This gluten free Broccoli Bean Thread Vermicelli Salad with Hoisin Dressing makes a delicious light lunch, perfect when you are too busy to spend too long in the kitchen and want a quick and convenient but also healthy and satisfying meal.
BROCCOLI SALAD
Broccoli is a very popular vegetable though it can be tricky to prepare successfully. This is because if it’s cooked for too long (even a minute too long) it loses its sweetness, crunch and vibrant green colour. That’s why it’s important to cook the florets for a few minutes only (I cooked mine for about 3 minutes). The stalk is delicious eaten raw and makes a super healthy snack – just remove the tough outer skin, cut into sticks and enjoy!
Both the florets as well as stalk can be added to salads, either raw or cooked. Because this salad contains delicate, soft vermicelli I felt that adding tough, raw broccoli might overshadow it. So for this salad recipe I decided to cook the broccoli to soften it a little.
See also my Grilled Broccoli Stem Hummus!
Bean thread vermicelli is a quick and convenient gluten free ingredient, which can be used in both hot and cold dishes. (It can be made using a variety of ingredients so check the packaging to ensure it’s gluten free). Another plus of this ingredient is that it doesn’t need to be cooked, only soaked in hot water. (See packaging instructions and refer to my Instructions below).
Because this is essentially a 2-ingredient dish there is a number of topping ingredients that you can use in this easy salad. A fresh herb is a must and either cilantro,Thai basil or lemon balm will do. I also used cashew nuts and sesame seeds (both white and black) for some crunch, but you could swap cashews for peanuts if you like (toast them lightly first). Spring onions is another popular ingredient in Asian dishes so it’s a good idea to finish off this salad with a scatter of finely chopped spring onions.
I served my Broccoli Bean Thread Vermicelli Salad with Hoisin Dressing in a large bowl that was also quite shallow, which allowed me to scatter the toppings generously and create a beautiful salad!
Enjoy!
You might also like these Salad Recipe ideas.
I am bringing this recipe to #CookBlogShare, hosted this week by Kirsty at Hijacked by Twins.
I am also sharing this recipe with Meat Free Mondays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday and Fiesta Friday
- 1 large broccoli florets only, large florets chopped into smaller pieces
- 2 portions thread bean vermicelli approx. 100 g
- For the dressing:
- 4.5 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce gluten free available
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil I used rapeseed
- 3.5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1.5 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated garlic
- 1/2 chilli pepper with or without the seeds, finely chopped
- Sea salt and pepper to taste optional
- For the topping:
- Fresh herb of your choice coriander, lemon balm or Thai basil
- 2 spring onions finely chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted cashew nuts
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds white and/or black
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Soak the vermicelli in freshly boiled hot water as per packaging instructions (I soaked mine for about 5 minutes), drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
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Steam or boil the broccoli in a small amount of water for a few minutes until tender but still retaining some crunch and vibrant green colour (don't overcook the florets). Transfer into a bowl and set aside to cool.
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Combine all the dressing ingredients and stir thoroughly.
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In a large bowl combine the vermicelli (chop it up a little first if you like) and the broccoli, pour in the dressing and stir thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper (optional). Add the toppings and enjoy!
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This salad is perfectly balanced for me, lots of veggies! I have a bottle of hoisin in my fridge waiting for this recipe, yum!
Thank you! Glad you like this recipe idea:)
A great and quick dish! I agree with the broccoli, when over cooked it just loose all of it’s charm! This looks very fresh and full of vibrant flavors 🙂
Thank you Petra! Glad you like the recipe:)
This looks so healthy & delicious too! Thanks for linking up to The Creative K Kids’ linky party I can’t wait to see what you share with us next week!
Thank you! So glad I found you linky party:)
I LOVE the sound of this Monika! Just the kind of fresh and delicious food I enjoy.
Thanks Mandy! Glad you like this simple dish:)
I don’t know which one I like better. This or your strawberry salad. I can’t choose! Maybe I’ll just try both! ?
Thanks! They are both very easy to make:)
I’m really interested in trying this dressing, it sounds delicious!
Thank you! Glad you like it:)
Wow, it looks so tasty and healthy too. I love that you’ve added toasted cashews, my favourite. 🙂 #CookBlogShare
Thank you! Glad you like the recipe:)
I love cooking with vermicelli noodles and this salad looks perfect and so easy to make!
Thank you Cliona! The vermicelli makes it a very quick and easy salad indeed:)
I adore borccoli so I know that I would love this dish, it looks like my ideal meal! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Thank you Kirsty! Glad you like the recipe:)
Looks just amazing..i love the freshness of the grated ginger and the chili pepper. Love it.
Thank you! Glad you like this simple recipe:)