By Sunwarrior Last edited 5-29-24
With the soaring temperatures, heavy meals, and side dishes feel, well . . . heavy, but this deliciously creamy, vegan broccoli salad is light and refreshing while also being filling. The dressing adds that silky richness the broccoli is craving for and provides an excellent addition to any neighborhood or family picnic or backyard barbecue!
Typically, a recipe for broccoli salad will call for mayo, sugar, and sometimes cheese. To make a raw vegan version, the silky dressing is made of cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of sweeter and voila! Mixing in cashews, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds gives this salad an extra boost of nutrients and a delightful texture. If you suffer from a nut allergy, you can omit the nuts. Use a nut-free vegan mayo, and add another crunchy vegetable such as carrots (diced finely) or radishes.
Vegan Broccoli Salad
Dressing
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews (soaked for 6 hours)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sunwarrior Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
Salad ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 tablespoon Sunwarrior Chia Seeds
Directions
Place cashews in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for 6-8 hours
Drain water from the cashews and place in a food processor with 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, turmeric, and salt. Blend until smooth. Remove from food processor and place into a small container. Place all salad ingredients into a large bowl. Pour dressing onto the salad, mix in, and place in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour. The flavors meld together better if you can go longer, such as 3-4 hours, but you do need at least 1 hour.
Storage: This salad keeps up to three days in the fridge. Just ensure that you place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Pro Tip: The flavors meld together better if you let the salad sit for 3-4 hours, but you do need at least 1 hour in the fridge.
Serve this salad at your next gathering, and watch as your friends and family enjoy every bite. They won’t believe it’s vegan and will be asking for seconds! Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Your friends and family won’t believe it’s vegan and will be asking for seconds!
