Cotter Crunch

Healthy Gluten Free Recipes One Bite at a Time!

31 Comments

Detox Broccoli Salad {No Mayo}

Gluten Free IconGluten FreeQuick Meals IconQuick Meals
Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

This broccoli salad recipe makes the best detox salad for an easy summer meal! It’s delicious, full of nourishing veggies and fruit. NO MAYO – we use an olive oil yogurt sauce instead. Gluten free, grain free, vegetarian salad with a vegan salad option, too.

detoxifying broccoli salad recipe photo

What’s a detox salad?

Detox? Why in the world are we talking about a detox salad in the middle of a holiday weekend. I know, I know it’s like sacrilegious to talk like that. But at the same time, don’t you want to have at this broccoli salad? It’s totally acceptable as a potluck side, but also makes for a tasty leftover “detox” salad.  Just don’t tell your friends it’s a detox salad as you place it next to the hot dogs, pies, and mom’s macaroni salad. Mmmmm k?

Yeah I know I cringe at the word detox, but in this case we’re talking detox as in detoxing from the oxidative stress. Like say…. an overload of sun, extra cookies (oops), maybe a little too much wine, and do you know anything that might overload the body. Think of this broccoli salad and the perfect RESET SUPERFOOD salad that boosts your digestion, nutrition, etc.

Let’s talk about this whole “detoxify and replenish” thing. You see, this salad is a magical combo that can do just that. Magical superfoods that actually do wonders for your health and taste GOOD! Ahhh BLISS!

Detox Broccoli Salad made without mayonnaise

blueberries in bowl

And I’m not gonna lie, the past few weeks (on top of holiday weekend) we’ve felt a certain mental and emotional stress. Combine that with Low energy, lack of sleep, weird cravings, anxious, etc. Yes, that happens. Life throws us curves balls I’m very much guilty of trying to fix everything at once, but skipping out on my health. Says the nutritionist… eeek!

But …. WE ARE HUMAN! And thank goodness for the ability to recognize those things, accept them, and then refocus on what matter most. Friends, family, community, and HEALTH!

Detox Broccoli Salad in glass bowl

Health as in immunity boosting probiotics and veggies galore!

Probiotics are microorganisms that can help produce GOOD (beneficial) bacteria and support healthy gut flora! This is what keeps our immune systems and digestive systems going strong. There are several good supplements out there, but most people often forget that REAL food has prebiotics and probiotics too. Cultured food such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and kefir yogurt, grass fed cultured yogurt, and kombucha tea are great examples!

So you see, detoxifying doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? Haha!

So, what’s in this broccoli salad recipe?

Well, beside broccoli…

  • Probiotic rich kefir yogurt or cultured yogurt – To replace regular commerical mayo.
  • Sunflower seeds – healthy fats to increase vitamin absorption.
  • Blueberries – Rich in Antioxidants
  • Spinach – Rich in Iron and Vitamin K
  • And both raw and roasted broccoli floret – I did a combo of roasted and raw broccoli for flavor and so that the healthy oils in the roasted broccoli would increase nutrient absorption. Raw broccoli also helps the liver to naturally “detoxify.”
  • Fresh herbs
  • Shallot or Red onion 
  • Lemon and Red Wine Vinegar for a punch of acidity and Vitamin C!

Okay and I threw some edible flowers into my detox salad because they are just so pretty. Right?

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares icon
detox broccoli salad

Mayo-Free Broccoli Salad Recipe (Detox Salad)

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This mayo-free broccoli salad is not only delicious, but packed full of nourishing ingredients! A loaded detox salad with healthy veggies and fruit, tossed in a light and tangy olive oil yogurt sauce.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 lb broccoli florets
  • 2 tsp to 3 tsp coconut oil or avocado oil
  • Optional 1/2 tsp everything seasoning of choice (dried herbs, red pepper, etc.)
  • 1/3 c to 1/2 c cultured plain yogurt or kefir yogurt (see notes for doubling sauce)
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove or 1/2 tsp minced
  • Kosher Salt and Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 to 1 tbsp tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice
  • 1/2 c diced red onion or shallot
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • 2 cups spinach leaves
  • Fresh Cilantro or Parsley to garnish
  • Peppercorns or fresh pepper and optional red pepper flakes.

Instructions

  1. Optional method – Roast 1/2 lb of broccoli in oil for extra flavor.
  2. Preheat oven to 425F.
  3. Toss half the broccoli florets (around 2 cups) in 2-3 tsp oil and seasoning of choice. Place on baking sheet and place in oven to roast for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Place the other 1/2 lbs broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. If you don’t want to roast half, just toss all raw broccoli florets in a large bowl.
  5. While broccoli is cooking, make your yogurt sauce (see notes for extra creamy sauce).

For Yogurt Sauce:

  1. Mix the yogurt, vinegar, garlic, salt/pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, and onion in a small bowl. Set aside.

Broccoli Salad

  1. Place roasted broccoli and raw broccoli in one bowl. Mix in your blueberries, sunflower seeds, and spinach. Toss all together.
  2. Next spoon your yogurt sauce over the broccoli and blueberry spinach salad. Toss all together.
  3. Garnish with extra herbs (Cilantro or Parsley), peppercorn or pepper, and a pinch of red pepper if desired.

Notes

For vegan option, substitute yogurt with non dairy yogurt or hummus.

If you want this salad to be extra creamy, feel free to double the yogurt sauce.

  • Category: salad
  • Cuisine: american

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 188
  • Sugar: 9.6 g
  • Sodium: 445.3 mg
  • Fat: 10.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21.3 g
  • Fiber: 5.8 g
  • Protein: 7.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.4 mg

Keywords: broccoli salad

Vegans, don’t you worry, You can always replace that yogurt with creamy coconut milk yogurt or even hummus! Plant power broccoli salad YO!

broccoli florets in glass bowl

So there you have it!  A creamy broccoli salad recipe that makes for a “detoxifying” light lunch, side dish, or snack. This detox salad is even great to make for a potluck dinner. It’s a “clean eating” twist on the classic heavy broccoli salad. This is one that keeps everyone nourished and satisfied! Capeesh?

detox salad with broccoli, spinach, and blueberries

Alright, spill it! What’s one crave worthy food you plan on enjoying this Memorial day? And then what’s one “detox” filled dish you plan on making come Tuesday? Balance, right?

Cheers!

cotter crunch blog www.cottercrunch.com #glutenfree #foodblog #recipes #healthy

MORE HEALTHY SPRING SALAD RECIPES HERE!

This recipe is part of our fave Healthy Spring Salad Recipes collection. Check it out!

Related Posts

Photo of Lindsay Cotter of Cotter CrunchHi, I’m Lindsay!  Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of Nourishing Superfood Bowls, and meal plan guru! I’d love to know you more! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and drop a comment below.

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Tiffany Olson says

    Everything you’ve posted lately is just to die for! I’m a pretty new follower and can’t get enough of your bright, fresh flavors and photography. Thanks for the delicious recipes my family of 5 is enjoying!

    Reply

  4. Julia Mueller says

    Giiiiiiirl, I LOVE broccoli salad, but am super anti mayo, so this is PERFECT! I’m loving all the nutritious ingredients and flavors…definitely a winner for all the summer barbecues and picnics!

    Reply

  5. Cassie Thuvan Tran says

    I don’t believe in detox diets or cleanses, either! Yes, your body will benefit more from consuming wholesome foods that are rich in micronutrients, but you don’t have to give into the crazy expensive superfoods and meal plans. But anyways, this broccoli salad looks wonderful! Hope you get some well-needed rest after a stressful time period. Your body will thank you!

    Reply

  7. Jennifer Blake says

    I love that this is not drenched in “dressing.” The ingredients really shine through!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  8. Jen says

    I made a double batch to eat throughout the week and it is so good. The roasted broccoli is the best part, it’s definitely worth taking the time to do that. Thanks for a great, easy recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  13. bloxorz says

    I always try to bring vegetables to the meal. It is good for health and heart. Diet more than people who lose weight because I really need more vegetables and less protein. but still in good health

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  17. Jenny says

    I had most of the ingredients in the veggie garden, I used coconut yoghurt in my version and it was a winner! Works well with the Aussie barbeque season.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

freebie!

Nourishing Superfood Bowls Cookbook 5 Free Recipes Sneak PeekSign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my Nourishing Superfood Bowls Cookbook

shares