Raw broccoli carrot parsnip salad with cranberries is a crisp, refreshing vegetable-forward dish made with chopped raw broccoli, carrots, and parsnips, tossed in a light yogurt-mayo dressing. Bright, crunchy, and lightly tangy, this salad works beautifully as a side, a make-ahead lunch option, or a lighter alternative to classic creamy slaws.
Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!
This week I’m keeping things fresh, simple, and veggie-packed. Raw salads like this one are a great way to showcase everyday vegetables in a slightly different way, especially when you’re craving something crunchy but not heavy. So, let’s dive into this raw broccoli carrot parsnip salad with cranberries.
Why You’ll Love This Raw Broccoli Carrot Salad
- Fresh and crunchy: Raw broccoli, carrots, and parsnips give this salad plenty of texture and bite.
- Light but satisfying: The yogurt-mayo dressing keeps things creamy without feeling heavy.
- Make-ahead friendly: This salad holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better after resting.
- Distinct from classic slaw: Broccoli leads the way here, setting it apart from carrot-forward salads.
Flavour and Texture Profile
This raw broccoli carrot salad is crisp, lightly sweet, and gently tangy. The broccoli provides structure and freshness, carrots add sweetness, parsnips bring a subtle earthy note, and dried cranberries offer small pops of chewiness and contrast. The yogurt-based dressing coats everything lightly without masking the vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make this raw broccoli carrot parsnip salad, you will need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together in a light, creamy dressing.
- Broccoli: The main ingredient of the salad, chopped into small florets and tender stem pieces for crunch and structure.
- Carrots: Fresh and crisp, adding natural sweetness and colour to balance the broccoli.
- Parsnips: Mildly sweet and earthy, bringing depth and variety to the raw vegetable mix.
- Dried cranberries and raisins: A mix of tart and sweet dried fruit that brightens the salad and adds chewy texture.
- Fresh dill: Light and aromatic, adding freshness that works especially well with yogurt-based dressings.
- Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the dressing while keeping it light and fresh while adding extra protein.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and rounds out the yogurt for a balanced, not-too-heavy dressing.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavours together.
Possible Additions and Variations
- Add nuts or seeds: Sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or walnuts work well for extra crunch.
- Swap the dried fruit: Black currants or chopped dried apricots can replace cranberries and raisins.
- Make it fully yogurt-based: Skip the mayo entirely for an even lighter dressing.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme, oregano, or parsley adds a fresh, aromatic note.
- Turn it into a meal salad: Add cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
How to Make Broccoli Carrot Parsnip Salad
Start by preparing the vegetables. Chop the broccoli into small florets, either finely for a more delicate texture or a bit rougher if you prefer a rustic salad with extra crunch. Finely slice or shred the broccoli stems. Grate or julienne the carrots and parsnips, keeping the pieces similar in size so the salad is easy to eat raw and well balanced.
Transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl and add the dried cranberries, raisins, and chopped fresh dill. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is lightly coated. The salad should be creamy but not heavy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best texture, let the salad rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
More Healthy Salad Recipes
Are you looking for more healthy salad ideas, like this Raw Broccoli Carrot Parsnip Salad with Cranberries? Be sure to check more recipes below:
- Raw Broccoli Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Dried Fruit
- Celery Raisin Salad With a Light Yogurt Dressing
- Carrot Raisin Salad
- Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
- Raw Beet Salad (Beetroot Coleslaw)
- Bean Salad (Canned Bean Salad)
- Carrot Salad with Caraway Seeds and Dill (Carrot Coleslaw)
I’d love for you to try this Raw Broccoli Carrot Salad. If you give this healthy salad a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.
Cheers!
What a great looking salad and healthy too. Interesting flavors and vegetables.
My best freind LOVES raw broccoli salad. Me, I want a bit of a blanch on it. But that would be great with this recipe.
I love how you used yogurt to make a lighter (yet still creamy) dressing for this salad. And the different textures and flavors in this salad would make it interesting, too. This is a great side for winter meals!
That does look really nice… I gotta try the dressing.
Looks extremely healthy and must be nice and crunchy as well!