Broccoli Egg Salad with Sesame Mayo
Japanese Broccoli Egg Salad with Sesame Mayo
If you're looking for an easy vegetable side dish that feels both nourishing and satisfying, this Japanese Broccoli Egg Salad with Sesame Mayo is a recipe you'll want to keep on repeat.
Broccoli is in my weekly shopping list as my kids like eating them and it’s always a lovely color adding into their bento. It's often just boiled and eaten, but pairing with simple pantry ingredients to create flavorful side dishes makes vegetables much more exciting. This version combines broccoli, boiled eggs, and a creamy sesame mayo dressing for the perfect balance of savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors.
The best part? It comes together in about 15 minutes and works beautifully as a side dish for busy weeknight dinners, lunch boxes, or meal prep.
Why You'll Love This Broccoli Egg Salad
Easy and beginner-friendly
Ready in about 15 minutes
High in protein from eggs
Great for meal prep
Kid-friendly and family-approved
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Tips for Success
Use Freshly Ground Sesame Seeds - Grinding sesame seeds releases their natural oils and creates a much richer flavor than using pre-ground sesame.
Don't Overcook the Broccoli - The broccoli should stay vibrant green and slightly firm. Overcooking can make the salad watery.
Make It Ahead - This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep and bento lunches.
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup broccoli
2 boiled eggs
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp japanese mayonnaise
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
Cook the Eggs
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Carefully add the eggs and cook for 8 minutes. Transfer to cold water and peel once cooled.
Steam the Broccoli
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Place in a pot with 2 tablespoons of water.
Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still bright green.
Make the Sesame Mayo Dressing
Grind the sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
In a bowl, combine: Ground sesame seeds, mayonnaise, sugar, soy sauce
Mix until smooth.
Assemble
Add the cooked broccoli to the dressing and gently mix until coated.
Finally add boiled eggs, break into halves with a spoon or a spatula.
Serve immediately or chill before serving.
FAQ
Can I make broccoli egg salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use roasted broccoli instead?
Absolutely. Roasted broccoli adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that works beautifully with the sesame dressing.
What type of mayonnaise should I use?
Japanese mayonnaise provides the richest, umami-packed flavor, but regular mayonnaise works well too.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Corn, edamame, carrots, and snap peas are great additions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
You May Also Like
If you enjoy sesame-based Japanese side dishes, try this Japanese Spinach Gomaae recipe.
Another classic Japanese vegetable side dish is Eggplant Agebitashi.
Looking for another quick vegetable side? This Napa Cabbage Tuna Salad is perfect.
Serve this broccoli egg salad alongside Garlic Miso Salmon for an easy Japanese-inspired meal.
