Name: Vegan Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Crowns of Broccoli washed, with the core removed.; 1 large red onion, diced.; 2 celery stalks, washed and diced; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup Vegan Coconut Bacon (Other options) Bacos (did you know they are vegan)? Or use tempeh bacon bits; 1/2 cup raw cashews; 1/2 cup water; 1 Tablespoon Apple cider Vinegar; Juice of 1 lemon; ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips; 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup; 3 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce; 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke

Growing up, before adopting a plant-based diet, my mom made broccoli, cranberry, and bacon salad that was “to die for.” I am sure it was the only way my mom got my sister and me to eat broccoli by masking it with bacon. In fact, she was famous for cheese-covered broccoli as well, as I recall. But, we ate every morsel of her broccoli salad, because it was simply delicious. So, I decided to make vegan broccoli salad with coconut bacon.

As a matter of fact, bacon seems to be one of the food items vegans miss the most when transitioning to a plant-based diet. So, why not make bacon from plants? Honestly, I can ‘veganize’ anything if challenged accordingly.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED FOR VEGAN BROCCOLI SALAD WITH COCONUT BACON?

First of all, the ingredients are simple and easy to prep. I do, however, provide an option of steam the broccoli slightly or you can leave it raw. For some reason, I prefer my broccoli al dente, instead of raw, but you can easily use raw broccoli and skip the steaming. Also, I suggest using coconut bacon, but if you are ina hurry, or prefer different options, I have provided two suggestions for substitutions.

4 Crowns of Broccoli washed, with the core removed.
1 large red onion, diced.
2 celery stalks, washed and diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup Vegan Coconut Bacon (Other options) Bacos (did you know they are vegan)? Or use tempeh bacon bits

WHAT IS COCONUT BACON AND HOW DO I MAKE IT?

Coconut bacon, for example, is one of my favorite recipes, because it can be used in any recipe calling for bacon. My husband, a former carnivore, loved bacon, and coconut bacon makes him happy. So, I often add it to recipes made better by adding bacon.

HOW TO MAKE COCONUT BACON

COCONUT BACON:

1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
3 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce
2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke

VEGAN BROCCOLI SALAD DRESSING IS TANGY AND SASSY AND OIL-FREE

Because I adore sauces and dressings, I am always playing with different combinations of ingredients to come up with oil-free options. Vegan broccoli salad with coconut bacon, for instance, has a tangy ad sassy dressing that is fabulous and oil-free!

DRESSING:

1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup water
1 Tablespoon Apple cider Vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

And you can make and dress vegan broccoli salad in advance, so it is ready when you want to eat or serve it. To be honest, the flavors enhance the longer you leave it in the refrigerator.

In hindsight, I actually think my vegan version of vegan broccoli salad is a much tastier version, and much healthier as well. I know mom would definitely approve. In fact, she requests this salad every time she visits.

Although this salad can easily be an entree, I often serve it on the side, or bring it to a party. And, I never tell the meat-eaters of the group it is vegan. Despite the healthy ingredients, my vegan broccoli salad is always the first to disappear. The next time you are having a BBQ or going to a picnic, try vegan broccoli salad with coconut bacon and watch it disappear.

LOOKING FOR GREAT SALADS FOR YOUR NEXT BBQ OR FAMILY PARTY?

8 servings