Dinner

Easy Broccoli Salad (Vegan + Oil-Free) Recipe

Name: Easy Broccoli Salad (Vegan + Oil-Free) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli (chopped into small florets); 1/3 cup red onion (chopped); ½ cup red cabbage (chopped); ¼ cup raisins; ½ Gala apple (chopped); 1 ½ cups cashews (soaked or boiled*); 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 4 ½ tablespoons maple syrup; ½ cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

Byreem everly November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

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Introduction

This easy broccoli salad is a vibrant and refreshing vegan dish that comes together quickly. Packed with crunchy vegetables, sweet fruit, and a creamy oil-free dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner.

A close-up view of a broccoli salad served in a white plate with green stripes along the edge. The salad has three main visible layers: bright green broccoli florets with a bumpy texture spread throughout the dish, small chunks of red apple with smooth skin, and creamy white dressing covering the salad irregularly. Dark brown raisins and bits of purple red onion pieces are scattered all over, adding color contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and a fresh broccoli floret is next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli (chopped into small florets)
1/3 cup red onion (chopped)
½ cup red cabbage (chopped)
¼ cup raisins
½ Gala apple
1 ½ cups cashews (soaked or boiled*)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
½ cup + 1 tablespoon almond milk (unsweetened)
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Chop and wash the broccoli, cutting it into small florets. Add them to a large bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the red onion, red cabbage, raisins, and apple, then add all to the bowl with the broccoli.
Step 3: Drain soaked cashews if using. If not soaked, boil cashews on the stove until soft for quicker blending.
Step 4: Place the cashews and all dressing ingredients—apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, almond milk, and garlic powder—into a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Soak cashews overnight or boil them for 10-15 minutes to ensure a smooth, creamy dressing without oil.
Add sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for extra crunch and nutrients.
Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different sweetness profile.
Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a tangier dressing.

Storage

Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may thicken slightly after chilling; stir before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

A white plate with a green rim holds a mixed salad made of three main layers: bright green broccoli florets that are chunky and fresh, small pieces of pale creamy dressing coating the broccoli and other elements, and visible bits of purple onion slices and chunks of light yellow apple scattered evenly in the mix. Behind the plate, there is a textured white bowl filled with the same salad and a metal serving spoon resting inside it. The setup is on a white marbled surface with a piece of broccoli and a half apple partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. The flavors meld nicely when chilled, though the broccoli will stay crispest if added shortly before serving.

How do I soften cashews quickly if I don’t have time to soak them?

Boil raw cashews in water for about 10-15 minutes until soft, then drain and use them to make the dressing. This speeds up the process without sacrificing creaminess.