Vegetarian Dairy Free Creamy Broccoli Salad

Total time50 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time0 min

Vegetarian Dairy Free Creamy Broccoli Salad

This vibrant salad is built on crisp broccoli florets, tangy red onion, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all brought together by a creamy blended cashew dressing spiked with apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. That dressing is the real star here — soaked cashews blend into a rich, tangy base that clings to every floret without a drop of dairy in sight. The mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures makes this a standout side that never feels heavy or one-note. It comes together fast, chills well for make-ahead lunches, and holds up beautifully in the fridge for a day or two. With a few thoughtful adjustments, this one is a great fit for a vegetarian spread, letting the cashew cream, crisp veggies, and toasted seeds carry all the flavor. Serve it alongside grilled dishes or as a potluck favorite that disappears fast.

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Ingredients

6 servings

For the dressing

1 cup raw cashews, soaked in cold water for 30 minutes, then drained
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3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3–4 tbsp water, as needed to thin

For the salad

6 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 medium heads)
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup roasted sunflower seeds
6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
Chef's tip
Cook it only until crisp, adding a little oil to the pan - vegetarian bacon cooks much faster than pork bacon and can scorch. If the recipe simmers or bakes the bacon further, set it aside and stir it back in near the end.

Instructions

1
Place the drained cashews, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Add 3 tbsp water and blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes. If the dressing is too thick to pour, add the remaining 1 tbsp water and blend again. The finished dressing should be pourable and coat a spoon.
2
Add the broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds to a large mixing bowl.

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