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This Brocc Mountain Super Caesar Salad bursts with bold flavors and a playful twist on the classic Caesar. Swapping out romaine for hearty broccoli crowns the salad with crunch and nutrition, and the savory bran flake topping keeps every bite interesting.
My family always polishes off the whole platter Every time I serve it for potlucks there are zero leftovers and everyone wants the recipe. It never fails to get folks asking what is in that spectacular dressing
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: about two pounds. Choose dense green crowns with tightly packed florets for the best crunch and flavor
- Mayonnaise: full fat for creaminess. Gold-standard for classic Caesar flavor
- Greek yogurt: adds a little tang and more protein. Use extra thick and smooth varieties
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: gives salty umami. Always grate right before using for max flavor
- Lemon juice and lemon zest: both add fresh tart brightness. Choose heavy lemons with smooth skin
- Minced garlic: brings pungency and depth. Go for plump fresh cloves for the zestiest bite
- Extra virgin olive oil: boosts the dressing’s body. Pick a peppery robust bottle
- Worcestershire sauce: enhances savory complexity. Look for bottles that are deep brown and aromatic
- Dijon mustard: brings sharp heat and silkiness. Stone ground or smooth are both fine
- Anchovy paste: classic Caesar backbone. Use a squeeze from a fresh tube not a crusty old jar
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: for seasoning. Taste and adjust for balance
- Cayenne pepper: adds a subtle kick. Use fresh spices for boldest flavor
- Collagen or unflavored protein powder: offers a nutrition boost. Any very fine neutral powder works
- Bran flakes: for the topping. Use unsweetened flakes for crunch
- Extra virgin olive oil: for toasting topping. Choose one with a gentle flavor
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: extra for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly grated Parmesan, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, salt, pepper, cayenne, and collagen or protein powder until completely smooth and thick. Chill dressing in the fridge for at least twenty minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Prep the Broccoli:
- Rinse broccoli well and dry thoroughly for a crisp salad. Carefully cut away the stems leaving mainly small florets. The goal is bite size pieces that can be scooped easily with a spoon for maximum eating enjoyment.
- Dress the Broccoli:
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets generously with the chilled dressing. Keep tossing until each floret is well coated and glossy. Let this mixture sit while you make the topping. The broccoli holds up beautifully even after hours in the fridge and only gets more flavorful.
- Make the Crispy Topping:
- Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium low in a small skillet. When the oil shimmers, add minced garlic and cook gently, stirring all the time until fragrant but not brown, about one minute. Stir in the crushed bran flakes and a pinch of salt and toss until the flakes are golden and crisp. Remove skillet from the heat and cool slightly.
- Pile and Garnish:
- Mound the dressed broccoli high in the center of a serving plate to create a playful mountain shape. Blanket the top with a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the garlicky crispy bran flake topping evenly over everything and serve right away or refrigerate for later.
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My favorite part is loading on extra crispy topping and fresh Parmesan. I remember bringing this to my neighbor’s summer barbecue and it was the first bowl emptied — next time I doubled the recipe and it still completely disappeared
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The broccoli actually improves as it sits soaking up that tangy dressing. Wait to add the crispy bran topping until just before serving so it stays crunchy and irresistible. If prepping ahead keep the topping and dressed salad separate
Ingredient Substitutions
No Greek yogurt Use sour cream for a similar tang. Skip anchovy paste only if necessary but whisk in extra Worcestershire and Dijon for savoriness. Bran flakes can be swapped for crisped quinoa or toasted panko. Not into protein powder Just leave it out or use a little ground flaxseed
Serving Suggestions
Serve Brocc Mountain Super Caesar alongside grilled meats at cookouts or as a hero on any brunch buffet. Try it with lemony roast chicken or as an unexpected green side for pizza night. Sometimes I mound individual portions onto small plates for party appetizers
Cultural and Historical Context
This salad takes its cue from the classic Caesar invented by Caesar Cardini in 1924 yet transforms it with sturdy superfood broccoli and a brunch worthy presentation. The addition of a crumbly cereal topping nods to American retro casseroles where crunch is king. The protein boost gives it a modern healthy twist
Seasonal Adaptations
Substitute broccolini or Romanesco in spring Toss in roasted cauliflower for fall richness Layer in shaved Brussels sprouts for winter crunch Some helpful notes about the recipe Broccoli holds up better than romaine ever could soaking in the flavors The crispy topping can be made hours ahead and added right before serving Cut broccoli into tiny enough florets for the perfect spoonful in every bite
Success Stories
My cousin started making this for her weekly meal prep after raving about it at a family reunion. Another friend took the recipe to a wellness retreat and said it was the talk of the lunch table. Even broccoli skeptics admit this is downright addictive
Freezer Meal Conversion
This salad is best fresh or refrigerated. Freezing changes the texture of broccoli and the creamy dressing so I would not recommend making this as a freezer meal. For true longevity batch prep the dressing and topping then assemble with fresh broccoli just before serving
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This salad is always a hit and keeps its crunch for hours. Try it next time you want a crowd pleaser packed with flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep the broccoli crisp?
Dry the broccoli thoroughly after washing and keep pieces small to ensure a crunchy bite even after dressing.
- → Can I prepare the bran topping ahead?
Yes, the garlicky bran flake topping can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- → What kind of parmesan works best?
Freshly grated parmesan delivers maximum flavor and melds beautifully with the creamy dressing and crunchy topping.
- → Is there a substitute for anchovy paste?
Finely minced anchovy fillets or a dash of fish sauce can provide a similar umami depth.
- → Can I use pre-cut broccoli florets?
Pre-cut florets are convenient—just ensure they are small and thoroughly dried for best results.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen with time, and the broccoli remains crisp for several hours or overnight.