When I was running my restaurant, I always looked for ways to create dishes that everyone could enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences. Vegan Broccoli Delight was a big hit with our customers because it’s flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying. It’s also a great way to introduce more veggies into your meals, which is something I always try to do.
Broccoli is the star of this dish. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but it also adds a wonderful texture and flavor. When you cook it just right, it becomes tender with a bit of a bite – perfect for our Vegan Broccoli Delight.
I also like to add some beans and grains to make it more filling. These ingredients provide protein and make the dish hearty enough to stand on its own. The key is to balance everything so that each bite is a burst of different tastes and textures.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With this recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to make something delicious and healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Vegan Broccoli Delight is a dish you’ll love to make and share with your family and friends.
So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a meal that’s not only good for you but also incredibly tasty. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Vegan Broccoli Delight
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. If you need to prep ahead, chop the broccoli but keep it refrigerated and add the dressing closer to serving time.
- Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 4 hours is crucial. It helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste of the dish.
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of water or additional lemon juice to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, more hemp seeds or a small amount of avocado can thicken it.
- Balance Flavors: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the salt, lemon juice, or coconut sugar to suit your palate.
- Roasting Nuts: Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
- Alternative Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match the alternative ingredients based on availability or personal preference. Each variation will bring a unique twist to the salad.
- Storage Tips: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping.
- Presentation: For a more visually appealing presentation, arrange the toppings (walnuts, goji berries, blackberries) on top of the salad just before serving rather than mixing them in.
- Nutritional Boost: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional boost.
Vegan Broccoli Delight
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Vegan Broccoli Delight! This salad is a perfect make-ahead dish, featuring a homemade creamy and cheesy dressing that brings a refreshing and intense flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Dive into this delightful salad and enjoy the burst of flavors!
4
servings10
minutes0
minutes180
kcal4
hours4
hours10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Salad
9 ounces fresh broccoli florets
1/4 cup toasted walnuts
1 tablespoon dried goji berries
3 ounces blackberries, sliced in half
For the Dressing
2 tablespoons shelled hemp seeds
2 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons coconut sugar
1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Alternative Ingredients:
Broccoli: Cauliflower florets can be used as a substitute.
Walnuts: Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts.
Goji Berries: Dried cranberries or raisins can be used instead.
Blackberries: Blueberries or raspberries can be substituted.
Coconut Milk: Almond milk or soy milk can be used as an alternative.
Coconut Sugar: Brown sugar or maple syrup can replace coconut sugar.
Directions
- Prepare Broccoli: Trim the tough stems from the broccoli florets and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly and drain well. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Grind Hemp Seeds: Using a coffee grinder or mini chopper, grind the hemp seeds until fine. Transfer to a blender.
- Blend Dressing: Add nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, coconut sugar, coconut milk, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to the blender with the ground hemp seeds. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, add the toasted walnuts, dried goji berries, and halved blackberries to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Vegan Broccoli Delight!
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- coffee grinder
- blender
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife set
- cutting board
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 80mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 10mg
FAQ – Vegan Broccoli Delight
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for this salad. Frozen broccoli tends to be too soft and watery once thawed, which can affect the texture and overall quality of the salad.
How can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Keep the broccoli and dressing separate until a few hours before serving. This helps maintain the crunchiness of the broccoli and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use a small amount of miso paste for a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, omit it, but note that the dressing might lack some of its cheesy flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Is there a way to make the dressing lower in fat?
To reduce the fat content, you can use light coconut milk instead of full-fat. Additionally, you can substitute some of the coconut milk with vegetable broth to keep the dressing creamy but lower in calories.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile. You can add shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
What if I don’t like the taste of coconut milk?
You can substitute coconut milk with almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor but will still provide a creamy base for the dressing.
Can I use fresh berries instead of dried goji berries?
Yes, you can use fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. They add a burst of freshness and a different texture to the salad.
