Broccoli, Date & Cabbage Salad w/ Spiced Nuts

Another broccoli salad?   

Yes, but this one has cabbage and dates, 2 ingredients I love.

I can't say enough good things about this healthy, crunchy, delicious dish.

It would be great at summer parties, and it keeps well at room temperature.

The tahini dressing is delicious, and I finally found a tahini that I actually like.  (I bought it at World Market, and it is just called "Mediterranean Sesame Paste Tahini" made in Greece, you can order it online).

The recipe is from Eric Greenspan, and he uses spiced peanuts, but by all means, use almonds or cashews if you prefer.

A tip:  don't substitute green cabbage for the red/purple cabbage.  The regular cole slaw mix cabbage does not hold up well to the tahini dressing (I tried it!!)......stick with the thicker, heartier purple cabbage......plus it's prettier!

Crunchy Broccoli, Date & Cabbage Salad:

medium size head of broccoli, cut into small florets

1/2 head of purple cabbage, sliced into thin ribbons

1/2 cup of medjool dates, sliced into pieces

1/4 cup of spiced nuts (you can buy them at Trader Joe's or make them yourself)

Dressing:

1/4 cup tahini

1 tbsp warm water

2 tbsp honey

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

sea salt & pepper

*Nuts:

1/3 cup of nuts of your choice

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp chili powder

black pepper

Make the nuts:  In a small skillet, add in a tablespoon of olive oil and the nuts.

Add the spices and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes until the nuts are nice and toasty are fragrant (watch that you don't burn them).   Set nuts aside.

*(you could also use candied nuts, which I make in a pan with maple syrup......Trader Joe's has many delicious varieties).

Blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes in boiling water (I do this in the microwave with a little water at the bottom of a Pyrex bowl).   Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and let cool.

Add in the chopped dates and sliced cabbage. 

Mix up the dressing ingredients in a measuring cup and pour over the salad.

Garnish with the spiced. nuts.

I will be making this again and again.