Broccoli Caesar Salad with Anchovy-Garlic Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Broccoli Caesar Salad offers a fresh twist on the classic Caesar by featuring tender long-stemmed broccoli and a flavorful anchovy dressing. It’s a quick, vibrant dish perfect as a light lunch or an elegant side.

Ingredients
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 anchovies in oil
- 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 10g finely grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 300g long-stemmed broccoli
- 2 shop-bought crostini, crushed
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the garlic clove together with the anchovies until they form a paste. Transfer this to a small bowl and whisk in the olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated parmesan, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Step 2: Bring a pan of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Step 3: Arrange the cooked broccoli evenly over four plates. Drizzle generously with the prepared dressing.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the crushed crostini over the salad for added crunch. Finish with a little extra olive oil and a scattering of grated parmesan to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, you can omit the anchovies or substitute with capers.
- Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture.
- If long-stemmed broccoli isn’t available, regular broccoli florets work well too.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated and toss with freshly cooked broccoli before serving to maintain crispness. Avoid storing the salad dressed to preserve the crostini’s crunch.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. Give it a good stir or shake before dressing the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe contains anchovies, which are not vegetarian. To make it vegetarian-friendly, omit the anchovies or replace them with a vegetarian alternative like capers.
Print
Broccoli Caesar Salad with Anchovy-Garlic Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A fresh and flavorful Broccoli Caesar Salad combining tender steamed broccoli, a rich anchovy-garlic dressing, crunchy crostini, and Parmesan for a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 anchovies in oil
- 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 10g finely grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Salad
- 300g long-stemmed broccoli
- 2 shop-bought crostini, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Crush the garlic clove together with the anchovies until they form a coarse paste. Transfer this mixture to a small bowl and whisk together with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, the juice of half a lemon, 10 grams of finely grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Cook the broccoli: Bring a pan of salted water to a boil. Add the 300 grams of long-stemmed broccoli and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is just tender but still retains some crunch. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the cooked broccoli evenly over four plates. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the broccoli. Scatter the crushed crostini on top to add crunchiness. Finally, drizzle a little extra olive oil over each plate and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese to finish.
Notes
- Use fresh anchovies in oil for authentic flavor, but you can substitute with anchovy paste if needed.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to retain a bright color and pleasant texture.
- Crushed crostini adds a nice crunch, but toasted breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the crostini crunchy.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Broccoli Caesar Salad, Caesar Dressing, Healthy Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Broccoli Salad with Crostini

