Broccoli Crunch Salad
This Broccoli Crunch Salad is a classic favorite with crisp veggies and a creamy dressing that is to die for! Everyone loves that crunchy texture from the broccoli and seeds combined with hints of sweet grapes and coated in a creamy, flavorful dressing. This salad is super easy for a gathering, especially during the spring and summer season.
This salad is great for the spring and summer holidays, like Memorial Day! For more check out these fabulous Vegan Memorial Day recipes!
More Amazing Spring & Summer Salads
This refreshing Lemony Chickpea Salad is SUPER easy to make in 15 minutes when you’re in a pinch.
Everyone raves about my Quinoa Salad that is filled with vibrant veggies and a bright dressing.
For a classic favorite, try out my Bright Spring Mix Salad with a Citrus-herb vinaigrette that is another delicious salad.
Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli Florets – You can get pre-cut broccoli for convenience from the grocery store, if preferred. ~1 lb bag of broccoli will equate about 7 cups of broccoli florets (although this can depend on the size of the florets). Try to cut yours in bite-sized smaller pieces and get rid of those pesky broccoli stems.
- Grapes – I used red seedless grapes but feel free to switch it up with green grapes if you want a different flavor.
- Seeds – We will use two types of- sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas).
- Red Onion– Make sure to dice into small pieces (no one wants a giant chunk of red onion in their salad – haha!) You could even add in some green onion if you have some.
- Dried cranberries – For a healthier version use unsweetened (check the ingredients – they usually have added sugar!)
- Salad Dressing – A simple creamy homemade dressing of mayo (I use a vegan version from Follow Your Heart but Hellman’s also has a vegan option found in most grocery stores now), tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, and salt and pepper.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Grapes – you can use another fresh fruit like blueberries or pomegranate seeds!
- Dried cranberries – raisins or dried cherries are great options. (Golden raisins are also a gorgeous addition)
- Nuts & seeds – there are lots of options like slivered almonds, pecans, walnuts, and more!
- Cheese – Feta, parmesan, or cheddar (Use a vegan version if needed)
- More veg – some have tried this with red bell peppers for an extra crunch and pop of color
How to Make Broccoli Crunch Salad
Combine broccoli & other ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together your chopped broccoli, red onion, grapes, pepitas, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
Whisk simple dressing
Whisk together your dressing in another small bowl.
Combine and chill
Drizzle dressing over the broccoli salad and toss until combined. Chill this broccoli crunch salad 1 hour before eating, if desired.
Storage Tips
Store the leftover broccoli crunch salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days (if the dressing is on). If you want this salad to last for more days (or if preparing for an event), store the dressing separately from the broccoli mix for up to 3 days, and pour on the dressing few hours before consuming.
Common Questions
Can you eat broccoli raw?
Yes, broccoli can be eaten raw. It’s nice and crunchy with a little bite to it which pairs well with a sweeter dressing and toppings like the grapes and dried cranberries.
What can I serve with broccoli crunch salad?
This salad is perfect for warmer weather! It goes great with grilling recipes like my homemade Black Bean Burger. It’s also delicious with a wrap like my Buffalo tofu wrap or crunchy Kale wrap.
When can I enjoy this broccoli crunch salad?
This salad is perfect for spring or summertime. This is my favorite salad to bring this to summer picnics for a simple recipe or family gatherings. I’ve also served this at Easter for brunch or dinner and everyone loves it!
Pro Tips
- This salad is tastes best if it sits for a few hours in the fridge before consuming. The dressing really soaks into the broccoli and tastes even better!
- Coat the salad well in the dressing – the mayo helps to soften that “bite” of the raw broccoli.
- For a healthier option, use a dairy-free Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.
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Broccoli Crunch Salad
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Ingredients
- 7 cups chopped broccoli bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion diced
- 1/2 cup halved red grapes
- 1/2 cup roasted + salted pepitas
- 1/2 cup roasted + salted sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp hemp seeds optional
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used a vegan version from Follow Your Heart)
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped dill or 2 tsp dried dill
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt add more after tasting
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together your chopped broccoli, red onion, grapes, pepitas, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.7 cups chopped broccoli, 1/2 medium red onion, 1/2 cup halved red grapes, 1/2 cup roasted + salted pepitas, 1/2 cup roasted + salted sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 3 tbsp hemp seeds
- Whisk together your dressing in another small bowl.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup tahini, 1 tbsp freshly chopped dill, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Drizzle dressing over the broccoli salad and toss until combined. Chill for 1 hour before eating, if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- This salad will taste best (and is easiest to eat) if you chop the broccoli into smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Other additions: feta cheese (df), halved cherry tomatoes, avocado, other nuts & seeds, other dried fruit like raisins, fresh fruit like blueberries, edamame, crispy chickpeas, and so much more!
- Substitutions:
- Maple syrup – use date syrup, agave, or honey
- Apple cider vinegar – use red wine vinegar
- Tahini – use more mayonnaise
This salad is so good! I love the crunchiness from both the broccoli and the seeds!! Such a great combination of flavors!!
Thank you Leah!!
So easy to make and tastes great. I added a bit more mayo than it called for to make sure the broccoli was all covered. Will make again!!
Thanks Lisa! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Wow! So good! I subbed in some sesame oil for tahini because I was out and it’s great! This will stay in my rotation and will make a great side to bring to a cookout.
Glad you enjoyed it – I bet that sesame flavor tasted great 🙂