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This creamy broccoli salad is a fresh take on the classic, with a tangy cashew dressing that clings to every bite. Crunchy, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of plant-powered dish that disappears fast and keeps you coming back for more.

Prep Time   |

20 minutes. Total time: 30–35 minutes

Servings  |

4

Meal Type  |

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Ingredients

  • Broccoli Salad
    • Broccoli,1 large head or ½ large Costco bag florets, chopped including stems
    • Red onion, 1 small finely chopped (to taste)
    • Raisins or dried cranberries, a generous handful (about ½ cup)
    • Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, a generous handful (about ½ cup)
  • Creamy Cashew Dressing (Naturally Dairy-Free)
    • Raw cashews (soaked and drained), ½ cup
    • Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon
    • Apple cider vinegar, 2–3 tablespoons
    • Fresh lemon juice, 1–2 tablespoons
    • Water, ½–¾ cup
    • Maple syrup (optional), 1 teaspoon
    • Salt, ½ teaspoon
    • Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon
  • Roasted Chickpeas (optional)
    • Garbanzo beans (chickpeas), 2 cans (15 oz each)
    • Olive oil, 1–2 tablespoons
    • Garlic, 1 tablespoon minced (about 2–3 cloves)
    • Course sea salt, ½ teaspoon (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F if making roasted chickpeas.
  • Quick-Soak the Cashews:
    • Place cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water.
    • Let sit 20 minutes or longer to soften.
  • Prepare the Salad
    • Chop broccoli (including stems) into small pieces
    • Finely chop red onion
    • Combine broccoli, onion, dried fruit, and seeds in a large bowl.
  • Roasted Chickpeas (optional)
    • Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
    • Toss with olive oil, minced garlic and sea salt,
    • Roast 25–30 minutes until lightly crispy.
  • Make the Dressing
    • Drain cashews and transfer to a blender or food processor.
    • Add all remaining dressing ingredients.
    • Blend until smooth, adding water as needed until creamy and pourable.
  • Toss and Rest
    • Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
    • Let sit at least 15-30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Enjoy!

What's in this meal?

Cruciferous Vegetables · Beans · Fruits · Nuts + Seeds · Spices

Fiber: 12–14g

|

Protein: 15–18g

|

Plant variety: 8-10

Nutrition info is approximate and based on common whole food ingredients. It depends on your ingredient choices and add-ins, so use it as a general guide—not a strict count. Focus on variety, fiber, and flavor, not perfection.

Why This Recipe Works

Nourishing, Not Heavy.
Fiber-rich broccoli and protein-packed chickpeas make this salad satisfying enough for a full meal—without feeling weighed down.

Creamy + Balanced.
Cashews create a smooth, tangy dressing, while crunchy seeds and a touch of sweetness bring texture and flavor to every bite.

Swap It + Smart Tips

  • Use pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
  • Prefer less sweetness? Reduce the dried fruit or swap for chopped apple.
  • Love extra protein? Add quinoa or double the chickpeas.
  • Want more brightness? Add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
  • This salad thickens slightly as it sits—add a splash of water to loosen the dressing if needed.

Pro Tip

Start with the chickpeas.
Get them in the oven first so they roast while you prep the salad. By the time you’ve chopped and blended, they’re golden and ready.

Make extra on purpose.
This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge. The flavors deepen, the texture softens slightly, and it makes an easy, protein-packed lunch the next day.

Why It Matters

For You:

  • Fiber-rich ingredients support digestion, blood sugar balance, and long-lasting energy.
  • Plant-based protein and healthy fats help keep you satisfied without feeling weighed down.
  • Antioxidant-rich vegetables and seeds support immune health and reduce inflammation.

For the Planet:

  • Meals built around plants require fewer resources and generate fewer emissions than animal-based options.
  • Choosing beans and seeds over processed dressings and animal products supports a more sustainable food system—one bowl at a time.

Community Gallery:

Real kitchens. Real tweaks. See real people in our community gallery. If you’d like to share, email hello@pigsaresmart.com.

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