This Broccolini Salad is a vibrant, crisp, and flavor-packed side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for fall—or really any time of the year—it combines lightly blanched broccolini with fresh greens, red onion, golden raisins, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. Tossed with a tangy-sweet white balsamic dressing, it offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. A light, healthy option that’s ready in about 15 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 3 bunches (1 lb) broccolini, coarsely chopped

• 4 cups spinach and/or baby kale, chopped

• ½ cup red onion, sliced

• ½ cup golden raisins

• ½ cup pumpkin seeds

For the dressing:

• ⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar

• 2 tsp whole-grain mustard

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp ground pepper

Directions

1. Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Add the chopped broccolini and cook for 1 minute.

3. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop the cooking.

4. Once cooled, drain again and leave in a colander to dry.

5. In a large salad bowl, combine the broccolini, spinach/kale, red onion, raisins, and pumpkin seeds.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup. While whisking, slowly stream in the olive oil until well combined.

7. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

8. Let the salad sit for 15–20 minutes before serving, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Nutrients

• Calories: 289 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 14g

• Trans Fat: 0.003g

• Sodium: 160mg

• Potassium: 292mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 3212 IU

• Vitamin C: 76mg

• Calcium: 94mg

• Iron: 2mg

Why You’ll Love This Broccolini Salad

This salad brings a perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, earthiness, and brightness—all in one bite. The blanched broccolini retains a tender-crisp texture, while the golden raisins and maple syrup in the dressing provide a subtle sweetness that balances the natural bitterness of the greens. The pumpkin seeds introduce a delightful crunch and earthy undertone, while the red onion cuts through with a mild sharpness. This isn’t your average side salad—it’s a standout dish that elevates any meal with color and flavor.

One of the most attractive qualities of this Broccolini Salad is its versatility. It’s a side dish that can shine next to a roasted chicken, a grilled salmon filet, or even a hearty grain bowl. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks and picnics, as it holds up well over time and doesn’t wilt as quickly as more delicate greens.

A Quick and Easy Recipe That Delivers

In today’s busy world, finding recipes that are both quick and nutritious is essential. That’s where this Broccolini Salad truly shines. Ready in about 15 minutes, it doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills or fancy kitchen tools. The blanching process takes only a minute, preserving the vibrant green color and adding a satisfying crunch.

Making the dressing is equally simple: just whisk together white balsamic vinegar, whole-grain mustard, maple syrup, and olive oil. This tangy-sweet blend not only complements the salad’s ingredients but also enhances their natural flavors. Once tossed together, the salad benefits from sitting for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld—though it can also be chilled for a few hours if you’re prepping ahead.

Health Benefits of Broccolini and Greens

Broccolini is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, calcium, and iron—making it a fantastic vegetable for boosting immunity, supporting bone health, and promoting digestion. Compared to traditional broccoli, broccolini has a milder flavor and a more tender stem, which makes it perfect for salads.

Baby kale and spinach bring their own benefits to the bowl. These leafy greens are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin K, and folate. Eating a variety of greens supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and provides long-lasting energy. Including these greens in a salad is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to increase your daily vegetable intake.

The Magic of White Balsamic Maple Dressing

The white balsamic maple dressing in this recipe is truly what sets this salad apart. White balsamic vinegar has a smoother, lighter taste than traditional balsamic and pairs beautifully with maple syrup’s natural sweetness. Whole-grain mustard adds depth and a slight tang, while extra-virgin olive oil brings creaminess and richness.

This dressing is not only delicious, but it’s also healthier than most store-bought alternatives. With no artificial additives, refined sugars, or preservatives, it supports clean eating goals without compromising on flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of other salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Broccolini Salad

To get the most flavor and texture out of your Broccolini Salad, blanch the broccolini just long enough to tenderize it slightly—about one minute. Then immediately transfer it to an ice water bath to lock in that beautiful green color and stop the cooking process. This step ensures that the broccolini remains crisp and vibrant.

When slicing red onions, opt for thin slices so they don’t overpower the other ingredients. If you’re sensitive to the sharpness of raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Letting the salad rest after it’s tossed with dressing is also key. This allows the flavors to develop and the broccolini to soak in the vinaigrette without losing its crunch. You’ll notice that the taste becomes even more rounded and enjoyable after a brief resting period.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

This salad is ideal for prepping in advance. You can blanch the broccolini and mix the dressing ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together and let it sit for about 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Stored in an airtight container, this salad can last up to 4 hours after being dressed without losing its appeal. If you keep the dressing separate, it can last even longer—up to 2 days—making it a great option for meal prepping or packing for lunch.

Customizing the Salad

While this version is already a star, it’s incredibly easy to customize. Try swapping the golden raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different sweet element. Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a touch of creaminess. For extra protein, toss in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or lentils. You could even make it more filling with a handful of cooked quinoa or farro.

If you want a spicier kick, a dash of chili flakes or a few slices of jalapeño will add heat. For a citrusy twist, swap out the white balsamic for lemon juice and zest. This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your personal taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

A Beautiful Addition to Any Table

Broccolini Salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also visually stunning. The bright green broccolini, deep leafy greens, and ruby red onion slices create a vibrant presentation. The golden raisins add little pops of color, while the pumpkin seeds add texture and contrast. It’s a salad that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for holiday spreads, dinner parties, and weekday meals alike.

Whether you’re entertaining or simply want to treat yourself to a nourishing meal, this salad adds brightness and balance to the plate. It’s the kind of dish that guests will ask for the recipe, and family members will request again and again.

Conclusion

This Broccolini Salad is a celebration of fresh, healthy ingredients brought together in a beautifully balanced way. With just a few simple steps and a quick dressing, you can create a flavorful dish that’s full of texture, nutrients, and vibrant color. It fits perfectly into any meal, from cozy fall dinners to light spring lunches, and can easily be tailored to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a quick side, this salad is a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to green dish for every season.