood Salad

Fans of broccoli salad will love this pumped up version. Made with broccolini, blueberries, dried cherries, almonds, and a creamy Greek yogurt based orange poppy seed dressing, it's loaded with healthy ingredients. It's fresh, crunchy, filling, and perfect as a quick summer side dish!

What is a "Superfood"?

I don't love the term 'superfood.' The word implies that some foods are far superior to others and that they have magical properties. The truth is, no single food is a magic bullet that will cure all of your illnesses or suddenly make you healthy. And there aren't 'good' and 'bad' foods. Sure, it's important to eat a variety of foods and include plenty of fruits and vegetables, but it's your overall dietary pattern that matters in the long run. If you eat a varied diet, you'll probably be just fine.

The term 'superfood' also usually means a food contains a lot of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. That's exactly what this broccolini salad has, with tons of phytonutrients packed into the colorful broccolini, blueberries and cherries, which is why it's called a superfood salad.

How To Make Broccoli Superfood Crunch Salad

1. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
2. Toast the almonds in a skillet on the stove. Once cooled, roughly chop the almonds.
3. Chop the broccolini into 1-inch pieces. Dice the red onion.
4. Stir together broccolini, blueberries, dried cherries, onion, and almonds. Drizzle with dressing and stir to coat.

Tips and Ingredient Substitutions

• Be sure to trim any woody ends of the broccolini that are too tough. 
• Dried cranberries can be used in place of cherries.
• You can use regular broccoli in place of broccolini.
• If you don't want to make the orange poppy seed dressing, you can use any creamy poppy seed dressing or a sweet vinaigrette.
• This salad is best served the day it is made. Too long in the refrigerator and it doesn't taste very fresh anymore.

For more fresh and delicious side dishes, you'll find lots of inspiration in this roundup of Healthy Summer Side Dishes!

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating in the comments!

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