Broccoli With Sesame Dressing
A flavorful casserole combining tender broccoli and spinach with a tangy sesame-vinegar dressing, topped with crunchy onion rings. This dish offers a savory blend of Asian-inspired flavors and comforting textures, perfect for a family dinner or potluck where everyone will enjoy its vibrant taste and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch broccoli ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- salad oil (to make 1/2 cup total with sesame oil) ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper
- garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- pinch of red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pimiento or marinated red pepper ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen broccoli, chopped ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen spinach, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spinach and broccoli as directed.
- Drain well.
- Mix the cooked vegetables with sesame dressing ingredients, including rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seed, and red pepper.
- Add chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, pimiento or marinated red pepper, sliced water chestnuts, and half of the onion rings to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Add half of the remaining onion rings on top of the casserole.
- Mix well and add the rest of the onion rings on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of chili oil for extra heat or substituting the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. For a crunchier texture, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas. If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sunday Morning Beef Stew for a hearty dinner. For a vegetarian option, serve it with rice or quinoa. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be cautious not to overcook the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Sesame Dressing contains roughly 519 calories, with 10g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1566mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch it briefly before mixing with the dressing to maintain its vibrant color and crunch. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce or a can of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider using a creamy cashew sauce or a plant-based cream soup alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture. For an extra kick, drizzle some sriracha or chili sauce over the top before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).