The most amazing vegan broccoli raisin salad made with a rich and creamy cashew dressing instead of mayo. This salad isĀ a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties!
WATCH HOW TO MAKE THIS BROCCOLI SALAD:
Like many of the recipes you’ll find here on EBF, this one isĀ inspired by my mom. SheĀ used to make broccoli salad all the time when I was growing up. Her versionĀ was sweet, crunchy and a staple dish at all of our summer cookouts. I loved that salad and used toĀ request it frequently. Alas, said salad is like most southern “salads” and has a good amount of mayo, 1/2 cup of sugar and bacon…
I decided to try my hand at a healthy version of this old favorite — one that still has the crunchy, sweet vibe, but healthierĀ without the added sugar, dairy and meat.
My broccoli raisin salad isĀ crunchy, rich in flavor and sweet, but with much healthier ingredients like raw nuts, seeds and raisins. I even managed to sneak uber-healthy apple cider vinegar into the dressing! I think I’ll take it to my next family cookout and see if my versionĀ stacks up to mom’s.
If you try these veganĀ broccoli raisin salad be sure to leave a comment and star rating letting me know how it turns out. Your feedback is super helpful for me and other EBF readers who are planning to try the recipe.Ā
Print
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Method:
Cuisine:
Print
PinDescription
Vegan broccoli raisin salad with a rich and creamy cashew dressing instead of mayo. This salad is crunchy, sweet and absolutely delicious, perfect for summer parties.
Ingredients
- 6 cups broccoli (two small to medium sized crowns), chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
Cashew Dressing
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked at least 1- 2 hours
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon shallot, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Mix together broccoli, sunflower seeds, red onion and raisins.
- Make dressing by combining all ingredients in a high powered blender or processor until completely smooth.
- Top with dressing and combine until all ingredients are covered. Serve immediately or let chill in the fridge a bit before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 329
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
Keywords: broccoli raisin salad, broccoli salad, vegan
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
March 15, 2012 at 6:53 amI need to try this! Looks amazing! š
Heidi says
March 15, 2012 at 7:01 amYay! My mom used to make this same salad! Thanks for the healthy recipe version of it.
Megan @ Life As Megan Knows It says
March 15, 2012 at 8:22 amaww this bring me back to my childhood because my mom use o make it a lot! š
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
March 15, 2012 at 10:15 amModern Family was hilarious last night!! Definitely don’t wait too long to catch up!
This broccoli salad looks fantastic! The perfect meal for the warmer temps lately š
Eating Bird Food says
March 15, 2012 at 10:58 pmAhh. I wanted to watch it tonight but the March Madness games were on TV so that didn’t happen. :/ Guess I’ll have to catch up tomorrow. š
Avery @ YoungAspirations says
March 15, 2012 at 11:23 amThis is awesome! I’ve had whole foods broccoli salad and LOVE it.. this is probably slightly healthier though. Can’t wait to try it!
Elle says
March 15, 2012 at 12:19 pmI love broccoli salads… try adding a cut up apple next time.
Nice dressing, I am going to try that. Thanks!
Ginger says
March 15, 2012 at 1:26 pmIs this like the one at Sweet Tomatos? yum
Eating Bird Food says
March 15, 2012 at 11:11 pmI’ve never been to Sweet Tomatos so I’m not sure, but possibly. š
James says
March 15, 2012 at 2:36 pmOMG I used to eat this growing up too! So excited to see it made vegan, just wrote everything down for my shopping list. Yum.
Eating Bird Food says
March 15, 2012 at 11:17 pmAwesome! Let me know how it turns out! š
Justine Duppong @ Life With Cheeseburgers says
March 15, 2012 at 4:04 pmI love how this recipe makes me think of spring! I need to start working on a few more of my own š
Laura says
March 15, 2012 at 5:55 pmum just found the site and this isn’t bird food at all! YUM! trying to find new recipe blogs since being on Renee Stephens’ new method… check it out! http://www.reneemethod.com/fulfilled/
Ami@dashofcurry.com says
March 15, 2012 at 7:07 pmThis recipe looks so fresh and tasty! I love that it is (almost) raw too, as I am trying to eat at least one raw meal a day!
Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! says
March 15, 2012 at 10:51 pmOh man that looks delicious! I am LOVING big refreshing salads right now. It’s like my body is already ready for summer! š There were definitely clowns involved in last night’s modern family!
jill says
March 15, 2012 at 11:58 pmhi, this recipe looks delicious. my children are allergic to tree nuts, can you suggest an alternate dressing?
Linda says
March 30, 2017 at 9:33 pmYou might try soft silken tofu instead of the nuts, add the water by tablespoons, you may not need it all!
Good luck!
★★★★
Paige @ Healthy Hits the Spot says
March 16, 2012 at 10:02 amYummy! So cute you were their first customers š
dawn says
March 16, 2012 at 10:38 amCan u put a pin it icon on your receipes….thanks
Hillary {Nutrition Nut on the Run} says
March 16, 2012 at 12:22 pmthis recipe sounds delicious! perfect for upcoming summer picnics!
Lisa Marie says
March 16, 2012 at 4:26 pmI used to love broccoli salad, but stopped making it because it usually contains quite a few calories. I’m really digging your version. The cashew dressing is a neat idea. I’ll totally have to give this a try.
Katharina says
March 17, 2012 at 6:23 pmOh my! That recipe looks SO good! I am bookmarking it now š have you tried Whole Foods detox salad? I bet you know what I’m talking about hehe.
xo!
Julia {The Roasted Root} says
March 17, 2012 at 7:17 pmI am so pleasantly surprised that your cashew dressing doesn’t have mayo in it! YES! My boyfriend’s mom makes a broccoli salad similar to yours, but she adds mayo to it…although I like her salad, I hate the thought of mayo..it gives me the heebie jeebies! I’m bookmarking this recipe right now to make this week! Looks awesome! Hope you’re having a fun St. Paddy’s..
Amanda says
March 19, 2012 at 6:49 pmI just made this tonight and it is WONDERFUL! I made it in a $20 blender from target and it worked just fine. Yum!
Eating Bird Food says
March 20, 2012 at 1:56 pmYay! So glad you tried and liked the recipe. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite recipes.
healthy lifestyle says
March 19, 2012 at 8:53 pmI love this salad. I tried it before but I never knew how to make it. Thanks so much for sharing this delicious recipe with us. I am going to make it today!
Kate says
March 20, 2012 at 5:19 pmI made this today to bring to work. It’s easy, wonderful and delicious! I had everything in my pantry, minus the fresh broccoli. Thanks for the inspiration to eat more veggies!
Magda @DayBite.com says
March 21, 2012 at 4:06 pmBrittany! You are very creative with all of your recipesā¦where do you find most of your inspiration?
Thanks for sharing!
Colleen @ Culinary Colleen says
March 22, 2012 at 10:52 amI used to love broccoli salads as a kid, but with lots of mayo and bacon! I can’t wait to try this healthy version!
Nikki says
March 25, 2012 at 5:21 pmI just made this! It is amazing! Didn’t have sunflower seeds, tossed in a few pine nuts instead.
Eating Bird Food says
March 25, 2012 at 9:27 pmSo glad you liked it Nikki!!
koko says
June 7, 2012 at 6:13 pmthank you! this is amazing! I tried it 2 times and serve it in our cafe.
I find it too hard to digest completely raw brocoli, so I slightly steamed it. this also gives the brocoli a really brilliant green colour.
first time I didn’t have raisins, so I used chopped up dates.
second time I didn’t have cashews, so I used soaked sunflower seeds for the sauce.
both times it turned out incredible.
samantha says
July 31, 2012 at 2:43 pmThis sounds amazing… I will be trying this before summer is over, my cousins love this stuff and always serves it during outings long story short I fell in love with it! Now I can make it healthfully!! Thank you!
Eating Bird Food says
July 31, 2012 at 3:10 pmThanks Samantha. I hope you love it!
gretchen says
January 24, 2013 at 5:04 pmWhen you say to soak the cashews, what do you mean?
Brittany Mullins says
January 24, 2013 at 6:10 pmJust place cashews in a cup of filtered water and soak for at least 2 hours, then drain and use in the recipe.
gretchen says
January 24, 2013 at 6:13 pmThank you s much! !! I assumed thst was it, then I was like hmmmmm surely it cant be that simple lol
Jen says
February 3, 2013 at 2:06 pmI’ve made this twice, and LOVE it!! I want to use this cashew dressing for more than just this salad. Are there any other dishes you’ve used the cashew dressing with?
Brittany Mullins says
February 3, 2013 at 2:12 pmHi Jen. Thanks for your comment. I haven’t used this dressing on anything else but I’m sure it would be great on other dishes. Let me know if you experiment and find something tasty.
Sabrina says
February 24, 2013 at 11:46 amCan I use honey instead of agave or maple syrup?
I like your blog by the way! I’m going to try a bunch of your recipe this week!
Brittany Mullins says
February 24, 2013 at 11:51 amHoney should work fine! Enjoy the recipes.
Stacy says
April 1, 2013 at 1:31 pmWhat a delicious recipe! I just told my husband last night how I wasn’t a big raw broccoli fan but was very interested in this recipe. Made it today with some shredded mozzarella and it was great! Thank you. š
Stacy says
April 1, 2013 at 1:32 pmOh and I used sliced almonds instead of cashews š
Meaghan says
April 17, 2013 at 4:23 pmOMG…this is AMAZING. I just finished whipping this up the dressing is to die for! I have not made one of your recipes I have not loved š
Brittany Mullins says
April 17, 2013 at 6:31 pmSo so glad that you’re loving this recipe. It’s one of my favorites. š
Emily says
May 11, 2013 at 2:40 pmI am so excited to see this recipe! It’s also funny that I was looking on Pinterest for this recipe and then read that you too live in Richmond. I walked by Modern Artifacts just a few minutes ago.
Alix says
December 21, 2013 at 12:43 amLove this idea! Any ideas instead of the Dijon mustard? Not a fan!
Becky says
March 9, 2014 at 9:57 pmThis was really good! We’re on the Eat to Live diet and this made a great veggie side dish. I omitted the salt and agave and it was just fine.
Allen Hancock says
August 11, 2014 at 11:20 pmThis is a delicious recipe. For variety I substituted dried cranberries for half the raisins. I really liked it.
Brittany Mullins says
August 12, 2014 at 8:24 amSo glad that you enjoyed the recipe! š
Karen says
October 2, 2014 at 3:50 amThis salad was sensational!!!!!
Sy says
November 7, 2014 at 4:17 pmReally delicious! My new fave
Wisewoman says
December 10, 2014 at 6:12 pmI am about to make this salad. It will get tweaked a bit. I am going to use half broccoli, half cauliflower, half walnuts and half sunflower seeds. it should be amazing….
Shannon says
January 7, 2015 at 4:34 pmCan cashew milk be used in place of the raw cashews soaked in water?
Brittany Mullins says
January 7, 2015 at 10:40 pmYou could try it but I don’t think the consistency would be the same. The cashews soaked with water is definitely thicker than milk.
Kendra says
January 16, 2015 at 12:29 pmJust wondering, is this similar to the original recipe where it get a better still tastes good if it’s sets for a while or is it better served immediately? Oh, and thanks, I’m excited to try this tonight!
Brittany Mullins says
January 16, 2015 at 4:01 pmHi Kendra. I think it tastes good right away and a little while after it’s been sitting! š I hope you enjoy it.
Catherine says
April 21, 2016 at 8:03 amDear Brittany, this broccoli salad is next on my list! I don’t often dress up broccoli but I love the sound of that cashew dressing…I bet it tastes marvelous! Thank you! xo, Catherine
Rachel says
April 23, 2016 at 2:01 pmThis is sooo good! I could eat the dressing straight out of my vitamix! Thank you!
Brittany Mullins says
April 23, 2016 at 4:17 pmhaha. I feel the same way. Enjoy!! š
susan says
April 26, 2016 at 9:22 pmI made it and loved it. Only problem was that I halved the recipe and the amount of sauce was too little for my Vitamix to handle, so it did not get as creamy as it should. I will use a smaller blender next time.
Brittany Mullins says
April 27, 2016 at 9:38 amGah, I have a Vitamix as well and the same thing has happened to me before. I’m glad you still enjoyed the salad despite the dressing not being super creamy.
Rita says
May 8, 2016 at 6:35 pmThis salad is outstanding. It really hit the spot. It will be made many more times this summer. Thank you !
Melissa says
May 22, 2016 at 9:50 pmDay-yum! Tried it out tonight and it’s delicious! Thanks for the healthier option. I’ll be using this all summer!
★★★★★
Brittany Mullins says
May 23, 2016 at 10:33 amWoot woot! So glad you like it, Melissa.
Elouise says
July 17, 2016 at 4:37 amLove this recipe!! So delicious and fresh. How long do you think this will keep in the fridge?
Brittany Mullins says
July 17, 2016 at 12:26 pmHi Elouise. Thank you! It should last 3-4 days.
Aylin says
August 6, 2016 at 4:36 pmWow this was so creamy and nutty! I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed broccoli so much. My husband and I are just loving your recipes!
★★★★★
Deborah says
September 5, 2016 at 5:32 pmThis is an excellent salad! We took it to a potluck last night and it was a hit! I plan to use the dressing recipe for my mayo substitute. Thank you for your creativity in food preparation!
★★★★★
Alice says
September 23, 2016 at 8:25 pmI made this today and it is excellent! Thanks for a great broccoli salad recipe. Definitely a keeper.
Brittany Mullins says
September 24, 2016 at 5:10 pmSo glad you liked it, Alice!!