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!
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 (like all my healthy broccoli recipes!).
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!
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.
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:
- Healthy Broccoli Salad
- Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
- Broccoli & Mushroom Breakfast Strata
- Kale and Broccoli Salmon Burgers
- Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup
The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
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
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
- 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.
- Drain cashews. Add to blender with with rest of the dressing ingredients. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- 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.
Ramona says
This is deliciously crunchy, sweet, and tangy. No one would ever guess it’s vegan. I used leftover fruit salad (blueberries, strawberries, and oranges) and chopped dates instead of raisins. Will definitely add this to my recipe rotation! Thanks for sharing!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ohhh wow I bet that tasted amazing! Thanks so much Ramona 🙂
Robin says
This is one of my favorite go to salads for picnics, potluck and just weekly meals. I make sure to have all the ingredients on hand so I have no excuse to make it. The cashew dressing is so delicious and anyone eating it would not know its vegans at least my family doesn't ~lol
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Love this Robin! I so agree you’d never guest it was a vegan salad 🙂 thrilled it’s become a staple for you!
Jeff says
This recipe is phenomenal. It has become a staple in our house. One day I did not have grapes, so substituted strawberries and I liked it even better. Also, substituted roasted pecans due to an almond sensitivity. Such an incredible combination of flavors!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Oh wow, genius to try strawberries! Thank you so much for your kind review, Jeff!
Cindy says
I can't believe how unbelievably GOOD this is! I made it the night before and the flavors are just perfect together. This is not only going in the home recipe rotation, but in the potluck rotation as well.
This truly is the best vegan broccoli salad ever. Thank you for this recipe!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Cindy, you made my day! I'm so so happy you love this salad 🙂 Thank you for the awesome review!
Tamiee says
can you make this in advance? ie does it improve the flavour or texture of the broccoli.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
You can make in a day in advance, it won’t really change anything!
Debbie says
So delicious! I added coconut bacon, (found the recipe on Pinterest). Will definitely make again!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
That sounds like the best addition, yay!
Roslyn Graham says
I made this last night and ate some right away. Incredible! I've never liked raw broccoli salads before (even though I love broccoli) because it felt weird to eat it raw with mayo.
This is DIFFERENT and DELICIOUS!
Since I'm a weirdo vegan, I make nut and seed salad dressings all the time, but never thought to apply it in this context.
The entire salad I made last night is consumed.
Cashews are soaking right now for a new batch.
OH! And it's even better the next day, so maybe double the recipe!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ohhh love this, thanks Roslyn! I have so many fun cashew cream soups you'll have to try, too. And my vegan lasagna!
Carly says
I have made this salad several times to bring to pot lucks. It is especially festive for Christmas gatherings! It is sweet, spicy, crispy, chewy and oh so refreshing! A great go to salad that comes together in a snap. No one the wiser that they were eating a completely vegan dish. :). Thank you for this tasty treat Alexis!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Heck yes, love that this made the Christmas cut!
Bike Walk Bake Barb says
I absolutely love this and come back again and again.
I occasionally vary it by putting in additional vegetables, often some shredded or diced red cabbage, carrots, occasionally sweet bell peppers (yellow, orange or red) to add to the colors. I also sometimes add sunflower seeds. It never disappoints.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Mmm sounds so delish!
Marilyn says
Excellent thank you so much for this recipe! I followed directions exactly except I used diced fuji apples instead of the grapes I didn’t have any. It was a great hit at the potluck party. Loved the sweet/ salty crunchiness of the broccoli salad in one bite !
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ohh apple sounds great here, thank you Marilyn!
Nora Dawn Brown says
I'm making this right now and I have a question. Is the 1/4 cup of water an ingredient in the dressing, or is it the water for soaking the cashews? To phrase it another way, do I add 1/4 cup of water to the other dressing ingredients in the blender? Or is that just the water that is used for soaking the cashews that gets drained?
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
It's the soaked cashews that you later drain plus 1/4 cup water when blending.
Heather says
What is another alternative for cashews? I’m making it right now.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Hi there! There isn't a sub I can recommend in this recipe, however if you aren't vegan, you can try my healthy broccoli salad which has no cashews.
Katherine says
I was so excited to make this due to the rave reviews, and holy cow, it did NOT disappoint! This is the perfect make ahead salad for a party. Holds so well and doesn't get soggy - actually gets better as the flavors meld! I added about 80% of the dressing and reserved the rest to add later. All guests raved over it and I've been spreading the recipe to all friends. SO SO GOOD!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
You made my day, Katherine! Thanks a million for your kind feedback!
Bev says
Wonderful recipe!! I made it just as written and it’s so delicious. I’ve made it for a Mother Daughter Salad Luncheon and it will be perfect.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
What a great idea, thank you for letting me know, Bev!
Christie Berry says
Made this to take to Easter dinner, it is soooo good. I used diced apples instead of grapes because that’s what I had on hand.
The dressing I would use on everything, just amazing!
This recipe will be my go-to for pot lucks.
Alexis Joseph says
Oh yum! Thank you, Christie!
Janet Garrity says
I can confidently say that this is THE BEST broccoli salad I have ever made! This is the recipe of all recipes and is a winner! The cashew dressing is perfect and pairs well with the rest of the ingredients in this beautiful salad. You will get crunch, sweet, salty, and savory in one bite! Thank you for this awesome recipe Alexis!
Alexis Joseph says
You mad my day, Janet. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!
Manuela R says
This is possible the most delicious salad I ever had in my life!
Alexis Joseph says
Heck yes! Thank you so much Manuela!!
Tani says
Delicious! Love this broccoli salad.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks Tani!!
Carol says
Hi Alexis,
This salad is my new favorite. I used minced onion instead of minced garlic. I read it wrong but still turned out so tasty!
Thanks for putting together an enjoyable salad. I’m gluten and dairy free.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks for letting me know, Carol!
Marg James says
I waited to put the dressing on and the salad was delicious! Having said that the leftovers which had dressing on them were equally as delicious the next day!
Alexis Joseph says
So good to know, thanks Marg!
Marg James says
I am just making this for tomorrow. Should I wait till tomorrow, just before serving to put on the dressing?
Alexis Joseph says
Just seeing this, let me know how it went! I'd dress before but either way should be fine!
Tani Banta says
Love this salad and so do my friends! Delicious!
Alexis Joseph says
Hoorayyyy thanks a million, Tani! So thrilled you loved this one.
Kimberley Ange says
I've made this amazing salad twice in the last 2 weeks and making it again tomorrow. I originally made it for my vegan son but now my carnivore husband is hooked and keeps bugging me to make it again. I must say, it's a wonderful, healthy and tasty salad though I usually only get a couple of mouthfuls before it's gone!
Trisha Erickson says
This recipe is amazing! Made it for Christmas dinner and it was a big hit! Everyone loved it. I’ll be making this again and again. Thank you for the wonderful recipe.
Alexis Joseph says
Best news, thank you tons Trisha!