Description
Broccoli salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and nutrient-packed dish that combines fresh broccoli florets with colorful add-ins and creamy plant-based dressings. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is perfect as a refreshing side or a light main meal, suitable for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion slices
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (natural), chopped
- 1/3 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup plant-based mayonnaise or yogurt (plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of natural gelling agent (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup diced apples or fresh grapes
- 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans (to replace almonds)
- 1 small chopped jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup chickpeas or baked tofu cubes (plant-based protein)
- 2 tablespoons grape juice (natural) and 1 teaspoon mustard (natural) for light vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash thoroughly and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. For a crisper texture, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunge immediately into ice water to stop cooking and preserve the bright green color.
- Chop the Add-Ins: Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop toasted almonds. Prepare any additional fruits or vegetables you plan to add.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise or yogurt, apple cider vinegar (natural), maple syrup (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth. Add a small pinch of natural gelling agent if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Toss the Salad: Combine broccoli, onion, sun-dried tomatoes (natural), nuts, and fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to slightly soften the broccoli while retaining its crunch.
Notes
- Choose fresh broccoli for the best crunch and vibrant color.
- Toast nuts lightly just until golden to enhance flavor without bitterness.
- Start with a small amount of dressing and add more gradually to avoid sogginess.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly as it greatly improves dressing texture.
- Chilling the salad before serving improves taste and texture.
- Serve garnished with extra fresh herbs and toasted nuts for added aroma and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, plant-based salad, gluten free salad, healthy salad, crunchy salad, broccoli recipe
