Description
This vibrant vegan broccoli salad combines crunchy broccoli florets, sweet grapes, roasted almonds, and dried cranberries, all coated in a creamy, tangy cashew-based dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, this salad is wholesome, nutrient-rich, and free from dairy and gluten, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- heaping ½ tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 large broccoli crowns (florets only), finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups red grapes, halved
- ⅓ cup roasted salted almonds, finely chopped
- ¾ cup diced red onion
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 2 hours or overnight to soften; alternatively, soak in hot water for 10 minutes if using a high-speed blender or Nutribullet.
- Prepare Dressing: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with water, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, forming a rich dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a medium or large mixing bowl, add finely chopped broccoli florets, halved red grapes, chopped roasted salted almonds, diced red onion, and dried cranberries or raisins.
- Toss Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is well coated.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight softens them for a smoother dressing texture; a quicker hot water soak works if short on time.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, but fresh is best for optimal crunch.
- Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts or pecans according to preference.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Keywords: vegan broccoli salad, cashew dressing, healthy salad, plant-based salad, gluten free salad, dairy free salad, easy vegan recipe
