This Vegan Broccoli Apple Salad is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes-crunchy, the perfect mix of sweet with a little savory, creamy-all without a drop of mayo. It's loaded with fresh broccoli, juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and a little red onion for bite, all tossed in a tahini dressing that's super easy to whisk together. Trust me, this is the kind of salad you'll actually look forward to preparing, sharing and eating!
This whole food, plant-based broccoli apple salad is one of those recipes that fits in just about anywhere. It's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you just need a quick and satisfying side dish. It's especially popular during the cooler months when broccoli is in season and apples are at their peak, but honestly, I make it year-round because it's just that good.
Bonus: It's a great option for Thanksgiving or other holidays when you want something fresh that brings a pop of color on the table and balances out all the heavier dishes.
I started working on this recipe in November and tested it out at two different parties. The first was a big holiday gathering with friends, and the second was a family Christmas Eve party at my aunt's house. I got great feedback at both, so I feel pretty confident saying this one's a crowd-pleaser.
If you're looking for more cold salad ideas, don't miss my easy raw carrot salad recipe or this fiber and protein-packed black bean, corn, and quinoa salad.
For crowd-pleasers beyond salads, a vegan charcuterie board and these maple roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are always a hit when you're serving a group or bringing a dish to share.
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Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen to balance flavor, texture, and of course, pack in good-for-you nutrients! I love showing that it's possible to create really appetizing recipes like this, which use whole plant foods that benefit your health in multiple ways.
- Broccoli florets - Broccoli brings crunch and a pretty green color to this salad but that's not all -it also happens to be packed with nutrients that may help fight cancer and support overall health. Want to know more about why broccoli is so beneficial? Check out the culinary medicine tip below for the details!
- Apple - Apples add the perfect touch of natural sweetness and more crunch to this salad. I like to use Gala or Honeycrisp apples, but any variety will work! Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, they help support a healthy immune system and digestion. Plus, the crisp texture pairs wonderfully with the creamy tahini dressing.
- Red onion - Red onions have a mild, sweet taste that brings a necessary bite to this dish, balancing out the sweetness of the apples and adding a touch of sharpness. Onions are a great source of quercetin and organic sulfur compounds, along with fructooligosaccharides, substances that act as prebiotics, feeding the healthy bacteria in our gut. These compounds support heart health, boost the immune system, and improve digestion, making red onions a great option to add both flavor and health-boosting properties to your meals.
- Pecans - Pecans also add a lovely crunch (Are you noticing a theme here? This salad is all about texture, baby!) and richness to this dish, while also providing healthy fats and a boost of plant-based protein. Their slightly sweet, buttery flavor perfectly complements the other ingredients, making them an essential part of this flavorful salad.
- Dried cranberries - Okay, here's the first ingredient that's not adding to the crunch factor in this recipe-these tiny, sweet red morsels bring a chewy texture and a tart explosion you won't want to miss.
Now, let's talk about the dressing-simple, creamy, and absolutely delicious. You only need four ingredients plus some water to bring it all together:
- Tahini - Most broccoli salad recipes I've come across rely on mayo or Greek yogurt (or a mix of both) to create a creamy dressing. I wanted to find a plant-based alternative that offered the same richness and mouthfeel-and tahini fit the bill perfectly! Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, and it's a key ingredient in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It's vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free (which is great for those with allergies), but still provides a wonderfully nutty flavor. Nutritionally, tahini is packed with healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are great for heart health. It's also a good source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, helping support strong bones and muscles. I love using tahini in dressings because it's so versatile-it brings creaminess, depth, and a distinct flavor that really makes this salad stand out.
- Lemon juice - adds brightness to the dressing, balancing the creaminess of the tahini with a touch of acidity. It not only enhances the flavors of the salad but also provides a boost of vitamin C!
- Maple syrup - brings a subtle sweetness to the dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt - is a powerful flavor enhancer that brings out the best in each ingredient. While it's important to limit sodium intake for heart health, most of my recipes include salt in moderation. It's worth noting that the biggest sources of sodium in the American diet come from highly processed foods and meals eaten outside the home-like restaurants and fast food-not from home cooking. Preparing more meals in your own kitchen is a great way to reduce overall sodium intake, even when you're seasoning with a little salt.
See recipe card for quantities.
Culinary Medicine Tip: Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is often hailed as a cancer-fighting food, and there's solid research behind that claim. The link between cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cancer prevention has been well-studied, with several key compounds showing promising benefits. One of the most important of these is sulforaphane, a compound formed when broccoli's glucosinolates (a type of plant compound) are broken down. Sulforaphane has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and research suggests it may help detoxify carcinogens and support overall cellular health.
Additionally, eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli in their raw form provides us with the most sulforaphane, as cooking can lower the amount of this powerful compound. Just another reason for you to try this raw vegan broccoli apple salad recipe. 🙂
But broccoli's cancer-fighting potential doesn't stop there. It's also a rich source of several other nutrients that contribute to overall health:
- Glucosinolates: are a group of sulfur-containing compounds found in plants, especially in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. These compounds help the body detoxify harmful substances and have been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers.
- Folate: A vital nutrient that supports DNA repair and cell function, folate is crucial for healthy cell division and has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Flavonols: These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases, including cancer.
- Dietary Fiber: Fiber promotes healthy digestion and may lower the risk of colorectal cancer by helping to move waste through the digestive tract efficiently.
- Vitamin C: This well-known antioxidant supports a healthy immune system and helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Carotenoids (especially beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin): These plant pigments are important for eye health, but they also have antioxidant properties that can reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Including broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables in your diet is an easy and tasty way to boost your intake of these essential nutrients while supporting your body's natural defenses.
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by prepping your ingredients and adding them to a large mixing bowl. You'll need chopped broccoli florets, diced red onion, chopped apples, pecans, and dried cranberries. Taking the time to chop everything into small, uniform pieces ensures every bite is packed with all the delicious flavors and textures this salad has to offer. Be sure to use a big mixing bowl as it makes tossing everything together so much easier.
- Step 2: Next, it's time to make the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, warm water, and salt. The warm water helps the tahini blend smoothly into a creamy consistency.
- Step 3: Now for the fun part-bringing it all together! Pour the creamy tahini dressing over the chopped broccoli, apples, red onion, pecans, and dried cranberries in your large mixing bowl. Be sure to scrape every last bit of that flavorful dressing into the bowl; you don't want to leave any behind!
- Step 4: Grab a large spoon and gently toss everything together until the broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Take your time to ensure the flavors are well-distributed.
I love dishes like this that are both visually appealing and tasty!
Substitutions
- Pecans: Feel free to swap pecans with another nut like walnuts, cashews, or peanuts. To make this recipe nut-free, sunflower seeds are a fantastic alternative.
- Dried Cranberries: Not a fan of dried cranberries? Raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even dried cherries work beautifully in their place, offering a similar chewiness and hint of sweetness.
- Dressing: Feel free to customize the dressing to fit your taste! For a tangier kick, try adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard. If you're not a fan of tahini, you can easily swap it out for a different dressing of your choice- a simple vinaigrette or even a creamy avocado dressing would be great alternatives.
This vegan broccoli apple salad recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it a versatile dish for a variety of dietary needs.
Variations
- Carrots: Add a pop of orange color and extra crunch with shredded carrots-they blend seamlessly into this salad and pair perfectly with the other flavors.
- Garlic: For a garlicky kick, mix 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder into the dressing. It's an easy way to add depth and boldness to the flavor.
- High Protein: Make this salad heartier by mixing in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or great northern beans. Not only does this add plant-based protein, but it also boosts the fiber content.
- Sunflower Seeds: Sprinkle a handful of toasted sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch that complements the pecans and adds even more texture to this dish.
Equipment
To whip up this creamy vegan broccoli apple salad, you'll need a few kitchen essentials: a sharp chef's knife for easy chopping, a sturdy cutting board (I'm partial to wooden ones for their durability and natural feel-plus, research shows that using plastic cutting boards can release microplastics into our food), a large mixing bowl to toss all the salad ingredients together, and a smaller bowl for whisking up the dressing. These tools make prep a breeze and ensure everything comes together perfectly.
Storage
You can serve this dish right away, but I recommend letting it chill in the fridge for a bit (~30 minutes or more)-this allows the broccoli to absorb the dressing and really enhance the flavors. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
FAQ
Yes! This salad actually tastes even better after it has had time to chill in the fridge, as the broccoli absorbs the dressing and the flavors have time to meld together. It keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge, so it's perfect for meal prep or leftovers. For optimal freshness, I recommend making it the day of your event or party.
If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You could also add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Yes! To turn this salad into a more filling meal, add chickpeas, great northern beans, or grilled tofu for plant-based protein. It's an easy way to boost the nutrition and make it a complete dish.
Don't toss those stems-they're packed with nutrients and can be used in so many ways! Try slicing or shredding them to use in stir-fries, soups, or slaws. You can also roast them for a simple side dish or blend them into a creamy soup. Waste not, want not!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
This recipe pairs wonderfully with any of these hearty main dishes:
Vegan Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium heads broccoli (florets only), chopped (See notes below)
- 2 Apples, chopped
- ½ cup Red onion, diced
- ½ cup Pecans, chopped
- ½ cup Dried cranberries
Creamy tahini dressing
- ½ cup Tahini
- 3 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 6 tablespoon Warm water
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, diced red onion, chopped apple, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, warm water, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a bit more water, if needed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, if desired.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Jill Carroll
This is absolutely delicious! I made it for our block party and it was a HIT!!
Chris
Wow! My new favorite way to eat broccoli! This salad could not be easier to make and it pairs well with a variety of foods— I even made it for Thanksgiving and people appreciated the contrast between the lightness of this dish and the heavier/savory foods on the table. When this is in my fridge I’m surprised at how often I will pull it out just for a snack or to complement whatever else I’m eating. Thank you!
Emily
We may be well past the holidays, but this thoughtful comment made my day (even if I’m fashionably late replying 😄). I love that it earned a spot on your Thanksgiving table—that’s the ultimate compliment. It makes me so happy knowing it’s one of those recipes you keep coming back to 🥦✨
Thank you so much for sharing how you’re enjoying it!