This cilantro sunflower seed dressing was created when we needed something quick & easy for a dinner side salad. It’s cashew-free, soy-free, plant-based, and now a go-to anytime we need something fast, flavorful, and nourishing. Just 5 simple ingre…
This cilantro sunflower seed dressing was created when we needed something quick & easy for a dinner side salad. It’s cashew-free, soy-free, plant-based, and now a go-to anytime we need something fast, flavorful, and nourishing. Just 5 simple ingredients, a blender, and 10 minutes required. Let us show you how it’s done!
Why Sunflower Seeds?
Sunflower seeds are the creamy base for this dressing. They’re a mild-flavored, nut-free alternative to cashews, and they’re packed with vitamin E, selenium, vitamins B5 & B6, folate, zinc, and more (source).
I’ve been out and about, here and there, but one thing that seems to follow me around is furikake. “What? A Japanese seaweed-based condiment?” you might say. While I do tend to tote French salted butter, fleur de sel, and Dijon mustard along with me on my travels, I’ve always loved furikake as well, and find myself craving it more and more these days. In…
I’ve been out and about, here and there, but one thing that seems to follow me around is furikake. “What? A Japanese seaweed-based condiment?” you might say. While I do tend to tote French salted butter, fleur de sel, and Dijon mustard along with me on my travels, I’ve always loved furikake as well, and find myself craving it more and more these days. In all honestly, I get a little antsy when I don’t have some around, which happened last time I tried to restock in Paris and couldn’t find any.
There are different types of furikake. Some contain bonito (fish flakes) or dried shrimp, and others have bits of desiccated egg. Some are relatively mellow and others have a pleasant funk to them. In the last few years, “funky” has been a dicey word to describe certain foods, but to me, at the risk of cancellation, funky isn’t a bad thing. Some of my favorite foods, like fish sauce, kimchi, and Camembert could be described as “funky” (just as songs like Funky Nassau, Uptown Funk, and Play That Funky Music use “funky” to complement, and compliment, their respective subjects) so I’m fine with having a funky-friendly blog.
If you are looking for a cheezy and spicy vegan spinach dip, this might just be the perfect recipe for you. It is whole foods plant-based all the way as veggies and of course spinach leaves are turned into a smooth and creamy dip. Think of it as a Gree…
If you are looking for a cheezy and spicy vegan spinach dip, this might just be the perfect recipe for you. It is whole foods plant-based all the way as veggies and of course spinach leaves are turned into a smooth and creamy dip. Think of it as a Green Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce. Are...
This is one of the easiest, quickest vegan pasta recipe you can imagine. If you are short on time, this recipe is what you need! Take a handful of fresh spinach and basil leaves, cook some pasta and enjoy your spinach pesto pasta in 15 minutes! Even qu…
This is one of the easiest, quickest vegan pasta recipe you can imagine. If you are short on time, this recipe is what you need! Take a handful of fresh spinach and basil leaves, cook some pasta and enjoy your spinach pesto pasta in 15 minutes! Even quicker if you have any store-bough vegan pesto...
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when all I want to eat are cold salads with crunchy vegetables. And since fresh broccoli is one of my favorite crunchy vegetables, I decided to build a pasta salad featuring broccoli and my new favorite homemade salad dressing. This Broccoli Pasta Salad features a tangy homemade tomato vinaigrette, nutty sunflower seeds, savory red onions, and pops of creamy-salty feta. This flavor-texture combo is just magic!
Pasta Options
I used a rotini pasta for this salad because all the little twisty crevices are great at grabbing onto the salad dressing, making sure there’s tons of flavor in every bite. That being said, you could definitely do something like a penne, bowtie, or orecchiette instead. I think the nutty flavor of whole wheat pasta would actually go really well with the flavors in this salad, too.
Salad Dressing Options
I’ve included a homemade tomato vinaigrette with this recipe, but if you’re not a fan of tomato you could do a basic Italian dressing in its place, or something like a champagne vinaigrette. I’d stick to dressings that are light and tangy.
Is the Broccoli Raw??
The last time I posted a salad recipe with raw broccoli, there were quite a few people who were surprised that you could (or that you would want to) eat raw broccoli. Yes, the broccoli in this salad is raw. Raw broccoli is deliciously crunchy but does have a very different flavor from cooked broccoli. If you prefer cooked broccoli, I suggest using roasted broccoli to give an extra flavor boost to the salad.
Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette
This Broccoli Pasta Salad features a tangy homemade vinaigrette, nutty sunflower seeds, and creamy-salty feta.
Prepare the vinaigrette first. Whisk together the tomato paste, red wine vinegar, basil, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Begin to whisk in the olive oil, one tablespooon at a time, until fully incorporated. Set the vinaigrette aside.
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions (boil for 7-10 minutes, or until tender). Drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse briefly with cool water to cool off the pasta. Drain well.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the broccoli florets off the stems, then roughly chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion.
Once the pasta has drained, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the chopped broccoli, red onion, and sunflower seeds. Crumble the feta over top. Drizzle the dressing into the bowl and then gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly combined and everything is coated in dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette – Step by Step Photos
Begin the tomato vinaigrette first. Whisk together 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, ½ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper until smooth.
Begin to whisk in olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, until you’ve incorporated 6 Tbsps. Set the dressing aside.
Next, cook ½ lb. rotini according to the package directions (boil 7-10 minutes, or until tender). Drain the pasta in a colander. Give it a brief rinse to cool it off, then let it drain well.
Chop about 1 lb. of fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. They don’t have to be pretty florets, just chop away until the pieces are fairly small. Also finely dice about ½ cup red onion.
Once cooled, transfer the pasta to a bowl and add the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, ¼ cup unsalted sunflower seeds, and about 4oz. feta.
Pour the tomato vinaigrette over top…
Then gently toss everything together until well combined and everything is coated in dressing.Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later!
This is The Best Hummus Recipe Without Tahini. Why? We don’t just skip tahini and make a garlicky chickpea puree as most of the tahini-free hummus recipes would do. Nope. We found the perfect substitute which is roasted sunflower seeds (or sunflo…
This is The Best Hummus Recipe Without Tahini. Why? We don’t just skip tahini and make a garlicky chickpea puree as most of the tahini-free hummus recipes would do. Nope. We found the perfect substitute which is roasted sunflower seeds (or sunflower butter). They add a nutty taste that you would need to wholeheartedly enjoy...
With warmer weather comes lighter cravings, and this incredibly fresh Pad Thai-inspired salad has been one of our go-to meals this summer.
Vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and cabbage are thinly sliced or “noodled” and tossed in a bright, citrusy pe…
With warmer weather comes lighter cravings, and this incredibly fresh Pad Thai-inspired salad has been one of our go-to meals this summer.
Vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and cabbage are thinly sliced or “noodled” and tossed in a bright, citrusy peanut dressing with a kick thanks to red pepper flake. It’s like summer in a bowl. Let us show you how it’s done!
This 30-minute noodle salad begins with making the sauce, which is inspired by Thai flavors.
Our favorite Vegan Queso Dip is based on our creamy, delicious, nut-free and veggie-based cheese sauce. Way healthier than any store-bought processed stuff. You can make this dip in within 20 minutes. Super quick right? No cashews here, so I dare …
Our favorite Vegan Queso Dip is based on our creamy, delicious, nut-free and veggie-based cheese sauce. Way healthier than any store-bought processed stuff. You can make this dip in within 20 minutes. Super quick right? No cashews here, so I dare to say that it is also quite budget-friendly. Let’s talk Tex-Mex! We are alternating between...
A new and improved take on the classic broccoli salad! Crunchy and savory sweet, it stars broccoli, raisins, and a flavor-popping dressing. Love broccoli salad? Us too. There’s something about that classic American broccoli salad: you know, the one with raisins and a mayo-based dressing? It’s a retro summer salad, where the florets are marinaded in the sauce until they’re soft and savory sweet. It’s oddly satisfying and gives us all those nostalgic vibes. Here’s a new and improved version of to make it fresh and healthy: but it keeps all the character and deliciousness of the original. In fact: we think it’s even better. Broccoli salad: new and improved! Mayo dressing and raisins reeks of the 1950’s and 60’s, right? While we couldn’t find a definitive history of broccoli salad, it’s got all the markers of those decades. Usually this salad is topped with bacon and sometimes cheese: taking it from a fresh and healthy salad to a decadent treat. So here at A Couple Cooks, we set about to modernize this classic (just like we did with this green bean casserole). Here’s why you should make this broccoli salad recipe: Dressing with just enough mayo. Mayo brings big […]
A new and improved take on the classic broccoli salad! Crunchy and savory sweet, it stars broccoli, raisins, and a flavor-popping dressing.
Love broccoli salad? Us too. There’s something about that classic American broccoli salad: you know, the one with raisins and a mayo-based dressing? It’s a retro summer salad, where the florets are marinaded in the sauce until they’re soft and savory sweet. It’s oddly satisfying and gives us all those nostalgic vibes. Here’s a new and improved version of to make it fresh and healthy: but it keeps all the character and deliciousness of the original. In fact: we think it’s even better.
Broccoli salad: new and improved!
Mayo dressing and raisins reeks of the 1950’s and 60’s, right? While we couldn’t find a definitive history of broccoli salad, it’s got all the markers of those decades. Usually this salad is topped with bacon and sometimes cheese: taking it from a fresh and healthy salad to a decadent treat. So here at A Couple Cooks, we set about to modernize this classic (just like we did with this green bean casserole). Here’s why you should make this broccoli salad recipe:
Dressing with just enough mayo. Mayo brings big flavor and texture, but it doesn’t need to be swimming in the stuff. This dressing is just the right blend of creamy and savory sweet. Vegan mayo is becoming easy to find: use that for a plant-based broccoli salad.
Skip the cheese and bacon. Salad doesn’t need cheese and bacon to taste good! Removing those, it’s fresh and plant based.
Same great flavor…or better! This salad is just as satisfying as the standard…in fact, we think it’s even tastier!
Ingredients for broccoli salad
Are you convinced? Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the base of this broccoli salad:
Fresh broccoli: make sure it’s at its peak freshness. The fresher the broccoli, the better the salad!
Red onion
Carrot
Raisins: You also can use dried cranberries or cherries
Mayo: Use vegan mayo as desired
Cider vinegar
Dijon mustard
Maple syrup or sugar: Either works! use pure maple syrup for a naturally sweet salad!
Add the smoky sunflower seed topping!
Remember we told you we removed the bacon from the classic broccoli salad? You don’t need anything in place of it. But if you really want to take this salad over the top: make this smoky sunflower seed topping! It mimics the flavor of bacon using sunflower seeds that are flavored with soy sauce, maple syrup and smoked paprika. They bring just the right smoky and savory flavor to the salad.
What’s smoked paprika? It’s a smoky Spanish version of sweet paprika. You should be able to find it at most grocery stores: it’s sometimes labeled pimentón. Smoked paprika is our secret weapon in plant-based cooking and we use it in so many recipes! Go to Best Smoked Paprika Recipes to use up a jar.
Do you really have to refrigerate 1 hour?
Great question: and we like that you love shortcuts (we do too). In this case though: the wait time makes a difference. Yes, you do have to refrigerate broccoli salad for 1 hour! Here’s why:
It makes just the right tender broccoli texture. Technically, you can eat it right away. But if you do, the broccoli is crisp. Honestly, it just doesn’t taste right! Refrigerate 1 hour, and it softens just enough.
The flavors permeate even more! The flavor also tastes better after that 1 hour soak. The broccoli salad tastes even more tangy and savory sweet.
More broccoli recipes
Guess what? We have so many more classic broccoli recipes to enjoy this healthy veggie! Here are some favorites that you should try:
Broccoli Slaw This creamy broccoli slaw is irresistibly tasty! It’s easy to make using fresh broccoli or the packaged mix you can find in most grocery stores.
Epic Roasted Broccoli Makes this green veggie taste SO GOOD you can’t stop sneaking bites! It’s charred until tender, then spritzed with lemon juice.
Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup Intensely creamy, satisfying, and 100% plant based! It’s an easy healthy soup that everyone loves.
This broccoli salad recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use vegan mayo.
Whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard and salt. Add to the vegetables and mix to combine. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the broccoli to become soft (you can eat right away but the broccoli is crisp and has less of the traditional texture).
Meanwhile, place the sunflower seeds, soy sauce, sugar, smoked paprika, and 2 pinches kosher salt in a skillet. Heat over medium low heat and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are sticky and most of the liquid is evaporated, taking care that they do not burn and scraping any sticky bits from the bottom of the pan. When they are sticky and darkened in color (and may have clumped together), remove from the heat and spread them onto parchment paper in a single layer and allow them to dry until serving, about 10 minutes.
When ready to serve, top the salad with the sunflower seeds.
Category:Salad
Method:Raw
Cuisine:American
Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Best Broccoli Salad
More amazing salad recipes
Salads are the best way to eat your veggies! Here are some of our favorite salad recipes:
Classic Corn Salad Savory, sweet and creamy: with tomatoes and basil! Perfect for summer.
Antipasto Salad A mashup of everything great about Italian antipasti and pasta salad.
If you’ve never tried crispy CHEESY roasted broccoli, you’re in for a treat.
Especially when it’s paired with crispy roasted chickpeas, citrus-massaged kale (yeah, we said it), and our 5-minute SMOKY Chipotle Dressing!
Friends, let us show you …
If you’ve never tried crispy CHEESY roasted broccoli, you’re in for a treat.
Especially when it’s paired with crispy roasted chickpeas, citrus-massaged kale (yeah, we said it), and our 5-minute SMOKY Chipotle Dressing!
Friends, let us show you how easy this 30-minute dish is!
The first step is to roast the broccoli and chickpeas on a large baking sheet.
The broccoli is seasoned with avocado oil, salt, and pepper, then topped with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor!
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