Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a dish that's not only vibrant but also packed with flavor and nutrients? Introducing the Amazing Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries—a delightful medley of crisp broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds that will make your taste buds dance! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this refreshing salad that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a summer picnic or a cozy dinner at home. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you'll be coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broccoli. Rinse 4 cups of broccoli florets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, chop the florets into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. This will help retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. After blanching, immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.
- While the broccoli is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Dice 1/4 cup of red onion finely and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of vegan mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This will serve as the dressing for your salad.
- Once the broccoli has cooled and drained, add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a day before serving.
- Serve the Amazing Vegan Broccoli Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish as a side or a light main course!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, select bright green broccoli florets that are firm and free from yellowing.
- Blanching Technique: Don’t skip the blanching step! It not only enhances the color but also keeps the broccoli crisp. Make sure to plunge it into ice water immediately after boiling to lock in that crunch.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add in some chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a hearty grain like quinoa.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
