The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe (Perfect for Christmas!)

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This delicious vegan broccoli salad combines fresh broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and vegan bacon bits in a creamy cashew dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for Christmas or any holiday gathering!

Salad? Broccoli salad? For Christmas? Yes, yes, and yes!

Before you start thinking I’ve lost my holiday marbles, let me tell you why this isn’t your ordinary garden-variety salad.

Inspired by my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, this flavor-packed powerhouse is the kind of dish that makes people forget they’re eating something healthy. And trust me, it can hold its own right next to grandma’s Christmas roast or her heart-destroying holiday casserole.

The best part about this delicious broccoli salad is that it combines simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that everyone—vegan or not—will enjoy.

Crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, savory red onion, and smoky vegan bacon bits drenched in dreamy cashew sauce are one fantastic flavor combination!

Whether planning your Christmas menu or looking for healthy salad recipes, this vegan broccoli salad is never a hard sell!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Transform your holiday table with this healthy broccoli salad, which is sure to become your new favorite.

It’s the perfect combination of crunchy broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, and savory vegan bacon bits, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s completely dairy-free.

Aside from being plain delicious, this vegan broccoli salad is oil-free, gluten-free, and WFPB!

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or need a great side dish for any gathering, this easy vegan broccoli salad recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crisp broccoli to the sweet cranberries and creamy cashew-based dressing.

For the Vegan Broccoli Salad:

fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
red onion, finely diced
dried cranberries
raw sunflower seeds
vegan bacon bits

For the Creamy Dressing:

raw cashews
pure maple syrup
apple cider vinegar
garlic powder
sea salt and black pepper to taste

Vegan broccoli salad ingredients in bowl.

How to Make Vegan Broccoli Salad

This easy recipe has just a few simple steps, making it the perfect stress-free addition to your holiday menu or weekly meal prep.

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash and chop fresh broccoli florets into very small pieces
Place chopped broccoli in a large mixing bowl

Step 2: Make the Broccoli Salad Dressing

Add raw cashews, cold water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder to a food processor, blender, or NutriBullet. (A food processor will not make the dressing completely smooth.)
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste, then season with salt and pepper as desired.
Blend once more until all dressing ingredients are well combined

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, finely diced red onion, and dried cranberries.
Add sunflower seeds and vegan bacon bits
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients
Toss until everything is well coated

Vegan broccoli salad in mixing bowl with wooden spoons.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This healthy salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap sunflower seeds for sesame sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. You could also use almonds or walnuts.
Replace dried cranberries with golden raisins, currants, or red grapes
Try coconut bacon instead of vegan bacon bits
Add purple cabbage or bell pepper for more color and crunch
Use vegan mayo or this cashew cream instead of cashew dressing for a quick alternative
Include nutritional yeast in the broccoli salad dressing for a cheesy flavor
Add green onions for extra flavor

Vegan Broccoli Salad FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! For best results, prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors develop beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead Christmas side dish.

How do I store raw cashews?

Store raw cashews in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For the best way to ensure freshness, you can also store them in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

No. This raw broccoli salad requires fresh broccoli florets. Frozen broccoli tends to become too soft and does not provide the crisp texture that makes this salad special.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes! This healthy broccoli salad is naturally low carb, making it a great way to add more raw veggies to your diet while keeping carbs in check.

Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

If you make this vegan broccoli salad recipe, follow these top tips!

Do not use frozen broccoli. It’s very soft once it thaws.
Cut broccoli into very small pieces for the best texture
Soak cashews overnight for the creamiest dressing
Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving
Save broccoli stems for broccoli slaw or other recipes
Use fresh lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a citrus twist

Why This Recipe Works for Christmas

This classic broccoli salad gets a festive upgrade, making it perfect for your Christmas table.

The red cranberries and green broccoli create a beautiful holiday color scheme, while the creamy dressing and crunchy texture provide a delightful contrast to traditional Christmas dishes.

Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy options into your holiday spread without compromising on taste.

More Delicious Vegan Salad Recipes You’ll Love

This easy recipe has become a holiday favorite for many families, and we’re confident it will become yours, too.

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