Dinner

The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe

Name: The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked; 1/4 cup water; 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp minced garlic; Heaping 1/2 tsp sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 large broccoli crowns (florets only), finely chopped; 1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved; 1/3 cup roasted salted almonds, finely chopped; 3/4 cup diced red onion; 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins

ByLila Prescott November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

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Introduction

This vibrant vegan broccoli salad is a perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a refreshing dish ideal for quick lunches or as a colorful side at any gathering.

A large white bowl filled with a fresh salad that has several layers: bright green broccoli florets form the main layer, mixed with smaller pieces of dark red grapes and chopped light brown nuts scattered throughout. The salad also has creamy white dressing drizzled unevenly on top, and two light golden wooden spoons rest inside the bowl, partially buried in the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a subtle pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked
1/4 cup water

2 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp minced garlic
Heaping 1/2 tsp sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper
2 large broccoli crowns (florets only), finely chopped
1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved

1/3 cup roasted salted almonds, finely chopped
3/4 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions

Step 1: Place cashews in a bowl. Cover with water and soak for 2 hours or overnight. For quicker preparation, soak cashews in hot water for 10 minutes if using a high-speed blender.
Step 2: Drain the cashews, then add them to a blender along with water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: In a medium or large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, halved grapes, chopped almonds, diced red onion, and dried cranberries or raisins.

Step 4: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Swap almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a splash more apple cider vinegar.
To make it gluten-free, ensure dried cranberries or raisins have no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may thicken; stir gently and add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar before serving to loosen it. Best served cold but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.