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Vegan Broccoli Salad: The Ultimate Healthy & Delicious Recipe

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Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet vegan broccoli salad with sunflower seeds, cranberries, and vegan bacon bits. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup vegan bacon bits (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup vegan mayonnaise (I prefer the Follow Your Heart brand)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Chop the Red Onion: Finely chop the red onion. If sensitive to raw onion taste, soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  3. Roast Sunflower Seeds (Optional): If using raw sunflower seeds, roast them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or toast in a dry skillet until golden brown. Let cool.
  4. Prepare Vegan Bacon Bits: If using store-bought, open the package. If making your own, prepare according to your chosen recipe.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Taste and Adjust Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tanginess, or salt for saltiness.
  7. Chill Dressing (Optional): For best flavor, chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and vegan bacon bits.
  9. Add Dressing: Pour the vegan creamy dressing over the salad ingredients.
  10. Toss Gently: Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  11. Chill Before Serving: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Lightly Steam Broccoli (Optional): Steam broccoli for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Cool completely before adding to the salad.
  • Add Other Vegetables: Shredded carrots, chopped celery, or bell peppers can be added.
  • Use Different Nuts/Seeds: Almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can be substituted for sunflower seeds. Roast for best flavor.
  • Add Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Check labels of vegan mayonnaise and bacon bits to ensure they are gluten-free.
  • Make Ahead: Can be made up to 3 days in advance, but sunflower seeds may lose crunch.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: Agave nectar or other sweeteners can be used instead of maple syrup.
  • Vinegar Variation: White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used instead of apple cider vinegar.
  • Herb Addition: Fresh dill or parsley can be added just before serving.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/vegan-broccoli-salad/