Healthy Broccoli Salad

5 from 2 votes

This crunchy Tahini Broccoli Salad is a lightened up version of the classic broccoli grape salad. It's made with no mayo and is totally oil-free. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and backyard BBQs. Ready in just 20 minutes!

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Jenn Sebestyen

Ingredients

2 heads broccoli
2 cups red seedless grapes halved
1 cup chopped seedless cucumber
½ of a red onion sliced thin
¼ cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
1 recipe Citrus Tahini Dressing

Instructions

Chop the broccoli florets into small bite size pieces. Chop off the bottom 2 inches of stalk and throw way. Slice the remaining stalk into thin strips, then chop crosswise into bite size pieces. You need about 6 heaping cups.
Toss the chopped broccoli and stems into a large bowl. Add the halved grapes, chopped cucumber, sliced red onions, sunflower seeds, and fresh parsley.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine.
Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

~ If you prefer, you could lightly steam the broccoli. I would suggest steaming it for just a few minutes and then getting it straight into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve the bright green color.

~ Sunflower seeds can be toasted if you like. Simply add to a hot dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

~ Let the salad sit for a few hours or even over-night in a covered container in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to mingle and will create a more balanced flavor profile.

~ Ingredients for the Citrus Tahini Dressing call for optional pure maple syrup and optional water. I would highly suggest using at least 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to balance the mild bitterness of the broccoli. Taste and adjust to your liking. You want a strong flavor because it will mellow once it mixes with the salad ingredients. You likely won't need any water as the dressing should be on the thicker side to coat the salad, but it will depend on how thick or runny your tahini is. The dressing should be about the consistency of mayo.

~ As always, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking before serving! Add an extra pinch of salt, fresh cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of fresh orange, if needed.

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