Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries is a lightened up version of a classic American recipe. And it's vegan and gluten free. It's perfect for lunch or as a side at picnics and barbecues.
An American classic
Broccoli salad is traditionally very fattening with tons of mayonnaise and bacon.
In my opinion, it kind of defeats the purpose of eating broccoli!
But this version contains only a few ingredients.
And you don't even need to turn on the stove.
I like to serve this Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries as a side dish or combine it with a couple of other salads.
Some of my favorites are Chickpea Mango Avocado Salad and Easy Vegan Quinoa Salad.
In addition, it's great with a simple fruit salad.
Combining a few salads makes a complete lunch, which I like to pack in a stainless steel Bento Box for taking on the go.
Moreover, you can make a double batch of Vegan Broccoli Salad for a crowd or to bring to a potluck.
Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries is so easy to make.
First I separate the broccoli into florets.
I like to cut them fairly small.
Then I place the broccoli in a salad bowl and add the sunflower seeds and dried cranberries.
The dressing is made by combining vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper.
It's simple and flavorful.
After the dressing is mixed in, I let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Then it's time to eat!
I love that the broccoli stays crunchy.
You can see in the short video how easy it is to prepare Vegan Broccoli Salad.
Broccoli is very nutritious and readily available year round.
It's a great source of fiber and protein.
In addition, broccoli contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium.
And it's also a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
So the next time someone asks you how you build strong bones if you don't consume dairy, tell them it's the broccoli!
You can also check out this article from BBC Good Food to learn more about the health benefits of broccoli.
And besides eating this cruciferous vegetable in Vegan Broccoli Salad, it's delicious in stir fry and in White Wine Roasted Vegetables.
Storing
This salad can be made in advance and refrigerated until you're ready to serve it. It will last chilled for a couple of days.
Be sure to give the salad a good stir before it's time to eat.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!
Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise, (I used Just Mayo)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the broccoli, sunflower seeds, and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Combine the mayo, vinegar, and salt and pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Chill at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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Diana Cornelis
I have found a new go-to favourite! It makes for a quick lunch or an addition to a picnic basket. Doubled or tripled it would be perfect for a pot luck.
Amy Katz
I'm so happy you are enjoying it, Diana!
Robin Schultz
I don't have cranberries but I do have dried cherries. Would it be ok to sub them?
Amy Katz
Sure! Raisins would be great, too.
Kay
You cannot label it “vegan” if you use mayo. It is made with eggs which is a big no no. There are some VERY tasty vegan mayonnaise out there and this is what I used. If you need sweetness you can add non-granulated sugars too. Many healthier choices. This was made for a pitch in and was a hit.
Amy Katz
I'm glad everyone enjoyed it, Kay!
Krissy
Love this recipe!! I am not vegan but still make it using the vegan mayo and it is just fantastic!! Highly recommend this dish.
Amy Katz
Thanks so much, Krissy!
Diana M
This was a hit and held up all week for lunches. I'll be making this again very soon.
We also added some shredded carrots which gave it some nice color.
Amy Katz
I love your idea of adding carrots, Diana!
Sylvia Mayer
Delicious, simple, stretchable (you don't have to be exact), healthy...what more can you ask? Gets even better as it sits. I use Vegenaise, but doesn't have to take much. Could use a little olive oil, lemon juice and teaspoon of sugar or white grapejuice concentrate. Great basic recipe!
Amy Katz
Thanks Sylvia! I'm happy you enjoyed it!
Janet
Another suggestion other than the vegan mayo, please?
Something around 3g of fat if possible?
Thank you
Amy
You could either look for a non-dairy plain yogurt, or skip the mayo and just use a little vinegar.