Dairy-free broccoli salad is a simple vegetarian recipe made with crunchy broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, and salty sunflower seeds, combined with a flavorful dairy-free dressing.
This dairy-free broccoli salad is like the flavorful, vegetarian classic sold in New York delis and Jewish bagel shops.
The broccoli with the cranberries, sunflower seeds, and dressing create a delicious combination of flavors in every bite.
But why pay deli prices when you can simply make it at home?
It's a terrific side dish or appetizer, great to pack with lunch for work or school, and makes a delicious, unique addition to deli tables, summer picnics, parties, and backyard BBQs.
What ingredients are needed to make this broccoli salad?
frozen broccoli florets (or fresh)
dried cranberries
shelled sunflower seeds, unsalted
red onion
mayonnaise
white granulated sugar
white vinegar
salt
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes this a New York deli-style broccoli salad?
This broccoli salad is inspired by the crisp, flavorful salads sold in New York delis and Jewish bagel shops. It combines crunchy broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, salty sunflower seeds, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
Is this broccoli salad vegetarian and dairy-free?
Yes. This broccoli salad is vegetarian and dairy-free (pareve), with no milk, butter, or other dairy ingredients.
Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can make this salad ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. Letting it sit for a little while also gives the flavors time to develop while the broccoli stays pleasantly crunchy.
Can I use frozen broccoli for broccoli salad?
Fresh broccoli works best for this salad because it gives you the crisp texture that's characteristic of deli-style broccoli salad. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain it well before adding it to the salad.
What ingredients are in deli-style broccoli salad?
A classic deli-style broccoli salad typically combines raw broccoli with sweet dried fruit, crunchy seeds or nuts, and a creamy, tangy dressing. This version uses dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.
What mayonnaise should I use for this recipe?
I like to use Hellmann's, also sold as Best Foods in some parts of the United States. They're the same mayonnaise sold under different names depending on the region, but you can use whichever mayonnaise you prefer.
A Little About Broccoli
Broccoli is part of a group called "cole" crops, which also includes Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and collard greens.
It began growing in the Mediterranean over 1500 years ago and was grown in the Roman Empire. By the 18th century, it had spread throughout Europe and was brought to North America by Italian immigrants sometime in the 19th century.
Broccoli is considered to be a healthy vegetable. It contains vitamins, nutrients, and fiber, and it is low in calories!
Like deli salads? Try these!
For a different dressing flavor on this broccoli salad, try dairy-free ranch!
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Here's a unique and delicious deli roll to pair with your broccoli salad!
Dairy-free Broccoli Salad Recipe
A dairy-free, vegetarian broccoli salad like New York deli version! Just 4 main ingredients and a delicious dressing!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of chopped frozen broccoli flowerets (or fresh) *
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup of shelled sunflower seeds, unsalted
- ¼ - ⅓ cup diced red onion (depends on how much onion flavor one likes)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pour chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, diced onion, and shelled sunflower seeds into a mixing bowl to make the salad.
- In another bowl, combine, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, vinegar, and salt to make the dressing.
- Mix the dressing into the salad until it is all covered.
Notes
* If using fresh broccoli, just boil for a few minutes (only until a fork can just go through)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 728Total Fat: 55gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 47gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 1471mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 10gSugar: 42gProtein: 9g
