Souplantation Broccoli Salad Recipe

Souplantation (also known as Sweet Tomatoes) is famous for its delicious broccoli salad. Here’s a vegetarian version inspired by their classic recipe, perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup raisins (or dried cranberries for a twist)
1/2 cup cashews, roasted and salted (or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option)
1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli:

Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets. If you prefer a softer texture, you can steam the broccoli for 1-2 minutes, but it’s best served raw for crunch.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, raisins, and cashews.

Make the Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Toss the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

Chill Before Serving:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the taste and makes it even more delicious.

Serve:

Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side at your next BBQ or picnic!

What other ingredients can I add to make the broccoli salad more interesting?

To make your broccoli salad more interesting, consider adding:

Fruits: Diced apples, pears, or grapes for sweetness.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for creaminess.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for added flavor.
Other Vegetables: Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for color and texture.
Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries for a sweet contrast.

Can I substitute the coleslaw dressing with something else?

Yes, you can substitute coleslaw dressing with various alternatives:

Vegan Mayo-Based Dressing: Use vegan mayonnaise mixed with vinegar and spices.
Yogurt Dressing: Greek yogurt combined with lemon juice and herbs makes a creamy alternative.
Tahini Dressing: Blend tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and water for a nutty flavor.
Peanut Dressing: A peanut butter-based dressing can add a unique twist (see the spicy peanut dressing in the search results) 1.

How can I make the broccoli salad spicy?

To add spice to your broccoli salad:

Jalapeños or Chili Peppers: Finely chop fresh jalapeños or other hot peppers and mix them in.
Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the dressing or on top of the salad.
Spicy Mustard: Use a spicy mustard in place of regular mustard in your dressing.
Sriracha Sauce: Add sriracha directly to the dressing for heat 1 2.

What are some good vegetarian alternatives to bacon bits?

For vegetarian alternatives to bacon bits, consider:

Smoked Tempeh: Crumbled and cooked tempeh can mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
Crispy Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika for crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy and slightly nutty flavor that can enhance salads.
Sunflower Seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds offer a nice crunch without meat.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for your salad. However, it’s best to blanch it first to improve its texture. Here’s how:

Thaw the frozen broccoli in warm water or let it sit at room temperature until softened.
Blanch it by boiling briefly (about 2-3 minutes) until bright green, then plunge it into ice water to stop cooking. This helps maintain color and crunch.

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

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This vegetarian broccoli salad captures the essence of Souplantation’s beloved dish while ensuring it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!