Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavour, this Broccoli Salad with Citrus Tahini Dressing has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s the perfect no-cook recipe when you’re short on time but still want to nourish yourself with something wholesome and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this salad so special? The combination of finely chopped broccoli, sweet pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted almonds creates a medley of textures and flavours that’s hard to resist. But the secret lies in the finishing touches: a good sprinkling of nutritional yeast and the zesty, nutty Citrus Sesame Tahini Dressing.
Why Nutritional Yeast?
I've added nutritional yeast to this recipe to give it an extra layer of savoury, cheesy flavour - without any dairy! It’s often loved for its umami-packed taste, but it also brings a boost of nutrients to the table. Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins, including B12 (when fortified), making it a great choice for plant-based eaters. It also provides a good source of protein and fibre, helping to make this salad both satisfying and nourishing.
The Magic of Citrus Sesame Dressing
The dressing is what ties everything together, elevating a salad from simple to spectacular! With a base of creamy tahini, I've added freshly squeezed orange juice for a hint of natural sweetness and brightness. The orange juice not only balances the nuttiness of the tahini but also adds a subtle citrusy tang that complements the earthy broccoli and pomegranate perfectly. A touch of sesame oil and apple cider vinegar round out the flavours, creating a dressing you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything.
Citrus Tahini Dressing
Makes approx. 1 cup
2 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons orange juice
¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Pinch of sea salt
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the tahini, orange juice, water, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and sea salt until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. If you'd like it slightly sweeter, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Salad Recipe
Serves 4-6
1 head broccoli, finely chopped
¼ red onion, finely diced
¼ cup pomegranate seeds
½ cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon sea salt
Add the finely chopped broccoli to a large mixing bowl. Toss in the red onion, pomegranate, almonds, nutritional yeast and sea salt. Mix well to combine.
Pour over the Creamy Sesame Dressing and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Optional Additions:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra nuttiness.
- Add cooked quinoa, avocado slices, or grilled halloumi for a more filling meal.
For more scrumptious salad recipes, check out my selection here.
