Easy Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Vegan Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, colorful, and refreshing dish tossed in a luscious, dairy-free creamy dressing. It’s packed with fresh broccoli, sweet and savory add-ins like dried cranberries and sunflower seeds, and a tangy, slightly sweet vegan dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weeknight meals, this salad is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh broccoli florets
red onion
dried cranberries
sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
shredded carrots
vegan bacon bits or coconut bacon (optional)

for the creamy dressing:
vegan mayo
apple cider vinegar
maple syrup or agave
Dijon mustard
salt
black pepper

directions

Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Thinly slice red onion and shred carrots if not pre-shredded.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded carrots.

In a separate bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and soften the broccoli slightly.

Top with vegan bacon bits just before serving, if using.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add cubed apples or grapes for a fruity twist.
Use slivered almonds or chopped walnuts instead of sunflower seeds.
Mix in cooked quinoa for extra protein and bulk.
Swap out vegan mayo for cashew cream or plain vegan yogurt for a different base.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze as the texture of the broccoli and dressing will change.
Stir before serving if the dressing separates slightly.
Best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh is best for crunch, but you can blanch frozen broccoli briefly and chill before using.

Is the salad sweet or savory?
It’s a balanced mix of both—sweet from cranberries and maple, savory from the creamy dressing and seeds.

What’s a good nut-free option for crunch?
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds work great for a nut-free crunch.

Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Can I make the dressing oil-free?
Try a base of blended tofu or unsweetened vegan yogurt for an oil-free alternative.

Do I have to use vegan bacon bits?
They’re optional—skip or substitute with roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika for flavor.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your mayo and mustard labels.

Conclusion

This Easy Vegan Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its crisp texture, sweet-savory balance, and rich dressing make it a standout dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, side dish, or make-ahead salad, this one hits all the marks.

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