Best Vegetarian Broccoli Salad Recipe

Here’s a delicious Vegetarian Broccoli Salad recipe that combines fresh ingredients with a creamy dressing, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

8 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 3 heads)
2 cups shredded red cabbage or baby kale
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup sliced almonds (or sunflower seeds)

For the Dressing:

1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 5 minutes)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for color)
3/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing:

Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender. Add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, turmeric, and water. Blend until very smooth and creamy. Adjust the water to achieve your desired dressing consistency.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cabbage or kale, diced red onion, dried cranberries, pepitas, and sliced almonds.

Combine and Chill:

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serve:

Enjoy chilled as a refreshing side dish!

Tips:

Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it refrigerated until serving.
Add More Flavor: Consider adding diced apples or grapes for sweetness, or bacon-flavored vegan bits for a smoky taste.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute cashews with silken tofu blended with the same dressing ingredients for a nut-free version.

Here are some ideas and answers to your questions about variations and enhancements for your vegetarian broccoli salad:

Variations of Broccoli Salad Recipe

Thai Broccoli Salad: Add shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and a spicy peanut dressing made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, and lime juice for a flavorful twist [2][5].
Spicy Broccoli Salad: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You can also add raisins or sunflower seeds for sweetness and crunch [1][6].
Chili Broccoli Salad: Combine broccoli with roasted pistachios, fresh chilies, and a lime-chili dressing for a unique flavor profile [3].
Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad: Add dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and a honey-mustard dressing to create a sweet and tangy version.

Substituting Ingredients

Dressing: If you want a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative.
Nuts/Seeds: Swap out pepitas for sunflower seeds or walnuts based on your preference.
Sweeteners: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup in the dressing.

Making the Salad Spicy

Add Fresh Peppers: Include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for fresh heat.
Spicy Dressing: Incorporate sriracha or hot sauce into the dressing to give it an extra kick.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the salad before serving.

Good Dips to Pair With Broccoli Salad

Hummus: A classic dip that complements the freshness of the salad.
Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing can be served on the side for dipping.
Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole pairs well with the crunch of broccoli.
Spicy Peanut Sauce: This can enhance the flavors if you go with a Thai-inspired salad.

Using Frozen Broccoli

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this salad! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before mixing it into the salad. Blanching frozen broccoli briefly in boiling water can help improve its texture and color.

These tips will help you customize your vegetarian broccoli salad to suit your taste preferences while keeping it delicious and satisfying!

This vegetarian broccoli salad is not only vibrant and nutritious but also packed with flavor and texture! Enjoy!