Orange Broccoli Red Pepper Salad (hot or cold)

A simple and delicious IMMUNITY BOOSTING hot or cold side dish everyone will love!   Enjoy fresh oranges on the side for the hot dish, or mixed right into the cold one.

– 3 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1″ or smaller pieces
– 1 medium red bell pepper cut into thin strips
– 2 peeled oranges, halved and sliced thin

COLD/ROOM TEMP DRESSING
1T olive oil
1 clove minced garlic
1/2t thyme
1/3c orange juice
2t dijon mustard
as desired: salt, pepper, squeeze of fresh

HOT SIDE SAUCE
1T butter
3 green onions sliced on diagonal
1 clove minced garlic
dash of red pepper flakes
1 1/2 t cornstarch
2/3c orange juice
2t dijon mustard

Directions
Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket. Place over 1 to 2 inches of boiling water, cover and steam for 6-8 minutes or just until crisp tender and dark green.
If making hot side, add red pepper to steamer basket for last minute of steaming.
Empty steamer basket into medium mixing bowl and choose either the COLD or HOT directions to continue:

COLD SALAD:
Add thin strips of red pepper and orange slices to bowl
In medium measuring cup, add oil, garlic, thyme, orange juice, and mustard, whisk together and pour over veggies and fruit.
Mix together and let marinate for 30 minutes before serving for flavors to absorb

HOT SIDE:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter, add green onions, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
Cook until onion is tender.
Stir in cornstarch, orange juice and mustard.
Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and bubbly; stir and continue to cook for 2 minutes more. Place steamed broccoli and red pepper in a serving bowl, pour sauce over and toss gently to coat.
Add orange slices to top and edges of bowl and serve