Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

Name: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

Author: Tessa

Published: August 1, 2025

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Making a Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it transforms simple produce into something truly special. There’s nothing quite like the joy of a refreshing salad that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, especially when it’s as easy to whip up as this one. This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it’s a vibrant, satisfying side dish that everyone, vegan or not, absolutely adores. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck, or just when you’re craving something deliciously creamy without any dairy. You’re going to love how effortless and tasty this is!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a game-changer! I’ve lost count of how many friends have asked for this recipe after trying it. It truly hits all the right notes, making it a go-to for so many reasons. Here’s why I know you’ll fall in love with it too:

It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep.
Packed with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Perfect for meal prep or a quick side dish.
A fantastic plant-based option for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

Creating this amazing Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad starts with gathering the right ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing here is hard to find! I always say, the simpler the ingredients, the more the natural flavors shine through. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and satisfying dish, with precise measurements to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad - detail 1

For the Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad Base

6 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped: You’ll want these nice and small for easy eating and even distribution.
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a lovely bite and a touch of color.
1/2 cup dried cranberries: For that perfect sweet and chewy contrast.
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds: Provides a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.

For the Creamy Dressing for Vegan Broccoli Salad

1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise: The star of our creamy dressing, choose your favorite brand!
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Essential for that tangy kick that brightens everything up.
1 tablespoon maple syrup: Balances the tang with a touch of natural sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little goes a long way to add depth to the dressing.
Salt, to taste: Always adjust to your preference!
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For a little warmth and spice.

How to Make Your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

Making this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad is genuinely a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. There’s no cooking involved, just a bit of chopping and mixing, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a quick, impressive side. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, vibrant salad ready in no time!

Preparing the Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad Components

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. I always take a moment here to make sure everything is nicely distributed – you want a little bit of every delicious component in each bite!

Crafting the Creamy Dressing for Vegan Broccoli Salad

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and garlic powder. Keep whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. This is where all that amazing flavor magic happens!

Assembling and Chilling Your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

Now, pour that dreamy dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl.
Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure every floret gets some love!
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Taste as you go!
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial – it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a much more cohesive and delicious salad.

Tips for the Best Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

To truly elevate your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad from good to absolutely incredible, I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’ve learned over countless batches. These small adjustments can make a big difference in texture and flavor, ensuring your salad is a showstopper every single time.

For extra crunch, consider adding 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely richness and another layer of texture.
Feel free to substitute other dried fruits like raisins or chopped apricots for the cranberries to vary the sweetness and tang.
Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing to suit your desired level of sweetness. Start with less and add more if needed!
This salad tastes best when served well-chilled. The colder it is, the more refreshing and flavorful it becomes.

Storage and Reheating Your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

One of the best things about this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad is how well it keeps, making it fantastic for meal prep! Just be sure to follow these simple guidelines to keep it fresh and delicious.

Store leftover Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. In fact, I highly recommend against it! Just give it a good stir before serving if it has been stored for a while to redistribute the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

I get a lot of questions about this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad, which makes me so happy because it means you’re all making it! Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice to make sure your salad experience is always fantastic.

Can I make this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, I often find that making it ahead allows the flavors to meld even more, resulting in a richer, more harmonious taste. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute that lovely creamy dressing.

What can I substitute for sunflower seeds in my Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad?

If you don’t have sunflower seeds on hand, or if you’re looking to change things up, you have options! You can easily use other nuts or seeds like chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds. Each will add a slightly different texture and flavor profile to your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

Is this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad is naturally gluten-free! However, it’s always a good practice to double-check the labels of all your ingredients, especially the vegan mayonnaise, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy or intolerance. Most brands are, but a quick glance can save you trouble.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad

I know many of you keep an eye on nutritional values, so I’ve put together an estimate for this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad. Please remember that these are approximate and can vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 280mg

Share Your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad Experience

Did you enjoy this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad as much as I do? I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below with your review or any delicious variations you tried. Share your culinary creations with our community!