Crunchy, fresh, and ultra-easy—this no-mayo broccoli salad is light yet flavorful, making it perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or healthy meal prep all week long.
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Ingredients (Serves 6)
Broccoli Salad
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (small bite-size pieces)
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ⅓ cup roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional – see nut info)
- ½ cup shredded carrots (optional but adds color & crunch)
Secret No-Mayo Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, grated
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Broccoli
Wash and thoroughly dry broccoli. Cut into very small florets for the best texture and flavor absorption.
2️⃣ Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, pepper, and garlic until emulsified.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
Add broccoli, onion, dried fruit, seeds, almonds (if using), and carrots to a large bowl.
Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve
For best flavor, refrigerate 15–30 minutes before serving. Toss again and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Carbs: ~14 g
- Fat: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
Light, satisfying, and nutrient-dense 🌱
Allergen & Dietary Info
- Vegan (use maple syrup)
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free Option: Skip almonds and use seeds only
Easy Variations
- Extra Protein: Add chickpeas or white beans
- Sweet & Savory: Swap cranberries for chopped dates
- Lemon Twist: Replace vinegar with fresh lemon juice
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives and a sprinkle of oregano
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours and keeps 3–4 days in the fridge.
Q: Will the broccoli soften too much?
A: No—this vinegar-based dressing keeps it crisp.
Q: Can I blanch the broccoli first?
A: You can, but it’s not needed. Raw broccoli gives the best crunch.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely—high fiber, healthy fats, and no heavy mayo.
Why This Is a Family Favorite
It’s fresh, fast, travels well, and everyone always asks for the recipe—Mom knew what she was doing.
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