Description
A fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed Broccoli Salad that combines crisp broccoli florets with wholesome plant-based ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and customizable with seasonal produce, this salad is ideal for any season and pairs beautifully with various meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (lightly toasted for enhanced aroma and crunch)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (natural)
- 1 tsp mustard (natural)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (plant-based cheese alternatives optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped apples or pears
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled plant-based feta or Parmesan (plant-based)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, removing any tough stems to ensure tenderness and maintain crispness for the salad texture.
- Chop Additional Vegetables: Finely dice the red onion to add a mild sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients. Prepare any optional fruits or herbs if using variations.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise (plant-based), apple cider vinegar (natural), maple syrup (natural), mustard (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy. This creates a sweet and tangy creamy dressing that binds the salad well.
- Combine and Toss: Place broccoli florets, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to soften the broccoli slightly for the best texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a softer broccoli texture, blanch the florets briefly in boiling water then cool in ice water before using.
- Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing by tasting and modifying ingredients before combining with the salad.
- Always use the freshest broccoli and vegetables for optimal taste and crunch.
- Prepare the salad ahead of time for deeper flavor; toss gently again before serving.
- Lightly toast sunflower seeds to enhance their aroma and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Plant-Based Salad, Healthy Side Dish, Vegan Salad, Gluten Free Salad
