Best Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Craving a fresh, crunchy, and guilt-free side? My Healthy Broccoli Salad is the perfect answer. Bursting with vibrant flavors from crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, and a tangy maple-Dijon dressing, it’s light, nutritious, and utterly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how addictive it tastes.
Ingredients List
Salad Ingredients
1 pound broccoli crowns, chopped into bite-sized florets
⅓ cup diced red onions
⅓ cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (I like Sir Kensington's or a vegan mayo)
1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools makes prepping this broccoli salad a breeze:
Large Mixing Bowl – To combine the broccoli, onions, and cranberries evenly.
Small Bowl or Jar with Lid – Perfect for whisking or shaking together the dressing.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Spatula or Tongs – To toss the salad gently without bruising the broccoli.
Salad Preparation
Creating this healthy broccoli salad is simple, but following a few key steps ensures every bite is perfectly coated and flavorful.
Preparing the Broccoli
First, I trim the broccoli crowns and cut them into small, even florets. This helps the dressing cling to every piece and makes each bite consistent. I also dice the red onions finely so that their sharpness balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, I whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, and sea salt. The goal is a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dressing that complements the broccoli without overpowering it.
Tossing the Salad
Once the dressing is ready, I pour it over the broccoli, onions, and dried cranberries. Using a spatula or tongs, I gently toss everything together until each broccoli floret is lightly coated. The cranberries add a pop of sweetness, and the onions bring a savory balance that makes this salad irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Enjoy
Serve chilled as a refreshing side at lunch or dinner.
Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal.
Bring it to potlucks—everyone will ask for the recipe!
Add toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, for extra crunch.
Optional Garnishes
A light sprinkle of sesame seeds or crumbled feta cheese can elevate the salad without adding too many calories. I love adding these touches for a slightly nutty or creamy contrast.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Fresh
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days, though I recommend adding any nuts or cheese right before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Meal Prep Tip
This broccoli salad is fantastic for meal prep. I often make a batch on Sunday, and it keeps well for lunches throughout the week. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it taste better the next day.
Conclusion
This Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something nutritious, flavorful, and easy. The balance of crunchy broccoli, tangy dressing, sweet cranberries, and zesty onions makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, contributing to a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this salad delivers. Grab your ingredients, toss it together, and enjoy a vibrant, healthy side that everyone will love.
