Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe: Healthy and Refreshing

Vegan broccoli salad is a refreshing, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish. Not only does it offer a fresh and delicious taste, but it’s also great for your health due to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and low calorie count.

Health Benefits of Vegan Broccoli Salad

Broccoli, the main ingredient of this salad, contains many essential nutrients such as vitamins C, K, A, folate, and potassium. These nutrients not only boost the immune system but also protect heart health. Additionally, this salad is perfect for those looking to lose weight or maintain their figure due to its low calorie content yet high fiber, which supports effective digestion.

Vegan Broccoli Salad Ingredients

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious vegan broccoli salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Broccoli: 500g (choose fresh, dark green, and undamaged).
• Carrot: 1 medium (peeled and julienned).
• Roasted Peanuts: 100g (crushed for crunchiness).
• Herbs: Vietnamese coriander and basil (cleaned and finely chopped).
• Chili: 1-2 (depending on your family’s spice preference).
• Vegan Fish Sauce: 3 tablespoons.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons.
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced).
• Ginger: 1 small piece (minced).

Vegan Broccoli Salad Preparation

Detailed Instructions for Making Vegan Broccoli Salad

1. Preparing the Ingredients

• Broccoli: Wash thoroughly, cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to retain crunchiness and natural green color. Immediately soak in ice water to cool quickly.
• Carrot: Peel, wash, and julienne.

2. Mixing the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix vegan fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped chili. Adjust the taste to ensure a harmonious sweet and sour flavor.

3. Tossing the Salad

Place broccoli, julienned carrot, and herbs in a large bowl. Gradually pour the dressing over the ingredients, gently mixing with your hands or chopsticks to ensure even flavor distribution. Be careful not to mix too vigorously to avoid mashing the ingredients.

4. Finishing and Serving

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top for added richness. The salad tastes best when served immediately after mixing.

Finished Vegan Broccoli Salad

Tips to Make Vegan Broccoli Salad More Appealing

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli should be dark green, not wilted or damaged.
• Blanch Correctly: Do not over-blanch the broccoli to maintain its crunchiness and vibrant color.
• Experiment with Variations: You can add other vegetables like onions, cucumbers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
• Add Nutritious Seeds: Besides peanuts, you can use roasted cashews or sesame seeds to increase nutritional value and flavor.

Suggestions for Variations of Vegan Broccoli Salad

• Combine with Mushrooms: Add straw mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms for a distinctive flavor.
• Use Fried Tofu Skin: Fry tofu skin until crispy and mix it into the salad for a delightful crunch.
• Add Green Mango: Julienned green mango will add a light sour taste, stimulating the appetite.

Conclusion

Vegan broccoli salad is a perfect choice for those who love light, nutritious meals. With its simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can easily prepare this dish at home to treat your family. Try it now and enjoy the fresh, nutritious taste of vegan broccoli salad!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Do I need to blanch the broccoli before mixing the salad?
  • A: Yes, blanching the broccoli helps remove its bitterness and maintain its crunchiness.
• Q: Can I substitute vegan fish sauce with something else?
  • A: You can use soy sauce or salt as a substitute.
• Q: How long can vegan broccoli salad be stored?
  • A: It’s best to enjoy it immediately after mixing. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to one day.
• Q: How can I prevent the salad from becoming watery?
  • A: Mix the salad just before serving and avoid mixing too vigorously.