I know lots of you are throwing out the broccoli stems, just eating the pretty little florets. I also know that you’re not wasting it intentionally, you just don’t see recipes for broccoli stems that often. Who knows what to do with them? Well, let this be a start to new things. Broccoli stems are crisp and crunchy, refreshing, and healthy.
In this recipe, I call for peeled broccoli stems because the skin on the stem can get fibrous and rough. Peel it with a sharp paring knife until you get down to the smooth parts. After they’re chopped up, most won’t even recognize them. The flavors here bring together sweet, tart, and fragrant, somewhat reminiscent of a slaw. It would be great with some pork chops or even fried chicken. Maybe you’ll even fool the kids into eating this.
Broccoli Stem and Cherry Salad
~4 side servings
- 1 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced broccoli stem
- 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries (no added sugar)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
Instructions –
1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegars, sugar, olive oil, mustard, and celery seed. Set aside.
2. Combine broccoli stems, cherries, and shallots in a another bowl. Toss with dressing, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. You may make it a day ahead if you want.
Ahhhh!!! brilliant!!! It drives me crazy to see people throw out the stems because 1) I hate wasting anything and 2) I hate broccoli florets (well okay maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I certainly like the stems better). Love the combo you’ve created with the dried cherries. Will have to try this soon.
aww it makes me sad to see broccoli stems go to waste as well. They are so tasty simply steamed or boiled with a sprinkling of salt – the salt brings out the natural sweetness of the stems. I love the florets as well, but the stems can hold their own just as well.
I have to say that I’m not a fan of raw broccoli, but this recipe is enticing!
my mom likes broccoli stems just plain steamed, but that doesn’t do it for me. this sounds great, and good for you for not wasting those ugly hunks of green!
I always cook the broccoli stems along with the florets. My kids go through stages of only wanting to eat either the stems or the trees–not both. 🙂
Glad to see some stem eaters!
I’ve never used the stems before and they make veggie broths a little more earthy than I’d like (mistake #1 years ago). Awesome idea! I’m guessing dried cranberries would be a likely sub and I’ll eat anything that can be made with cider vinegar, so this is a double yay!
EMC, dried cranberries would be great, and raisins would work too. Lon is big on the cider vinegar too!
This is great, but it’s lacking a little explosion.