Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (for crunch)
- 1/4 cup diced apple (optional, for a sweet and crisp touch)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for extra texture)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini (or any creamy nut butter like almond or peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed (to thin the dressing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Cut the broccoli into small florets, removing the tough stems. If you prefer, you can also chop the stems into small pieces and use them for extra crunch.
- Slice the red onion thinly, shred the carrots, and chop the apple if using.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard (if using), and olive oil.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, shredded carrots, dried cranberries (or raisins), sunflower seeds (or almonds), and diced apple (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve:
- For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
Tips:
- You can make the salad ahead of time, but wait to add the nuts and seeds until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes to customize the salad to your taste.
- For a slightly different flavor, you can use a lemon-tahini dressing or add fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
This Vegan Broccoli Salad is a great balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, with a variety of textures to keep each bite interesting. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight side. Enjoy!
