in the kitchen

in the kitchen

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Broccoli Peanut Salad

Green is THE color tomorrow. Green pancakes or green mint cookies or green pudding are wonderful, (I know that I will have at least one of those,) but I wanted to offer a healthier way to dive into the colored frenzy of the day. (The one day a year I get to wear my shiny green flash eyelashes!) Use green bell pepper and substitute pistachios for the peanuts for a fully VERDANT dish. If you need additional green food ideas check out Broccoli Salad w/ cheese, Spinach Crepes and Arugula Kiwi Salad.

Broccoli Peanut Salad
2 cups chopped broccoli, tough stems discarded
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup roughly chopped roasted, salted peanuts
1/3 cup cooked bacon crumbles, about 3 slices, (optional)
1 medium avocado, diced
Place all ingredients except avocado in a bowl and toss with the peanut dressing. Add the avocados and mix gently. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Peanut Dressing
3 tablespoons peanutbutter
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Place ingredients in a microwave safe dish and microwave for about 20 seconds. Mix thoroughly with a fork or flat whisk. Pour over salad and toss.
Hints: You can choose not to use the bacon if you want a vegan dish. The best result is, of course, with a perfectly ripe avocado. The dressing options of red pepper flakes and honey will give you a sweeter and hotter result -- which I prefer. This dish can be a light meal on it's own; it is also a great accompanying dish for fish, pork or chicken meals. It holds well and is perhaps even better the next day after chilling overnight. Terrific with a tuna sandwich on rye bread.

The smooth avocado amid the crunchy veggies and peanuts is blissful. The strong broccoli, pepper and bacon flavors require a strongly flavored dressing which is exactly what this peanut butter dressing is. What a great way to get several of your five daily veggie servings!

2 comments:

  1. Yum. Looks so good! I think we need to see a pic of those green lashes! Tristie

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  2. I am going to have to try this one!

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