Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries is a lightened up version of a classic American recipe. And it’s vegan and gluten free.
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 Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries as a side dish or combine it with a couple of other salads.
Some of my favorites are Tropical Chickpea Salad and Rainbow Confetti 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 Broccoli Salad for a crowd or to bring to a potluck.
And perhaps you’re looking for other salad makeovers.
I love this Roasted Chickpea Fattoush Salad.
And this Vegan Curried Chicken Salad.
And don’t forget an Italian Chopped Salad.
There are so many delicious salad remakes!
Now let’s make Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries!
And look how easy it is to make Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries in this short 60 second video!

Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds and Cranberries
This lightened up version of the classic salad is full of flavors and textures to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise (I used Just Mayo)
- 1 Tbsp 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!
Recipe Notes
If you make Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds and Cranberries, or any of the other recipes on the website, I would love to see your creations!
Use the hashtag #veggiessavetheday on Instagram and tag Veggies Save The Day so I don’t miss seeing what’s cooking in your kitchen. In addition, you can post your photos on the Facebook page Veggies Save The Day.

Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
I love a good broccoli salad! The crunch it has is my favorite texture!
Amy says
Me too, Sophia!
Strength and Sunshine says
Well that’s a great mix of crunchy veggie goodness!
Amy says
Thank you! No soggy broccoli salad here!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Yum, I love broccoli. This looks like such a good salad, and the colors are so festive!
Amy says
Thanks Linda! I think it goes well on any holiday table.
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
Not enough people eat broccoli raw. I love it that way. Your salad sounds delicious!
Amy says
Thanks Mel! I agree!
Becky Striepe says
This looks like it would be lovely on the holiday table. I love a broccoli salad, and adding cranberries is genius.
Amy says
Thanks Becky! I like the colors together. 🙂
Laura says
Yesss!! Cranberries in salads are always so delicious!
Amy says
I love them, too, Laura!
Jenn says
Love broccoli salad. And love that you made it healthier! And perfect for fall with the seeds and cranberries. Yum!
Amy says
Thanks, Jenn!
Luci {Luci's Morsels} says
This looks fabulous to make for picnics or a packed lunch! Thanks!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Amy says
Thanks Luci!
swathi says
You have made broccoli salad to new level love it.
Amy says
That’s the best compliment, Swathi!
Debi at Life Currents says
I love a good veggie filled salad, and this totally fits the bill! Broccoli is so tasty and so good for you, this is the perfect way to present it. Maybe I’ll make this for Thanksgiving dinner (I’m trying to make it a bit healthier this year).
Amy says
Thanks, Debi! I really enjoy veggie salads.
Linda @ Your Daily Food Choices says
What a beautiful healthy salad! So bright and colorful – a perfect salad for the upcoming holidays.
Amy says
Thanks Linda! I love how festive it looks. 🙂
Platter Talk says
Oh boy! I have vowed to use more cranberries in my diet. This recipe makes it easy. Wonderful.
Amy says
Thank you! It doesn’t get much easier!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
I’m loving this fresh broccoli salad!! The colors, flavors, and those sunflower seeds!
Amy says
Thanks Anjali! 🙂
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
I’ve never seen broccoli salad but it’s probably just like macaroni salad that we have here – filled with mayo and other bad stuff. This looks super delicious and healthy too!
Amy says
The traditional one is pretty bad with lots of mayo and bacon. This one is a lot healthier!
Ginny McMeansg says
What a lovely fresh salad. It would be a wonderful lunch so I’m going for it! 🙂
Amy says
Thanks Ginny! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Sarah says
This looks so good—I love that you dressed a summer salad up for fall! And I love broccoli salad because it keeps so well in the fridge. I need to up my veggie intake—gotta make some of this and have it for lunch every day!
Amy says
Thanks Sarah! I know your family loves broccoli!
Uma Srinivas says
Broccoli salad is my favorite one! Thanks for another recipe:)
Amy says
Thank YOU, Uma! I hope you enjoy this version.
Nicole Dawson says
Always love to see salad recipes that go beyond lettuce 🙂
Amy says
Thanks Nicole! I love veggie salads. 🙂
Marie-Pierre Breton says
Simple and healthy just like I love my food! Plus the green from the broccoli and the red from the cranberries are looking fantastic!
Amy says
Thanks so much, Marie-Pierre!
Janet says
Another suggestion other than the vegan mayo, please?
Something around 3g of fat if possible?
Thank you
Amy says
You could either look for a non-dairy plain yogurt, or skip the mayo and just use a little vinegar.