Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe

If you’ve been craving a fresh, flavor-packed side dish that wows everyone at your table, this Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is about to become your go-to recipe. Roasted broccoli, crunchy cashews, and spicy-creamy bang bang dressing make for an explosion of textures and tastes in every dazzling forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is a mini celebration—nothing complicated, just simple things layered in just the right way. Every element plays a starring role in the vibrant taste, color, and satisfying crunch that make this salad so unforgettable.

• Broccoli (about 2 large heads, 1 lb): The roasted hero, turning beautifully caramelized and slightly smoky in the oven.
• Shallots (3, finely sliced): Add sweet-savory allure and a hint of gentle bite—much more mellow than regular onions.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Ensures the broccoli caramelizes perfectly and gives a luscious mouthfeel.
• Salt & Black Pepper (½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper): Just enough to coax out all those green flavors.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Adds gentle warmth and savoriness that ties the veggies together.
• Lime Juice (juice of ½ a lime): Brightens everything and balances the creamy, spicy dressing.
• Cashews (¾ cup, unsalted, chopped): Add buttery crunch and richness in every bite.
• Radicchio (1 small head, chopped): Pops of purple and a touch of gentle bitterness—the perfect foil to the bang bang sauce. (Or swap with your favorite lettuce!)
• Panko Bread Crumbs (1 cup): For that extra layer of toasty-crisp texture—trust me, it makes a difference!
• Sesame Seeds (¼ cup): Add nutty aroma and a tiny crunch that plays so well with the broccoli and cashews.
• Bang Bang Dressing: A mouthwatering combo of plain Greek yogurt (¼ cup), a bit of mayonnaise (1 tbsp, optional), sriracha (2 tbsp), honey (1 tbsp), more lime juice (½ a lime), and a drizzle of sesame oil (1 tbsp) for silky, creamy heat.

Variations

The best thing about Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad? It’s endlessly adaptable! Whether you’re working around what’s in your fridge or tailoring it for dietary needs, a quick switch here or there lets you put your own unique twist on this craveable salad.

• Leafy Swap: Use endive, arugula, romaine, or any mild lettuce in place of radicchio for more crunch or less bitterness.
• Vegan-Friendly: Replace Greek yogurt and mayo with your favorite plant-based alternatives and swap honey for maple syrup.
• Nut-Free: Skip the cashews and use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for that irresistible crunch.
• Extra Heat: Add sliced jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a big, bold kick!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crispy quinoa for the crunchy finish.

How to Make Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Broccoli & Shallots

Preheat your oven to 425°F so it’s nice and hot. Line a large baking sheet with parchment, then toss your broccoli florets and shallot slices right on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and finish with a bright squeeze of lime. Give everything a good toss so every nook and cranny is coated, then spread into a single, even layer for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide your veggies into the oven and let them roast for about 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through so the broccoli gets golden and crispy all over. You’re looking for slightly charred edges and shallots that melt into sweet slivers—this is where so much flavor happens!

Step 3: Whisk the Bang Bang Dressing

While your broccoli is roasting, whisk together the Greek yogurt, optional mayo, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and sesame oil. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and as spicy as you like—taste and adjust the sriracha or honey till it’s just right for you.

Step 4: Build Your Salad

Once the broccoli and shallots are cooked and have had a few minutes to cool, transfer them to a big salad bowl. Top with chopped cashews, radicchio, panko, and sesame seeds—each layer brings crunch, color, and nutty goodness.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the bang bang dressing generously over everything, then toss to coat well so every bite gets a little of that zippy sauce. Taste for salt and add a little more if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience!

How to Serve Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

For a salad this fun, a finishing touch goes a long way! Sprinkle with extra toasted sesame seeds, a flurry of sliced green onions, or a scatter of finely chopped cilantro. If you love a squeeze of fresh lime for zip or a few fresh chili slices for pop, now’s your moment.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is the star of the potluck table but pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, baked tofu, sticky rice, or a seared salmon fillet. It’s equally happy standing in as a hearty lunch salad with crusty bread or warm pita on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a shallow platter so everyone can see those gorgeous layers, build it into a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, or pile it high in lettuce wraps for a playful, hand-held appetizer. You can even portion it into pretty jars for a picnic-ready lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop and meld nicely, but for the crispiest experience, keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to eat.

Freezing

While the components of this salad don’t freeze particularly well (especially the veggies and the creamy dressing), you can freeze roasted broccoli and shallots for meal prep. Just re-crisp them in a hot oven or skillet before tossing, and assemble the rest fresh.

Reheating

If you’ve refrigerated your salad and want the broccoli warm again, spread it on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes. Wait to add the dressing and toppings until after reheating for the best crunch and flavor!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings excitement, color, and a whole lot of “wow” to your table, give this Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad a whirl. It’s a recipe meant to be shared and celebrated—don’t be surprised if it disappears before your eyes!

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