This Creamy Tahini Broccolini Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy broccolini and a rich, creamy tahini dressing. It’s healthy and tasty, making it a perfect side dish!
I love how the creamy tahini brings out the flavors of the broccolini. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. You can serve it cold or at room temperature—great for any meal! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccolini: This veggie is a star for its tender texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find broccolini, feel free to swap it with regular broccoli or asparagus. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time a bit based on their size!
Tahini: Tahini contributes creaminess and a nutty taste. If you’re avoiding sesame, consider substituting with sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for a similar texture but different flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for its bright flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative, but it will change the taste slightly.
Maple Syrup or Honey: This adds a bit of sweetness to balance the dressing. If you’re vegan or want another option, agave syrup works great here. You can also leave it out if you prefer your salad more tart.
Almonds: I love adding toasted almonds for crunch. You can easily substitute them with walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds if you’re nut-free or just looking for variety!
How Can I Make the Dressing Creamy and Smooth?
Getting the tahini dressing just right is key to this salad. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Start by whisking the tahini with lemon juice and garlic until it’s well combined. The acidity helps to loosen it up.
- Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. It should be smooth enough to coat the broccolini but thick enough to stick.
- If you find it’s still too thick, keep adding water a teaspoon at a time. It’s better to go slow!
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings; a pinch of salt or more lemon juice can enhance the flavor.
Using these simple tips ensures a creamy dressing that elevates the whole salad!
How to Make Creamy Tahini Broccolini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bunch broccolini (about 8-10 stalks), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons water (add more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes boiling the broccolini, mixing the tahini dressing, and tossing everything together. If you chill it for 20-30 minutes, the flavors will meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Broccolini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the broccolini and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just tender—don’t overcook!
2. Ice Bath for Color:
Drain the broccolini and plunge them into a bowl of ice water immediately. This will stop the cooking process and help keep that wonderful green color. After a minute, drain them well and pat dry.
3. Make the Tahini Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, olive oil, and maple syrup or honey (if you’re using it) until smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more water, just teaspoon by teaspoon until it’s the right consistency.
4. Combine & Season:
Take your cooled broccolini and toss it in the tahini dressing until every piece is well coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Add the Crunchy Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and raisins or dried cranberries on top for a lovely texture contrast. They not only add crunch but a delightful sweetness too!
6. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad right away, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This will enhance the flavors even more. Enjoy your refreshing and creamy broccolini salad!
Can I Use Regular Broccoli Instead of Broccolini?
Absolutely! If broccolini isn’t available, you can substitute it with regular broccoli. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as standard broccoli may take a minute or two longer to become tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, so it can be even tastier the next day! Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly, especially if you substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Just skip any non-vegan ingredients to keep it plant-based!
What Else Can I Add to This Salad?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrots for extra crunch and color. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu for a heartier dish.