Fresh, crunchy, and full of vibrant flavor, this Vegan Broccoli Apple Salad is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Crisp broccoli florets, juicy apples, red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds are tossed in a light, zesty dressing made with apple cider vinegar and maple syrup.
It’s a simple, wholesome dish that comes together in minutes and delivers a refreshing bite every time—perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a healthy side dish.
⏱️ Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Vegan
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & crunchy: A satisfying mix of textures
- Sweet + tangy flavor: Perfectly balanced dressing
- Healthy & nutritious: Packed with fiber and vitamins
- Quick to make: No cooking required
🛒 Ingredients
🥗 Salad
- 4 cups broccoli, finely chopped (about 2 medium heads)
- 3 apples (such as Gala), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (shelled)
🥄 Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or up to 2 tablespoons for more sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
🥦 Prepare the Broccoli
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water.
- Cut the florets into very small bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Peel away the tough outer layer of the stems.
- Slice the tender inner stems into thin matchstick pieces and add to the bowl.
🍎 Build the Salad
- Add diced apples, chopped red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds to the broccoli.
🥄 Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
🥗 Combine & Chill
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve for best flavor.
💡 Tips
- Dice apples just before adding to prevent browning
- Chop broccoli finely for better texture and flavor absorption
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes for best taste
🔄 Variations
- Nuts: Swap sunflower seeds with walnuts, almonds, or pecans
- Fruit: Use pears, grapes, or mandarin oranges instead of apples
- Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or radishes for extra crunch
- Cheesy flavor: Add vegan feta or nutritional yeast
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze this salad?
No, freezing is not recommended as the broccoli will become mushy.
How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling as flavors develop.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side for grilled dishes or sandwiches
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep