Broccoli Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

This broccoli salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish made with broccoli, red onion, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy tahini dressing. The dressing combines tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and a touch of maple syrup for a delicious balance of nutty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.

This easy broccoli salad recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, potlucks, picnics, or a fresh addition to your favorite meal. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation method, it’s a great option when you want a homemade salad with plenty of texture and flavor.

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 medium heads broccoli, cut into small florets

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 cup sliced almonds

• ¾ cup dried cranberries

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

I NEVER measure salt or pepper, guys. You have to taste it and feel it out!

For the Creamy Tahini Dressing

• ¾ cup tahini

• Water, as needed, to loosen

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• A big pinch of salt (approximately ½ tsp)

• 2 tsp maple syrup

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Cut the broccoli into small florets and wash thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the broccoli and boil for about 1 minute. The goal is to take the edge off the crunch while keeping the broccoli firm. Avoid overcooking it, as you don’t want mushy broccoli.

Drain the broccoli and let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Tahini Dressing

While the broccoli cools, combine the tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and maple syrup in a bowl.

Add water a little at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy and easy to toss with the salad ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place the cooled broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced red onion, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries.

Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Remember, the amount of seasoning you need depends on your personal preference.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the creamy tahini dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together until the broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve and enjoy your homemade broccoli salad!

Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

• Avoid overcooking the broccoli: Boil it for about 1 minute to soften the crunch while keeping the florets firm.

• Let the broccoli cool first: This helps keep the dressing creamy when you toss the salad.

• Adjust the dressing consistency: Add water gradually until the tahini dressing is easy to mix through the salad.

• Season to taste: Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust as needed.

• Toss thoroughly: Make sure the dressing coats the broccoli, almonds, cranberries, and onion evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the broccoli, chop the onion, and mix the tahini dressing ahead of time. For the best texture, combine the ingredients shortly before serving or store the prepared components separately until you are ready to toss the salad.

Do I need to cook the broccoli for this salad?

Yes, this recipe calls for briefly boiling the broccoli for about 1 minute. This takes away some of the raw crunch while keeping the broccoli firm rather than mushy.

What dressing goes with broccoli salad?

This recipe uses a creamy tahini dressing made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and maple syrup. Water is added as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make this broccoli salad without mayonnaise?

Yes. This recipe does not use mayonnaise. Instead, tahini creates the creamy dressing, while lemon juice adds tanginess and maple syrup provides a touch of sweetness.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries are recommended for this recipe because they provide a sweet, chewy contrast to the crunchy broccoli and almonds. Fresh cranberries have a different texture and a much tarter flavor, so substituting them will change the taste.

How should I store leftover broccoli salad?

Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The dressing may thicken or settle during storage, so stir the salad before serving. For the best texture, keep in mind that the almonds may soften over time.

Is broccoli salad suitable for a vegan diet?

The listed ingredients are plant-based, including broccoli, almonds, dried cranberries, tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, and maple syrup. Check the labels on your dried cranberries and other packaged ingredients to confirm they meet your dietary requirements.

What can I serve with broccoli salad?

This broccoli salad works well as a side dish for roasted vegetables, grain bowls, sandwiches, wraps, or your favorite lunch and dinner meals. It is also a flavorful option for picnics and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

This broccoli salad brings together crunchy broccoli, sliced almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and red onion with a creamy, tangy tahini dressing. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize with salt and pepper, and a delicious way to add more vegetables to your meals.

Give it a try and enjoy the combination of fresh ingredients and creamy homemade dressing!