If you’re on the lookout for a super healthy salad that bursts with flavor, this Raw Broccoli Salad is it! This recipe utilizes crunchy broccoli as the star ingredient, making it a refreshing choice for spring meals. Not only is it perfect for meal prep, but it’s also an excellent addition to any dinner party with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
This salad combines the goodness of broccoli with a delightful maple mustard dressing, creating a unique flavor profile that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, and it’s part of a collection of lite salad recipes that are both satisfying and nourishing.
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Vibrant Ingredients that Shine
The Raw Broccoli Salad stands out with its colorful mix of fresh ingredients. Bright green broccoli florets serve as the foundation, providing a satisfying crunch that is both enticing and nutritious.
Adding diced cucumbers enhances the salad’s freshness, while shredded red cabbage contributes a beautiful pop of color and a delightful texture. This combination not only makes it visually appealing but also ensures a variety of nutrients in every bite.

Delicious Maple Mustard Dressing
The glossy maple mustard dressing ties the whole dish together, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Crafted from simple ingredients such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this dressing elevates the salad to another level.
With just a few whisking motions, this dressing can be made in minutes, making it an easy addition to the salad. The maple syrup provides a unique sweetness that complements the earthy flavors of the raw vegetables beautifully.
A Crunchy Topping for Texture
To finish off this vibrant bowl, a sprinkle of crunchy sunflower seeds and dried cranberries adds wonderful texture and sweetness. The sunflower seeds provide a nutty taste and an extra boost of protein, making this salad not just visually stunning, but also filling.
These toppings are a fantastic way to incorporate healthy fats and nutrients, ensuring that your Raw Broccoli Salad is both satisfying and nourishing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This salad is a versatile option that works well for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it an attractive choice for spring meals or any time of the year.
Whether served alone or as a side dish, it complements a wide range of main courses. It’s also an ideal option for meal prep, allowing for quick and healthy lunches throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits of Raw Broccoli Salad
Incorporating raw broccoli into your diet offers numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this superfood supports overall wellness. The salad is low in calories yet high in nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for anyone following meal salads recipes healthy.
With its combination of ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also serves as a great way to add more veggies to your daily meals. It highlights the importance of enjoying fresh ingredients in their raw form for maximum nutritional value.
Color and Flavor Combinations
The vibrant mix of colors and flavors in this Raw Broccoli Salad is a testament to its allure. Each ingredient has its unique role, contributing to a well-rounded dish that is both crunchy and refreshing.
Experimenting with different additions, such as additional veggies or alternative dressings, can further enhance this salad’s appeal. It’s a canvas for creativity, offering endless possibilities to make it your own.
Crispy and Refreshing Raw Broccoli Salad Recipe

This Raw Broccoli Salad is not only quick to prepare but also packs a nutritional punch. The combination of raw broccoli, crisp cucumbers, and a flavorful maple mustard dressing makes it a go-to for healthy spinach salad recipes and a standout among salad base ideas. It’s truly one of the best cabbage recipes you can enjoy as a meal salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped raw broccoli, diced cucumber, shredded red cabbage, and sliced red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve: Sprinkle sunflower seeds and raisins on top before serving. Enjoy this refreshing salad on its own or as a side dish for your favorite spring meals.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
Diet | Explanation / Adjustments Needed |
---|---|
Vegan | Suitable as is. All ingredients are plant-based, and no animal-derived products are used. |
Vegetarian | Suitable as is. The recipe contains no meat, poultry, or fish and uses plant-based ingredients. |
Gluten-Free | Suitable as is. None of the ingredients contain gluten. Ensure the Dijon mustard is labeled gluten-free. |
Dairy-Free | Suitable as is. The recipe contains no dairy products. |
Nut-Free | Suitable as is. Sunflower seeds are used instead of nuts, making it nut-free. |
Paleo | Adjustments needed: Replace the maple syrup with raw honey (if not strictly vegan) and ensure Dijon mustard is paleo-compliant. |
Keto | Adjustments needed: Replace raisins or dried cranberries with a keto-friendly substitute, like chopped nuts or seeds, and reduce the maple syrup (use stevia or erythritol instead). |
Low-FODMAP | Adjustments needed: Replace red onion with green onion (green tops only), and avoid raisins or dried cranberries. |
Whole30 | Adjustments needed: Replace maple syrup with date paste or omit sweetener entirely, and ensure the Dijon mustard is Whole30-compliant. |
Raw Vegan | Suitable as is. All ingredients are raw and plant-based. |