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Oil-Free Creamy Broccoli Salad

Make a double batch because this beautiful crunchy, tangy Oil-Free Creamy Broccoli Salad is so delicious that you'll want to eat the whole bowlful. 

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, gluten-free, oil-free, vegan
Keyword Oil-Free Creamy Broccoli Salad
Author Trish Hall

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 crowns fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces About 4 cups
  • 1/2-3/4 cup red onion, chopped small
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped if desired
  • 2 cups grapes, cut in half optional
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds optional

Dressing Ingredients

  • 16 oz tofu (any firmness except silken) No need to squeeze out water
  • 1/4-1/2 cup water (you may not need much, if any)
  • 2-4 Tbsp maple syrup or date paste
  • 1/4 cup champagne vinegar Can use red wine vinegar instead
  • 1-3 cloves garlic or more!
  • pinch salt optional

Instructions

Salad instructions

  1. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces

  2. Dice the onion

  3. Chop the cranberries, if desired

  4. If using, cut the grapes in half

  5. Add all of the above to a large bowl

Dressing Instructions

  1. Add all the dressing ingredients (EXCEPT THE WATER) to the blender.

  2. Press everything down with the tamper and start the blender on low.

  3. Add water by the tablespoonful if needed to get the ingredients to begin to blend.

  4. Increase the speed of the blender until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.

  5. Add water a tablespoon at a time, if necessary to make it pourable.

Put It Together

  1. Pour on about half the dressing and mix well. Add dressing to suit your tastes.

  2. I like to chill this salad and allow the flavors to marry for about an hour, but it can be eaten right away, of course. Toss with slivered almonds before serving or offer to add to individual portions.

    Offer extra dressing on the side, if desired.

  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Best if eaten within 2-3 days. The extra dressing can be stored in a glass jar for several days.

  4. Add a cooked grain, like rice or quinoa to make this a complete meal.