Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Start by washing and drying the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or agave nectar), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add shredded carrots, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the broccoli florets.
- Mixing and Serving:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables and nuts are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Garnish:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 4g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g per serving
- Fat: Approximately 12g per serving
- Fiber: Approximately 4g per serving
Weight Watchers (WW) Smart Points:
- Each serving of this vegan broccoli salad is estimated to be around 6 Smart Points, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for those following a WW plan.
Additional Tips:
- Make-Ahead: This broccoli salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve when allowed to marinate overnight.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste preferences. You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or cauliflower, swap out the nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your liking.
- Health Benefits: Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Combined with the healthy fats from nuts and the natural sweetness of dried cranberries, this salad offers a well-rounded nutritional profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this vegan broccoli salad as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, or alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete meal. It’s also a great option for packed lunches or potluck gatherings due to its vibrant colors and refreshing taste.
By following this detailed recipe, you’ll create a delicious vegan broccoli salad that’s not only flavorful and satisfying but also low in Smart Points, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a balanced diet. Enjoy the crunchy texture and delightful combination of flavors with each bite!