This broccoli crunch salad combines raw broccoli, apple, capsicum, cranberries and sunflower seeds in a creamy tahini yoghurt dressing. It’s such an easy, nutritious salad perfect for spring and summer!

Broccoli salad in a bowl with a fork and extra tahini dressing in a little dish.

Looking for a new and delicious way to enjoy broccoli? You will love this raw broccoli salad without mayo.

Have you tried raw broccoli in salad before? This broccoli crunch salad is one everyone will go crazy over. It’s a healthier spin on the classic and filled with simple whole food ingredients.

You are going to love this broccoli salad without mayo. The texture is incredible. Raw broccoli is combined with sweet crisp apples, tart cranberries, capsicum (bell pepper), crunchy sunflower seeds in a delicious creamy tahini yoghurt dressing. It's light, refreshing and so tasty. This is a great picnic salad, perfect for entertaining or serve as a side dish for dinner. We served it grilled chicken and pita bread the other night and it was a hit!

Ingredients you’ll need

All you need to make this broccoli crunch salad are 12 simple, healthy ingredients:

Broccoli: this broccoli salad uses about 3 broccoli heads, cut into bite sized florets.
Sunflower seeds: I used raw sunflower seeds but you can also use roasted sunflower seeds.
Dried cranberries: add tartness and sweetness to the salad.
Red onion: adds a little little kick.
Capsicum (bell pepper): use a red one for sweetness.
Apple: use any sweet variety you like. I love using pink lady or gala.
Carrots: you’ll need 2 grated carrots here
Yoghurt: I used low fat plain greek yoghurt to make the cream sauce.
Tahini: to make the delicious dressing
White wine vinegar: adds a touch of acidity to the dressing. Can sub with rice vinegar.
Honey: just a touch to balance out the sauce.
Dijon mustard + garlic powder: flavour enhancers!
Salt + black pepper

Ingredients shown to make the broccoli crunch salad.

How to make broccoli crunch salad

First, prep your veggies: Chop, dice and grate. Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl.

In a separate bowl or jar, whisk the dressing ingredients: yoghurt, vinegar, tahini, mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Combine everything together: Pour the dressing over top of the salad and mix until everything is well coated and combined. Serve and enjoy!

Yoghurt tahini dressing in a measuring jug.

Salad ingredients in a bowl with the dressing poured over.

How to Serve

You can serve the broccoli crunch salad right away if you like or put in the refrigerator to chill. I think it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge- the veggies absorb and the flavours and the broccoli softens just a bit in the dressing. Garnish the top with extra sunflower seeds right before serving.

Pair with poached or grilled chicken.
Spinach Feta Salmon Burgers
Stuff into pita bread.
Pile on to toast or grilled with shredded cheese on top. Like my Loaded Cheesy Corn Toast recipe.

Broccoli crunch salad in a bowl with a gold fork.

How to store

Because the broccoli is raw, it retains it’s crunch and tastes even better the next day. You can refrigerate this raw broccoli salad in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. Be sure to toss it before serving.

Ingredient substitutions

Dried fruit: Raisins or goji berries can be used instead of the dried cranberries.
Nuts/ seeds: You can substitute slivered almonds, walnuts or roasted pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
Dairy free: use non dairy yoghurt or increase the amount of tahini to make a lemon tahini dressing.
Protein boosters: add a can of chickpeas, some green peas or edamame beans!

FAQ

Can you eat broccoli raw in a salad?

Yes! It can be served raw in salads or with dips. It’s crunchy, rich in nutrients and there isn’t much taste difference opposed to cooked, so I don’t bother to blanch it.

Can I blanch the broccoli first?

I have only made this salad with raw broccoli. If you don’t like raw broccoli you can blanch it in a pot of boiling salted water for one minute. Remove, and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking. Add to recipe as directed. This will make the broccoli more tender and you will have less crunch to your salad.

What do broccoli stems taste like?

The broccoli stems taste a lot like the florets, just crunchier. Cut them small and you won’t even notice them.

More nutritious salad recipes

Beetroot Feta Walnut Salad

Roasted Beetroot Broccoli Salad

Creamy Lentil Pasta Salad

Cajun Salmon Quinoa Salad

If you try this broccoli crunch salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.