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Fresh Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Without Mayo Easy Crunchy Recipe for Summer

fresh broccoli cauliflower salad without mayo - featured image

A light, crunchy, and tangy broccoli and cauliflower salad without mayonnaise, perfect for summer and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, lightly toasted (or toasted pecans/almonds)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (fresh seasonal berries optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the broccoli and cauliflower. Chop into bite-sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches each (about 15 minutes).
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sunflower seeds and toast, tossing frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. If desired, soak in cold water for 10 minutes and drain to mellow flavor.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified (about 5 minutes). Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, toasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and parsley.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss well to coat evenly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and soften veggies slightly (optional but recommended).
  8. Before serving, toss salad again and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Use firm, fresh broccoli and cauliflower for best crunch. Toasting seeds enhances nuttiness and flavor. Letting salad rest in fridge for 30 minutes improves flavor melding. Adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to taste. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Salad keeps fresh in airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if salad feels dry after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, cauliflower salad, no mayo salad, summer salad, crunchy salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option