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. However, I do provide an option to steam the broccoli slightly or 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?
For example, Coconut bacon 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:
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ 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. 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. 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?
- Vegan Potato Salad
- Asian Coleslaw
- Vegan Macaroni Salad
- Bean Salad
- Vegan Coleslaw
- Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw
- Grilled Caesar Salad
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad
- Vegan Quinoa Salad
- Vegan Waldorf Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Fattoush Salad
Vegan Broccoli Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
SALAD:
- 4 crowns broccoli with the core removed.
- 1 large red onion diced.
- 2 stalks celery 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
DRESSING:
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tablespoon Apple cider Vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
COCONUT BACON:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
- 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 3 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke
Instructions
COCONUT BACON:
30 MINUTES PRIOR TO COOKING
- In an airtight container, add coconut and all other ingredients
- Put the top on the container
- Shake
- Place in refrigerator for a minimum of 10 minutes, ideally 30 minutes, or overnight if planning ahead
- Preheat oven to 350.
- On a cookie sheet, cover with parchment paper
- Remove the coconut mixture from the refrigerator
- Give it one last shake, and using the top drain any excess fluid
- Place a single layer of marinated coconut on the cookie sheet
- Use a spatula to spread a single layer, attempting to reduce a thick layer
- Place in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes
- Remove from oven; using a spatula, flip and move bacon around the pan, still maintaining a single layer
- Cook another ten minutes
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
SALAD:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut the core from each head of broccoli. (My dogs love the core; they actually cry for it, so waste not, want not).
- I washed my broccoli in my steamer basket to save a step.
- Steam the broccoli for 10 minutes. It is recommended to steam it for 14 or 15 minutes, but that is too much. You want it, al Dante. Or, you can skip this step if you prefer broccoli raw.
- As soon as the broccoli is done, immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop it from cooking.
- Now, take the broccoli and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess water.
- Chop broccoli bite-sized pieces
- Put broccoli, onions, celery, dried cranberries, and Vegan Coconut Bacon in a large mixing bowl.
DRESSING:
- In a blender, blend all the ingredients together until smooth.
- Set aside
PUTTING IT TOGETHER:
- Pour the dressing on the broccoli mixture and mix well.
- Put the dressed salad in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator.
- *The ingredients need to meld, so leave overnight and then mix before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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