This Healthy Broccoli Salad combines crisp broccoli, chewy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette to create a perfect side for any occasion.
Why you’ll love this
- Nutritious. A lighter take on a classic summer side dish, this broccoli salad is packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Perfect for Parties. Because this salad is great made in advance, it’s the perfect side to make for a large gathering!
- Delicious. Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly tasty! This salad has the perfect balance of crunchy, crisp, and chewy in every bite.
- Versatile. Leave it as is for the perfect plant-based summer side dish, or top with grilled chicken or tofu to make it more filling.
Ingredients
- Red Wine Vinaigrette – my homemade recipe is simply the best! I don’t recommend using store bought, because it’s such an important part in flavoring this salad.
- Broccoli – you’ll need a 1 1/2 pound head of broccoli to get 1 pound of florets. For the best texture, be sure to chop the broccoli in small bite-size pieces.
- Red Onion – again, for the best texture, be sure to chop finally. If red onion is too pungent for you, try green onion instead.
- Dried Cranberries – another dried fruit such as raisins, dried cherries, or even finally chopped dates would be nice. I don’t recommend fresh fruit, because you won’t get the same chewy texture.
- Crumbled Feta – crumbled goat cheese or freshly shaved parmesan would also be delicious. To keep this plant-based, use a vegan feta.
- Sunflower Seeds – use roasted and salted for the best flavor. Replace with additional almonds, if there are any seed allergies.
- Slivered Almonds – replace with additional sunflower seeds if there’s an almond allergy. Roasted salted cashews or pecans may work as well. You’ll need 1 (2 oz) bag, which is about 1/4 cup.
How to make
- Make the dressing. Make the red wine vinaigrette according to recipe instructions.
- Stir the salad. Stir together chopped broccoli, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, sunflower seeds, and slivered almonds in a large bowl.
- Toss and chill. Toss salad with the desired amount of red wine vinaigrette, then cover and place in the fridge.
- Season and serve. Taste and re-season if necessary, then enjoy!
Tips
- Bite-sized pieces. For the best texture, chop the broccoli and onion into small chunks.
- Make ahead. The dressing needs time to soften and flavor the broccoli, so this is perfect for meal prep!
Do I cook the broccoli?
No, there’s no need to cook broccoli before using it in the salad. Be sure you’re using fresh broccoli, not frozen.
What to serve with healthy broccoli salad
- Protein: The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts, Grilled Tofu
- Additional salads: Vegan Pasta Salad, Potato Salad
- Other sides: Vegan Cornbread
How to store
Leftovers will last in a sealed airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. We actually love this salad better as leftovers. I do not recommend freezing.
– Jennifer
Healthy Broccoli Salad
This Healthy Broccoli Salad combines crisp broccoli, chewy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette to create a perfect side for any occasion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: 6 people
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1 batch red wine vinaigrette
- 1 pound broccoli florets roughly chopped (you’ll need a 1 1/2 pound head of broccoli to get enough)
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta vegan, if necessary
- ¼ cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
- 1 (2 oz) bag slivered almonds
Instructions
- Make the red wine vinaigrette according to recipe instructions, then set aside.
- Place chopped broccoli, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, sunflower seeds, and slivered almonds into a large bowl and toss to combine.
- Toss with the desired amount of red wine vinaigrette (you probably won't use all of it), then cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.
- Taste and re-season (or toss with additional dressing), if necessary, then enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:4 Days
Freezer:N/A
Reheat:N/A
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Broccoli Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 large scoop)
Calories 282 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 389mg17%
Potassium 377mg11%
Carbohydrates 20g7%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 525IU11%
Vitamin C 70mg85%
Calcium 135mg14%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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