On Monday afternoon in a Sunnyside apartment kitchen, the season’s heat lingered as Kay Chun prepared a broccoli salad for lunch. The dish relies on a brief blanch of broccoli florets, left warm enough to absorb a miso-ginger dressing. The result is a salad suited for the humid days closing out June.

Diners across Queens and Manhattan have been seeking lighter options as temperatures climb. At lunchtime on Tuesday, a Midtown deli offered a similar broccoli salad at $7.50 for a half-pint container. Customers, many in office attire, selected it alongside cold noodles and iced tea.

The home version uses white miso, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil. Chun’s method encourages tossing the broccoli while still warm, allowing the dressing to settle into each piece. Toasted sesame seeds finish the dish.

As outdoor seating fills up at neighborhood cafes, salads like these offer relief from the heavier fare of winter. Several local chefs noted that miso-based dressings have become more common on menus this June, paired with vegetables that hold their texture.

With July approaching, the broccoli salad joins a growing list of quick, cold dishes being served in apartments and restaurants alike. For many, it is a way to keep meals simple without turning on the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in the miso-ginger dressing for broccoli salad?

The dressing uses white miso, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil.

How is the broccoli prepared for the salad?

The broccoli florets are briefly blanched and tossed with the dressing while still warm to absorb the flavors.

How much does a broccoli salad with miso-ginger dressing cost at a Midtown deli?

A Midtown deli sold a similar broccoli salad for $7.50 per half-pint container at lunchtime.

Why are miso-based dressings becoming more popular in New York?

Several local chefs noted that miso-based dressings have become more common on menus in Queens and Manhattan in June, especially paired with vegetables that hold their texture.

Why is broccoli salad with miso-ginger dressing popular in summer?

The salad is refreshing and light, making it suitable for hot, humid days and offering relief from heavier winter dishes.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.