This Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is everything you didn’t realize your vegetable cravings were missing: crispy, golden broccoli florets snuggled up with crunchy cashews, bittersweet radicchio, toasty panko, and a zippy, creamy bang bang dressing that brings the whole bowl to life. Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion that’ll make anyone (even the broccoli skeptics) genuinely excited for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Roasted Goodness: Roasting transforms everyday broccoli into caramelized bites with irresistibly crispy edges (good luck saving any for the salad!).
- Bang Bang Flavor Bomb: The creamy, spicy, tangy dressing brings a huge personality and just the right kick, tying every bite together in a crave-worthy way.
- Crunch from Every Angle: Golden panko, buttery cashews, and sesame seeds add layers of crunch that make this salad feel more like a celebration than a side dish.
- Totally Versatile: Enjoy it as a hearty veg-packed lunch, a vibrant party side, or even as a main course that surprises everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is how every ingredient has a special role, but the list couldn’t be simpler. You’ll find everything you need at a regular grocery store—and each is chosen for flavor, crunch, or that pop of color your plate secretly loves.
- Broccoli (about 2 large heads): The true star, roasted until it’s crispy on the edges yet tender inside—hello, flavor transformation!
- Shallots: These add a subtle, sweet onion flavor that mellows and caramelizes as they roast alongside the broccoli.
- Olive Oil: Keeps everything tender and helps with perfect browning; use extra-virgin for the best flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials for seasoning and bringing out the best in your veggies.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle layer of aroma without overpowering the salad.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime lifts the flavors and adds a little tanginess that brightens everything up.
- Unsalted Cashews: Chopped for extra crunch and a buttery taste—feel free to toast them for even more flavor.
- Radicchio: Its vibrant color and gentle bitterness make every forkful interesting; see below for swaps if you can’t find it.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and extra crispy, these soak up the dressing and add irresistible crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted and nutty, they bring that final touch of texture and flavor.
- Greek Yogurt (2% plain): Makes the bang bang dressing creamy with a touch of tang.
- Mayonnaise (optional): Adds silkiness to the dressing and helps balance the yogurt’s sharpness.
- Sriracha Sauce: The spicy backbone of bang bang flavor—adjust the heat as you like!
- Honey: Just a spoonful gives lovely balance to the spicy, tangy dressing.
- Sesame Oil: The secret to a rich, toasty depth in the dressing—don’t skip it.
Variations
The Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is endlessly riffable, and honestly, some of my favorite versions came from cleaning out my veggie drawer or mixing up the dressing. Don’t be shy—make it your own!
- No Radicchio? Swap in peppery arugula, sliced endive, romaine, or even thinly sliced red cabbage for a similar crunch and color.
- Go Nut-Free: Replace cashews with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for big crunch without nuts.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo (or skip the mayo), and drizzle with agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
- Change the Heat: Want it extra spicy? Add more sriracha, or stir in a touch of chili crisp for extra warmth and complexity.
How to Make Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C)—this high heat is the ticket to those golden, crispy edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then add your broccoli florets and sliced shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime, and toss to coat everything evenly. Spread out in a single layer for max crispiness, and pop them in the oven.
Step 2: Roast to Perfection
Let the broccoli work its crispy magic for about 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway to turn the florets and get that golden color on every side. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are deliciously browned but the insides are still tender.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Dressing
While the broccoli roasts, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), sriracha, honey, a squeeze of lime, and sesame oil. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy—the dressing should taste bold, spicy, and a little sweet. Add more sriracha or lime to adjust to your personal bang bang preference!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Once the roasted broccoli has cooled slightly, move it to a big salad bowl. Add chopped cashews, crunchy panko, sliced radicchio, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle over most of your bang bang dressing and toss gently to coat every bite in creamy-spicy goodness. Give it a taste, and drizzle on a little more dressing if you’d like!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli Cut Matters: For perfect roasting, cut broccoli into equal-sized florets—smaller pieces get crispier, while larger ones stay juicy.
- Let It Cool Slightly: Toss the salad while the broccoli is still just warm to let the flavors mingle, but not so hot that the radicchio wilts instantly.
- Panko Perfection: For even more crunch, toast your panko in a dry skillet for 2 minutes; it adds a nutty depth that’s next-level.
- Dressing to Taste: Add dressing gradually—you want every floret coated but never soggy, so toss and taste, then drizzle a bit more as needed.
How to Serve Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad
Garnishes
If you want to dress up this salad, sprinkle extra sesame seeds, a few fresh cilantro leaves, or a handful of thinly sliced scallions right before serving. A quick swirl of extra bang bang dressing on top adds dramatic flair, and chili flakes are a must for anyone who loves a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad is a feast all on its own, but it pairs beautifully alongside simply grilled proteins like chicken, salmon, or tofu. For a potluck or party, serve it with noodle dishes or a platter of roasted sweet potatoes to let the spicy-sweet flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the salad onto crisp romaine leaves for playful lettuce wraps, or pile it onto toasted baguette slices as a show-stopping appetizer. It also makes a fantastic grain bowl topper—just serve it over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though the broccoli will soften slightly as it absorbs the dressing (which I secretly love!).
Freezing
This salad is all about that fresh, vibrant crunch, so freezing isn’t recommended—it will change the texture and the veggies will lose their lovely bite. Instead, keep extras in the fridge and enjoy within a few days for the best experience.
Reheating
If you prefer your leftovers warm, pop the salad (minus the greens and panko) onto a baking sheet and reheat for a few minutes in a hot oven or toss in a skillet. Add the rest of the ingredients and dressing just before serving for restored texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I prepare Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad in advance?
Absolutely! Roast the broccoli, make the dressing, and prep your add-ins up to a day ahead. For peak crunch, toss everything together just before serving. If you’re storing, keep the panko and dressing separate until mealtime.
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What’s a good substitute for radicchio?
If radicchio isn’t available, use endive, romaine, arugula, or even sliced red or green cabbage. The goal is to add color and a slight bitterness to balance all the rich, spicy flavors.
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How spicy is the bang bang dressing?
The dressing has a kick, but it’s easily adjustable! Start with less sriracha if you’re heat-sensitive, or double it for a full-on spice adventure—either way, the creamy yogurt keeps it balanced.
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for the ultimate crispy edges, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch. Roast it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes, and be sure to give it plenty of space on the pan for best results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that somehow manages to wow both vegetable lovers and skeptics alike. The flavors, crunch, and sheer fun of every bite will have you coming back for more. Happy roasting!
Print
Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting, Mixing
- Cuisine: Modern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful Bang Bang Roasted Broccoli Salad that combines roasted broccoli with a tangy bang bang dressing, crunchy cashews, and a mix of veggies and seeds. This salad is a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more!
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 1 lb broccoli, about 2 large heads
- 3 shallots, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- 3/4 cup unsalted cashews, chopped
- 1 small head of radicchio, chopped
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Bang Bang Dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, add broccoli florets and shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Squeeze lime juice over and toss to combine.
- Roast the broccoli: Arrange broccoli in a single layer on the pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway to ensure even roasting.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and sesame oil.
- Assemble the salad: Once the broccoli is done, cool slightly and transfer to a large bowl. Add cashews, radicchio, bread crumbs, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with the bang bang dressing and toss to combine.
Notes
- Radicchio can be substituted with endive, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, or arugula.
- Mayonnaise can be replaced with additional Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 435mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
