Romaine and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing

Romaine and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of romaine, the crunch of broccoli, and the rich flavor of roasted garlic in a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or even as a delightful side for your weekday dinners. With a mix of textures and tastes, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet while tantalizing your taste buds.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Romaine and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing stands out because of its unique dressing. Roasting garlic enhances its natural sweetness and mellows its pungency, creating a creamy, flavor-packed dressing that elevates the entire salad. The combination of fresh vegetables and the rich dressing creates a balance that is both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to put together, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend gatherings.

What Goes In

To make this delightful salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 heads garlic, unpeeled – This will be roasted to create a sweet and creamy dressing.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For roasting the garlic and adding depth to the dressing.
• 1 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base for the dressing.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Adds tanginess and a thinner consistency to the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives – Introduces a mild onion flavor and freshness.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice – Brightens up the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon celery salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a hint of spice.
• 3 whole hearts of Romaine, torn into pieces – The base of the salad, providing crunch.
• 1 pint grape tomatoes – Their sweetness complements the other ingredients.
• 1 cup small broccoli florets – Adds nutrition and texture.
• 1 small English hothouse cucumber, thinly sliced – For a refreshing crunch.
• 8 ounces thinly sliced mushrooms – Contributes an earthy flavor.
• 1 small red onion, sliced thinly – Adds a sharp bite to balance the creaminess.

Essential Tools for Success

Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools:

• Roasting pan – For roasting the garlic effectively.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the dressing ingredients.
• Whisk – To ensure the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
• Salad serving bowl – For assembling and serving the salad.
• Knife and cutting board – For chopping and slicing vegetables.

Stepwise Method: Romaine and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the unpeeled heads of garlic and slice the top off to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and place in the oven. Roast for about 30-35 minutes until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Let it cool slightly before handling.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves into a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, minced chives, lemon juice, celery salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the garlic is roasting, wash and prepare the vegetables. Tear the romaine into bite-sized pieces, halve the grape tomatoes, cut the broccoli into small florets, thinly slice the cucumber, mushrooms, and red onion.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad serving bowl, combine the torn romaine, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the roasted garlic dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly. Be careful not to overmix to keep the vegetables crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and freshness. Enjoy this Romaine and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, consider these swaps:

• Mayonnaise – Use a vegan mayonnaise or yogurt for a dairy-free option.
• Buttermilk – Substitute with a dairy-free milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Olive oil – Any neutral oil can work, such as avocado or canola oil.
• Mushrooms – Omit if you have a mushroom allergy or replace with additional vegetables.

Insider Tips

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• If you prefer a chunkier dressing, leave some of the garlic cloves whole when mixing.
• Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld.
• Feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days, as the dressing may cause the vegetables to wilt over time. If you plan to make this salad in advance, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.

Quick Q&A

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the roasted garlic dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container until ready to use.

Can I substitute the vegetables in this salad?

Yes! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad a complete meal. Quinoa or farro can also be great additions.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but for best results, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat to prevent the vegetables from wilting.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might love these:

• Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Creamy Avocado Dressing
• Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Time to Try It

Now that you have the recipe for Romaine and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing, it’s time to put your apron on and get cooking! This salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will brighten any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables, this salad will surely impress. Enjoy every bite of this nutritious and flavorful dish!