This savory and sweet Broccoli Crunch Salad with pasta and dried cherries is a perfect summer dish! An easy-to-make crunchy salad that is entirely dairy free and vegan. Simply toss all ingredients together in a creamy green pesto dressing. Everyone will love it, so bring it to your next potluck or bbq.
This post is supported by Sunrise Fresh. A big thanks to the supporting brands that make The Simple Sprinkle possible.
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💡 The recipe in a nutshell
- Vegan (eggless and dairy free)
- Healthy and delicious
- Easy to make
- Perfect meal on hot summer days
- Great as a side during BBQs
- Whole foods plant based
🥗 Putlock & BBQ
Vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike will devour this healthy broccoli salad at parties, BBQs, and potlucks! Yes - it’s that good! Store in an air-tight container with a lid and a cooling bag to transport.
Additionally, this salad is pretty versatile so feel free to swap out some of the ingredients if you like.
🍒 Benefits of eating cherries
As a group, berries average nearly 10 times more antioxidants than other fruits and vegetables. Cherries are not only delicious, but they can also reduce the level of inflammation among healthy people. Additionally, research indicates that the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of cherries may benefit those with arthritis and gout as well. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and other nutrients that your body needs to function optimally.
(Note of caution: For the same reason that high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy, berries and other foods high in anti-inflammatory polyphenols should only be eaten in moderation in late pregnancy.)
💭 What kind of cherries should I use?
For this recipe, any kind of dried cherries you like will do. However, I recommend using dried cherries that have no added sugars, like Sunrise Fresh. They are one of the premier suppliers of dried fruits in the USA without using preservatives or added sugar!
Besides growing and sun-drying cherries, they also grow, sundry, and sell: rainier cherries, blueberries, peaches, pears, and apples, and they also sell a tasty trail mix with walnuts, dried cherries, and Himalayan salt.
🥣 Storage
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This recipe is not freezer friendly and is best eaten fresh.
📖 Recipe
Broccoli Crunch Salad with Pasta and Dried Cherries
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of broccoli
- 250 g pasta of choice (8.8 oz)
- 40 g unsweetened dried cherries eg: Sunrise Fresh (¼ cup)
- ¼ head of red cabbage, chopped into stripes
- 10 kalamata olive
- 25 g coarsely chopped and roasted almonds (heaping ⅛ cup)
- ¼ sliced red onion
Dressing
- 5 tablespoon vegan green pesto
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- fresh basil for garnish
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta accordingly. When pasta is ready dewater and quickly cool down in ice water with drizzles of oil.
- While Pasta is cooking prepare your vegetables. Cut broccoli head in florets; chop dried cherries, cabbage, and onion.
- Prepare the dressing by adding all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisking together. Once pasta is cooled, add to a salad bowl. Add dressing to pasta and toss. Add all other salad ingredients to pasta and lightly toss again. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with basil. Enjoy!
PS: Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment on your experience - this helps improve my recipes and serves you with the best instructions, tips, and substitution ideas. Plus, I love hearing about your takes on my recipes! Tag me on Instagram @thesimplesprinkle to show me your pictures.
This salad is so delicious and refreshing. We loved it. Thanks for sharing this yummy salad recipe .
Thank you so much for the feedback, and trying one of my recipes!
This looks sooo delicious, definitely trying it out soon!
So happy to hear! I'm sure you'll love it.
not only is this pasta salad super pretty , the dried cherries add a nice tart pop to it!
Much agreed, the cherries really make this salad so special! Thank you so much for your feedback Nancy.
This was so yummy! I love the dressing, it was extra tasty! Such a keeper!
Thank you Tavo! The dressing is my fave!
I am so glad I came across this broccoli pasta salad! Super easy to make and soo delicious. Loved the dried cherries too.
Thank you so much for your feedback!