Broccoli Raisin Salad

This vegan broccoli raisin salad is tossed with roasted onion, almonds, and a mustard vinaigrette for an easy and healthy make-ahead side dish!

Growing up, we had a friend whose broccoli salad was a party favorite.

It was loaded with mayonnaise, bacon, cheese-- and everyone LOVED it.

Recently, I was thinking back on that broccoli salad, and wondering if I could make a version where you could actually taste the broccoli.

A healthier, lighter salad that would give a nod to the classic Southern dish, and then take a sharp detour.

This vegan broccoli raisin salad is inspired by both the Southern-style broccoli salad that Connie used to make, and also by my shaved brussels sprouts salad.

This easy broccoli salad is tossed with an easy mustard vinaigrette, and filled with raisins, red onion, and nuts.

Should I Buy Broccoli Heads or Crowns?

Broccoli heads will have more stem attached. The stems are edible, and you could finely dice them and use them in the salad if you want to.

Broccoli crowns will have most of the stems removed.

Buy whichever looks best at the supermarket-- it doesn't really matter!The broccoli in the photos uses broccoli crowns.

Do I Have to Roast the Broccoli for a Broccoli Raisin Salad?

Traditionally, Southern-style broccoli salad uses raw broccoli.

I chose to roast the broccoli in this recipe for just a few minutes-- for three reasons.

First-- you'll be using red onion in the salad, and roasting red onion for just a few minutes mellows out the sharp raw onion flavor.

Second-- the broccoli itself gets an extra flavor boost when you roast it.

And third-- but possibly most importantly-- the broccoli florets don't get stuck in my teeth as badly when the broccoli is cooked.

And that seems like the best reason of all!

But yes-- if you prefer-- you can use raw broccoli or blanch it briefly.

Can I Make this broccoli raisin salad ahead of time?

Yes!

This salad can be served warm right after you make it, or serve chilled up to a day later.

To make it ahead of time, simply roast the veggies and add all the salad ingredients, but leave off the vinaigrette.

When it's time to serve, toss the salad with the dressing.

You Used Almonds. Can I Use a Different Kind of Nut?

Definitely.

This broccoli raisin salad is also delicious with sesame seeds, pepita seeds, pecans, or walnuts.

Serve this easy and light salad as a quick side dish with your next meal, or bring it as an easy covered dish for a party or BBQ!

Want more broccoli ideas? Try this Vegan Broccoli Soup with Spinach from Girl Heart Food