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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Salads » The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Ever

    ★★★★★ from 100 reviews

    The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Ever

    Published Apr 1, 2019 · Modified Sep 13, 2022 · by Alexis Joseph · 265 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    The creamiest, most decadent and delicious vegan broccoli salad that comes together in just minutes! The perfect potluck dish. You'd never guess it was healthy and dairy-free! 

    Vegan Broccoli Salad in serving bowl

    I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that this quite possibly may be the only broccoli salad recipe your face will ever need. And when I say quite possibly, I mean definitely. Because it's...perfect. Did I just say that? I just said that. I don't use that word lightly!

    Whether you do or don't like mayo or mustard or marshmallows or butterflies, I'm fairly certain this will be a winner in your book.

    Broccoli salad and I go way back. I have vivid memories of my mom bringing it home from Heinen's when I was in high school. I'd eat it right out of the container no matter how desperately she wanted me to put it in a bowl. What a difficult child I was.

    It had oodles of mayonnaise and bacon and the like, and obviously, it tasted good. I never considered making it at home until I bought grapes and broccoli at the same time a few days ago and it dawned on me.

    MAYONNAISE.

    JK. Cashews. And broccoli salad! Like the one I used to eat! Nostalgia at its finest.

    How to Make Vegan Broccoli Salad

    I just KNEW I could achieve that same creamy decadence with cashews, and I was right. The dressing could not be simpler. Just blend up raw cashews with a splash of pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in the Nutribullet and you may just not know what hit you.

    The base of this salad is raw broccoli. No groundbreaking news there. Let's talk mix ins!

    We've got almonds, red onion, dried cranberries, and grapes. Crunchy, crisp, tangy, sweet, chewy---gang's all here. As far as almonds go, roasted and salted for the biggest flavor bang for your buck.

    I like the grapes for that little pop of sweetness, but if you're a traditionalist, go raisins all the way. Or dried cranberries. Whatever bite of sweetness that floats your boat.

    The best part about this recipe is that you don't have to cook anything. All you need is a trusty cutting board!

    Vegan Broccoli Salad Ingredients

    Watch How To Make Vegan Broccoli Salad (Video!)

    I originally published this recipe in 2016 and seeing as I have oodles of delicious old recipes that have rather scary photos to go along with them, I figured I should spend time updating some of them. Since many of you clearly know and love this one, it made the cut.

    This broccoli salad is one of those dishes that non-vegan folk would never in a gabillion years know was dairy-free and actually packed with wholesome goodness. We can keep that secret between us, mmmk?

    This salad also makes a terrific potluck dish. Broccoli is in peak season from October through April, meaning it's high time to whip up a batch and share with the people you love the mostest. THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL'S JOKE.

    Vegan Broccoli Salad on plate with fork

    If you make this vegan broccoli salad recipe and love it, let me know by leaving a 5-star rating and/or comment! I LOVE hearing your feedback.

    Into broccoli? Check out my other recipes that are full of green goodness:

    • Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
    • Broccoli & Mushroom Breakfast Strata
    • Kale and Broccoli Salmon Burgers
    • Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup
    • Vegan Broccoli Cheeze Chickpea Burgers
    Print
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    The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad

    ★★★★★ 5 from 100 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 15 mins
    • Cook Time: 0 min
    • Total Time: 15 mins
    • Yield: 6 1x
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: No-Cook
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    The creamiest, most delicious vegan broccoli salad with grapes, onion, almonds, and cranberries--the perfect potluck dish! You'd never guess it was completely vegan and gluten-free.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    For the dressing:

    • ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • ½ tsp minced garlic
    • heaping ½ tsp sea salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper

    For the salad:

    • 2 large broccoli crowns (florets only), finely chopped
    • 1 ½ cups red grapes, halved
    • ⅓ cup roasted salted almonds, finely chopped
    • ¾ cup diced red onion
    • ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins

    Instructions

    1. Place cashews in a bowl. Cover with water and soak for 2 hours or overnight. If you have a Nutribullet or high speed blender, simply soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.
    2. Drain cashews. Add to blender with with rest of the dressing ingredients. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
    3. Place broccoli, grapes, almonds, red onion, and dried cranberries in a medium or large mixing bowl. Add dressing and toss thoroughly to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    The best vegan and gluten-free broccoli salad...sweet, creamy, tangy, crunchy--perfect for potlucks and cookouts!This recipe was originally posted in March 2016 and updated in April 2019.This recipe was originally posted in March 2016 and updated in April 2019.
    This recipe was originally posted in March 2016 and updated in April 2019. Recipe by Alexis Joseph of Hummusapien™. Photos by Eat Love Eats. Recipe and photos are copyright of Hummusapien.com.
    Vegan Broccoli Salad

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Meredith says

      January 24, 2023 at 7:48 pm

      This is delicious. I actually normally hate broccoli and usually gag at it. But I've been trying to find recipes that will help me eat it because I know it's so healthy. This did not disappoint! I followed the recipe exactly, and it was *amazing.*

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Juliann says

      December 29, 2022 at 11:14 pm

      This is amazing! I committed the chopped almonds since I am monitoring my fat intake from nuts, but it is still delicious. This recipe is a keeper. My non-vegan family would even like this one.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 30, 2022 at 8:39 pm

        So glad it was a winner!

        Reply
    3. Reid says

      December 22, 2022 at 3:16 pm

      This is one of those recipes that is so much more than the sum of it's parts. Everybody loves it, vegan or not. So refreshing, yet the earthiness from the cashews is so much better than non-vegan alternatives.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 30, 2022 at 6:46 pm

        You made my day, thank you Reid!

        Reply
    4. Lisa says

      November 16, 2022 at 4:05 am

      Our late summer broccoli is still cranking out gorgeous stalks here in Seattle; frost just makes it sweeter! This is a wonderful recipe…I did cut the maple syrup a bit the second time I made it, but that’s just my preference (plus our broccoli is pretty sweet to begin with!) This recipe is a keeper and most folks will never guess that it’s vegan.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Toni says

      November 02, 2022 at 9:35 pm

      That was delicious! Thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 07, 2022 at 2:25 pm

        Yay!!

        Reply
    6. Anya says

      October 12, 2022 at 7:47 pm

      Do you in have a substitution suggest for the cashews in the dressing? (Allergy). Thanks!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        October 12, 2022 at 7:52 pm

        Unfortunately I don't have a sub, so sorry! You can try this Healthy Broccoli Salad !

        Reply
    7. Teresa Sterns says

      September 12, 2022 at 2:25 am

      I’ve made it three times now. It’s so delicious. One thing of interest is that 2 large broccoli crowns is quite imprecise measure. My last produce far more broccoli such that I needed another batch of dressing. All fine for the experienced cook. For beginners I’d say your looking for 5-6 cups of chopped broccoli. So good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Nikki says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:04 am

      What is the serving size for this? Thanks!!

      Reply
    9. Reid says

      August 05, 2022 at 10:49 pm

      Such an awesome salad. I used shallots and followed the rest. This is my favorite side dish of the summer!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        August 08, 2022 at 3:59 pm

        Yay, love shallot here! Thanks for letting me know, Reid.

        Reply
    10. Sandra says

      July 13, 2022 at 4:45 pm

      We love this salad! Thank you for sharing.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        July 14, 2022 at 1:20 am

        Yay! Thanks, Sandra!

        Reply
    11. JA says

      July 07, 2022 at 5:21 pm

      Delicious!!! I subbed walnuts for the almonds, but did everything else according to your recipe. I set half aside for my husband to eat when he gets home, but I’m not sure it will make it till then. Thanks for the terrific recipe!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        July 11, 2022 at 5:16 pm

        Amazing, love walnuts! Thanks for reviewing, JA!

        Reply
    12. Elizabeth says

      June 25, 2022 at 5:56 pm

      Can you make this recipe ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for four or five hours? It sounds delicious I’d like to bring it to a family dinner tonight.

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        July 01, 2022 at 3:42 pm

        Definitely! Enjoy!

        Reply
      • Anita says

        July 04, 2022 at 3:24 am

        Fantastic!!!
        I made the dressing with lemon juice instead of ACV, and coconut water instead of water for bonus hydration and goodness.
        I picked the broccoli straight out of the garden; it was so tender and delicious I used all of it instead of just florets.
        I used organic dark purple grapes which were full of flavor and wonderfully firm .
        This was just sooo delicious.
        Thanks for the inspiration; this is high on my “let’s make it again” list

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Alexis Joseph says

          July 06, 2022 at 5:48 pm

          Oh wow, I can't imagine how spectacular this would be be with garden fresh broccoli! I'm thrilled you loved this one, Anita 🙂

          Reply
    13. Tonje says

      June 11, 2022 at 11:32 am

      This has become my all-time favorite for gatherings and bring-something-parties and such. It's enjoyed by everyone - no matter what diet (almost, exception for those with certain allergies) and it's incredibly easy to combine with other dishes. Because of where I live, certain ingredients are hard to find (ie roasted, salted almonds) - but it's all very easy to modify and it comes out perfect every time. The secret is in the cream! It's DELICIOUS!!!
      Thank you for sharing your recipe with us!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        June 21, 2022 at 2:05 pm

        I'm so glad you found it easy to whip up! And you're right--it totally is delish with lots of different add-ins. Thanks, Tonje!

        Reply
    14. Susan says

      May 07, 2022 at 12:54 am

      Tried it tonight. We loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        May 09, 2022 at 6:54 pm

        AMazing, thanks a ton Susan!

        Reply
    15. Robin says

      May 01, 2022 at 5:41 pm

      Absolutely one of my favorite salads. When I take to potlucks, NO ONE knows its vegan. You have to try this one. The combo of the sweet grapes and crunchy almonds takes it over the top!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        May 04, 2022 at 3:05 pm

        Woop woop! I appreciate you, Robin!

        Reply
    16. Natalie says

      April 18, 2022 at 1:25 pm

      We are non-vegans but I wanted a healthier broccoli salad without bacon so tried this recipe. I didn't change a thing and used dried cranberries. It was absolutely delicious! What a great recipe. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        April 18, 2022 at 5:18 pm

        Heck yes! Recipes for all eaters 🙂

        Reply
    17. eva says

      March 27, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      Fantastic salad. I roasted the broccoli and added crispy chick peas and voila. It IS the best vegan broc salad for sure.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        March 28, 2022 at 8:19 pm

        Oh wowwww love that idea for texture. Thanks, Eva!

        Reply
    18. Tammy says

      February 23, 2022 at 5:16 pm

      Wow it’s really delicious and healthy!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Jacinta says

      January 27, 2022 at 10:55 pm

      Can not wait to try this! I don't know much about cooking so I love how simple this is! How long could you keep leftovers?

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 28, 2022 at 11:07 pm

        It will keep up to 4 days in the fridge! Enjoy!

        Reply
    20. Jennie Mimnagh says

      December 28, 2021 at 11:30 pm

      This is absolutely delicious!! I literally could not stop eating it lol! Definitely a keeper!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Christa Callen Tarr says

      December 22, 2021 at 5:40 pm

      The dressing is so delicious! I'm thinking it would be good drizzled on a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 27, 2021 at 9:40 pm

        Oh yyummmmm!

        Reply
    22. Eric Lovelace says

      December 21, 2021 at 3:04 am

      Just finished our family Christmas get-together and this was universally enjoyed and admired. So delicious!
      I made only 1 minor addition to the dressing -- blended in 2/3 block extra firm tofu (we are trying to sneak more calcium in our diet).
      Thank you for a keeper!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 21, 2021 at 12:39 pm

        Perfection! So glad this was a hit for Christmas 🙂

        Reply
    23. Deborah A. says

      November 26, 2021 at 12:13 am

      Both sides of the family requested that I bring this to thanksgiving, this year. I did, and have just texted it to them.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. Sity says

      November 17, 2021 at 7:05 pm

      My family has always enjoyed Broccoli Salad and I have modified it through the years to make it a bit healthier. This year I will have a Medical Medium follower at my table, which means (amongst other things) needing a dairy, egg, and vinegar free Broccoli Salad recipe for Thanksgiving. I gave this a test run today. I replaced the vinegar with lemon juice, and chose raisins. Had a bit of a hard time blending the dressing, even having soaked the cashews overnight. However, I was making only 1/2 the recipe and I think that may have contributed to, or caused, the problem. Changed direction and used my immersion blender and that did the trick. Not sure what the family will think, but I love it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Carlie says

      September 18, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      So good! I wish I had made this earlier! It will definitely become a regular dish for me now

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 20, 2021 at 12:36 pm

        Amazing, thanks Carlie!

        Reply
    26. Kirsten says

      September 07, 2021 at 4:26 pm

      Been making this recipe for a few years now and it slays every single time! Even my non-vegan family members love it. Truly an amazing recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 07, 2021 at 6:00 pm

        Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Kristen! Love that the non-vegan are obsessed.

        Reply
    27. Carrie Ivicic says

      August 22, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      This was absolutely delicious and even my non-vegan eaters loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    28. Barb says

      August 21, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      I used 1 cup of walnuts, 3 /4 cup pine nuts finely chopped, extra fresh chopped fresh garlic, added 1 diced crisp apple. Used cauliflower & broccoli chopped fine.
      Hope my family loves it as much as I do❤️

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    29. Stacey says

      August 03, 2021 at 5:40 pm

      Delicious but I made mine way too salty!

      Reply
    30. Ravit says

      July 28, 2021 at 2:16 am

      This salad was THE star of the brunch I made. Since then I made it again. Super yummy and very fulfilling. Thank you so much🙏

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 28, 2021 at 1:27 pm

        You made my day, thanks a bunch Ravit!

        Reply
    31. Annette says

      July 27, 2021 at 10:01 pm

      This is fantastic. I made the dressing as is, but used ingredients I had at home. I used a chopped apple instead of grapes and sunflower seeds instead of almonds, and raisins. Tastes exactly like I want it to taste, AWESOME! Thanks, I will now explore your site for more great recipes.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 28, 2021 at 1:28 pm

        Ohhh apples, yum! Thanks so much, Annette!

        Reply
    32. Tammy says

      July 22, 2021 at 7:47 pm

      Incredible!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 27, 2021 at 7:12 pm

        Awww thanks, Tammy!

        Reply
    33. Alyssa says

      July 09, 2021 at 4:51 am

      This dish is so good and easy! Thanks, Alexis!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 12, 2021 at 9:26 pm

        Amazing, thanks Alyssa!

        Reply
    34. Samantha says

      July 05, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      Welp ... this truly is THE.BEST. vegan broccoli salad. You won't need to bother looking anywhere else. It's incredibly easy to make, keeps well in the fridge for a few days and tastes even better the longer it sits. Don't wait, make this gem!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 07, 2021 at 6:36 pm

        Awesome! That means the world, Samantha 🙂 Let me know if you try any other recipes!

        Reply
    35. Kristen says

      June 29, 2021 at 4:21 am

      This vegan broccoli salad is my absolute favorite summer salad recipe to make! So easy and so delicious! Every year I bring it to my family’s 4th of July celebration and every year someone else asks me for the recipe. I am so looking forward to making it again for the upcoming holiday weekend. I can’t recommend it enough!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 30, 2021 at 5:09 pm

        Heck yes! Thank you tons for the feedback, Kristen 🙂

        Reply
    36. Valerie says

      June 25, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      Honestly the best, best summer salad!!! This just screams BBQs, picnics, lunches, dinners… all the good times! My hubbies #1 fave and most requested and this is coming from a NON-SALAD eating dude so you know that means this is killer! Love how well leftovers keep, too, so often make a double batch 🥳 Thank you for this winner!!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 30, 2021 at 5:09 pm

        Awww you're the best, Valerie! Gotta love a salad that converts non-salad dudes 🙂

        Reply
    37. Lisa Horton Krieger says

      June 15, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      Today I did a test batch of this to see if I want to make it for my daughter's graduation party next weekend.
      Winner - I ate half the batch for lunch! Nobody will guess that it's vegan and so nutritious and guilt free. Thank you for creating this great recipe! I will be happy to send the link to all who ask for the recipe!
      Lisa

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 16, 2021 at 7:12 pm

        Hhahaha amazing! It's a keeper, right?! Thanks, Lisa!

        Reply
    38. Jess says

      June 05, 2021 at 4:14 pm

      Ridiculously delicious and easy to make. A huge hit with my omnivorous family!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 07, 2021 at 11:56 am

        Yayyyy thanks so much, Jess!!

        Reply
    39. Rachel says

      June 02, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      I LOVE this recipe! It's so refreshing and healthy but filling at the same time! It also is easy to make substitutions- I added cucumber and chickpeas and used dates instead of grapes or cranberries. Recommend to anyone who has a magic bullet (makes the dressing so easy)!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 02, 2021 at 7:15 pm

        Love those subs, Rachel!!

        Reply
    40. Jennifer says

      May 31, 2021 at 10:23 pm

      Ummmm, why have I waited so long to make this recipe! Absolutely delicious! Pretty sure I will be eating a lot more broccoli from now on!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        June 02, 2021 at 10:50 am

        Amazing, I appreciate the feedback Jennifer!

        Reply
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