Broccoli Caesar Salad
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This broccoli caesar salad combines crispy roasted broccoli with the familiar flavors of a classic caesar salad. It’s a hearty and flavorful salad that pairs perfectly with pasta but complements just about any meal. The homemade dressing makes enough for leftovers, and it’s all ready in just 30 minutes!
This broccoli Caesar salad has everything I love about a classic Caesar, just with a little extra flair. I roast the broccoli until it’s tender and lightly sweet, which gives the salad a depth of flavor you don’t get from raw greens alone.
Instead of bacon, I use prosciutto for a more delicate, savory bite, and I always add a handful of homemade croutons for crunch. It’s easy enough to throw together on a weeknight alongside a bowl of pasta, but polished enough to serve when I’m entertaining and want something that feels a little special.
If you love unique Caesar salad recipes, also try my arugula Caesar salad with crouton crispies and my brussels sprouts Caesar salad.
Ingredient notes
Less is more when it comes to the ingredients in this roasted broccoli caesar salad.
- Prosciutto: we swap traditional bacon for prosciutto; its grown-up, salt-cured relative. When fried, prosciutto adds a nice salty crunch to the salad.
- Homemade caesar salad dressing: our easy caesar dressing is quick, creamy, and full of garlic flavor. You’ll only need about half of the recipe for this salad, so you’ll have some you can use for another salad later in the week – bonus!
- Croutons: we use homemade croutons which are much tastier than store-bought, and you can bake them at the same time as the broccoli. You can use gluten-free bread as well. If you’re short on time, caesar-style croutons from the store work as well.
Plus, you’ll need a few other simple ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, shaved parmesan cheese, and lemon slices (for serving).
What to serve with broccoli caesar salad
This roasted broccoli caesars salad is hearty enough that you can enjoy it as a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with other Italian-inspired foods such as our cheesy white bean tomato bake, lemon chicken pasta, or butternut squash pizza.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing, the prosciutto, and the croutons up to 1 day ahead of time. For the best texture, we recommend roasting the broccoli and tossing everything together with the dressing right before serving.
How long does the dressing keep in the fridge?
Store the leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Broccoli Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium heads of broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- 8 ounces prosciutto
- ½ cup caesar salad dressing (see notes)
- 1 cup croutons (see notes)
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan (see notes)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pile the broccoli florets on a baking tray, drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix the broccoli so that every piece is lightly coated in the oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until they are tender and covered in dark golden spots.2 medium heads of broccoli, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto, working in batches if needed, and cook until crispy, about 3 minutes per side. When it's cool enough to handle, break the crispy prosciutto into pieces.8 ounces prosciutto
- If you're making homemade croutons and dressing, make them while the broccoli is roasting.1 cup croutons, ½ cup caesar salad dressing
- Let the broccoli cool for several minutes and then transfer it to a salad bowl. Add the crispy prosciutto, croutons, and parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Serve right away with extra parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.¼ cup shaved parmesan, Lemon slices
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
More broccoli recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of our salad recipes!
love it want to a make it but your recipie doesnt have any garlic! lol could you post the quantity thank you diana from toronto
Caesar salad HAS to have garlic! I usually put a clove in the dressing. Sometimes two if I want it extra garlicky. 🙂
Um, Kristen? I have something to tell you….
I’m kind of obsessed with you! Seriously, girl, this salad a) is genius and b) looks unbelievable. Prosciutto-wrapped broccoli?! Come on!
Oh, and I’m not weird about the salmonella deal, either, but then again when I was prego o would eat plates and plates of salmon sashimi, ha!
Haha I love it!!!
So happy to hear I’m not the only one who thinks that way. I also ate a ton of sashimi when I was pregnant and didn’t worry about it at all. It’s so good!