Meatless Monday – Maple Mustard Broccoli Salad
Enhance Your Palate in the Most Delightful Way!
In this week’s Meatless Monday recipe we have the Maple Mustard Broccoli Salad! This dish is an amazing, flavor sensation! With the unique blend of sweet and tangy you’ll fall in love with a salad.. just be sure to tell your other Plantfire salads that their time will come again. We don’t want any GREEN envy ;)Sweet, tangy, crunchy, and rich.. get ready to taste “mustard” like never before! But first, you know what I have to do.. let’s talk about why eating this delicious meal is also great for your health:
Broccoli – We all know that broccoli is great for our bodies! We’ve been raised with the little, cartoon broccoli guy flexing and smiling at us.. but do we know why? Here’s a good way to get things kicked off – Broccoli is the MOST nutrient-packed veggie! Broccoli’s note-worthy nutrients include Vitamins A & C, folic acid, calcium & fiber. I recently posted a video about the Dangers of Dairy, Broccoli is a great way to get yourself the calcium you need! It’s fiber count is high and impressive – Broccoli has both soluble and insoluble fiber, which (in Laymen’s terms) means that you are ingesting just the right blend of fiber to keep your system in perfect working order. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore isolated from broccoli an element, called sulforaphane, that increases the activity of a group of enzymes in our bodies that squelch cancer-causing agents!
Dijon Mustard – If you’re like most people the word “mustard” usually conjures up an image of ballpark hotdogs, cookouts, or family BBQs.. but once you add the purest form of this condiment to your healthy diet, you’ll find it takes on a whole new connotation! Dijon Mustard is made from the brown or black mustard seed, and this little seed has some amazing benefits! Dijon Mustard is rich in magnesium which has been recorded as playing a role in reducing high blood pressure and preventing heart attacks. The Natural Food Benefits has stated that this mineral may help prevent cancer, as well as reducing symptoms of asthma and certain types of arthritis. The mustard seed is from the mustard plant, which is chronicled as a cruciferous vegetable. You know what else is cruciferous? Broccoli!
Ingredients:
Salad
½ cup black beluga lentils, rinsed.
1 head broccoli, cut into florets (4 cups)
2 shallots, sliced into rings (2/3 cup)
¾ cup chopped almonds.
Maple Mustard Dressing
4 tablespoons apple sauce.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
2 teaspoons maple syrup.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
Instructions
1. To make salad: drain and rinse lentils, then place in medium stockpot with 2 ½ cups water. Bring to a
boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 – 40 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, to make Maple Mustard Dressing: whisk together all ingredients in bowl until smooth.
3. Drain off any remaining liquid from lentils, and transfer to large bowl. Add dressing, and toss to coat.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
4. Serve and garnish with onion and almonds.
Question: How did this recipe go over in your household? Any customization? I’d love to hear your feedback and requests for future recipes! Post away in the comments section below.
Did this recipe speak to your palate? Take a look at my recipe page!
Connect with Vanessa:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram @VanessaChamberlin
Make sure to subscribe to receive these weekly episodes, recipes, inspirations and a free copy of my eBook -Gratitude: A Plantfire 4-Course Meal – straight to your inbox!
This salad is so delicious! I love the dressing! I would never have thought to use applesauce in a salad dressing. I used 1/2 broccoli and 1/2 steamed brussel sprouts. A perfect Fall salad. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lisa,
I’m so glad you prepared and tasted this salad!! I agree on the applesauce, the sweet mixed with the broccoli (and brussel sprouts.. yum!) it’s such an interesting combination, but it’s oh so good! I love with flavor and health come together 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
-Vanessa