Hey there! This is the easiest and most delicious broccoli salad you’ll ever make. The secret? A creamy almond dressing that brings everything together. It’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor. And the best part? It’s super quick to make. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon
Important Info
- Servings: 4 cups
- Estimated Cost: This recipe costs about $8 to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 220
- Cook Method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Best for Summer and Spring
- Courses: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian, GlutenFreeDiet, DairyFreeDiet
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Creamy Almond Dressing
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this salad and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
For the Creamy Almond Dressing
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water (or more for thinner dressing)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Almond butter | Cashew butter or tahini |
| Lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave syrup |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil |
| Dried cranberries | Raisins or chopped dates |
| Sunflower seeds | Pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts |
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion and shred the carrots. Add them to the bowl.
- Toss in the sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, water, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
Helpful Tips
- If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water.
- Add more water to the dressing if it feels too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep everything fresh.
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds and sunflower seeds before adding them.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad with Creamy Almond Dressing
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a simple sandwich. It also works great as a side for BBQs or picnics.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving this in a chilled bowl to keep it fresh and crisp. A wooden salad bowl also looks great if you’re serving guests.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is a perfect salad for summer picnics, potlucks, and backyard BBQs. Since it doesn’t have dairy, it’s safe to leave out for a while without spoiling. It’s also great for meal prep since it stays fresh for a few days in the fridge.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If serving at a party, keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Give it a good toss before serving again.
Freezing
- This salad is not ideal for freezing. The broccoli and dressing won’t hold up well after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Frozen broccoli becomes too soft and watery for this salad. Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Just swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup. Everything else is naturally vegan.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and stir before using.
How do I keep the broccoli fresh and crunchy?
If you’re making this ahead, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.