Serves 6
3 large heads of Broccoli Crowns, about 6 cups
1.5 cups Strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup Roasted Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup Honey Roasted Pecan Pieces
1/2 cup Dried Craisens, any flavor
1 & 1/2 cups Briannas Blush Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
- Cut broccoli heads into small bite sized florets, no more than an inch in size. Make sure there are no stems and no sun-drenched white stuff on them.
- Boil (blanch) for about a minute, keeping broccoli vibrant green and al dente cooked – a little under cooked.
- Drain and hit with cold water and put in fridge.
- Right before you serve it toss everything together.
Paul’s notes; “All of this is very flexible as far as the add ins like the almonds, pecans and craisens. They make all kinds of that stuff now that would go great in this salad. Make sure that you cut that broccoli up small, it takes time. If you really want to kick it up a notch add in some diced red onion. My wife Sandy and Mike both voted against the diced red onion so we had to serve it on the side.”
Angie’s notes; Paul & Sandy are long time friends of ours and treat us to an amazing fun evening whenever we are in town. Sandy is one of my very best friends, we have been through so much together, she means the world to me. Her daughter and family joined us and brought even more fun and smiles to the evening. Being able to share an evening with them and good food and a drink or two is always a great time. Shhhh those that know us know that it might have been more than a drink or two but who is counting.
As for the meal this time – Paul was serving a broccoli side. Mike & I are not big broccoli fans, but we are big fans of Pauls cooking he always puts on a great meal. So we tried it. When I saw Mike reach for his 3rd helping and I reached for my 2nd I couldn’t believe it. This broccoli salad is outstanding! I can see putting in some cut up grilled steak or chicken and making it a meal. Speaking of good cooks, while Paul’s wife Sandy doesn’t go in the kitchen often when she does she makes some of the best spaghetti sauce. Her secret ingredient – pepperoni. I had never heard of it and it is so good! Bottom line just because you haven’t heard of it or don’t normally like it, try it anyway you never know when it could be your next favorite thing!
