Description
A fresh and vibrant Broccoli Salad combining crunchy broccoli florets with creamy plant-based dressing and a mix of smoky, nutty, and sweet ingredients. This versatile salad is easy to prepare, nutrient-packed, and perfect for any meal of the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based bacon bits
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Broccoli: Start by washing and cutting your broccoli into bite-sized florets. To enhance crunchiness and preserve the brilliant green color, give them a quick blanch in boiling water for one minute, then plunge into ice-cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), honey or maple syrup (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing should taste balanced with a hint of sweet and tangy.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets, red onion slices, plant-based bacon bits, nuts or seeds, and dried fruit. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve chilled, garnished with extra sunflower seeds or fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- Make sure the broccoli is dry before mixing to avoid watery salad.
- Adjust the honey or maple syrup quantity in dressing based on your preference for sweetness.
- Lightly toast nuts or seeds to deepen their flavor and add extra crunch.
- Cut all ingredients into similar sizes to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Prepare the salad a few hours before serving to allow flavors to blend well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, plant-based, vegan salad, gluten free, healthy lunch, easy salad, creamy dressing
