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Fresh Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cashews and Cranberries

fresh vegan broccoli salad - featured image

A quick, easy, and delicious vegan broccoli salad featuring crunchy cashews, sweet cranberries, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for busy days or as a refreshing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams)
  • 3/4 cup cashews (about 100 grams), roasted or raw
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (about 70 grams), unsweetened or lightly sweetened
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional), toasted
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets, then chop into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch chunks.
  2. If using raw cashews and sunflower seeds, toast them in a skillet over medium heat: cashews for 3-4 minutes until golden, stirring often; then toast sunflower seeds for 2 minutes. Let cool.
  3. Finely dice 1/4 cup red onion.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cashews, cranberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and chopped parsley.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and soften the broccoli slightly.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to help dressing adhere better. Toast nuts and seeds carefully to avoid burning. For milder onion flavor, rinse diced onion under cold water. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess. Salad tastes best after chilling but can be served immediately if needed. Add a splash of lemon juice before serving if salad has been stored.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan broccoli salad, cashews, cranberries, healthy salad, quick vegan recipe, plant-based, gluten-free