This Healthy Broccoli Crunch Salad is the perfect side dish to wake up your spring table after a long winter or bring along to your next picnic. Crunch your way through pregnancy with this healthy and delicious salad full of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. The perfect balance of sweet, crunch and tang, my dairy and egg-free version of this classic salad is a crowd pleaser.

How is it healthier?

The more traditional church potluck broccoli crunch salad is typically covered in a gloopy, mayonnaise-based dressing. Creamy dressings are totally delicious, but most store-bought mayo contains poor quality oils, like canola or soybean. Consuming highly processed oils causes an inflammatory response in the body, which is no bueno especially during the mothering years.

This salad features a much lighter, honey-mustard dressing made with olive oil that allows all these yummy veggies to shine, rather than hide. The healthy fats in olive oil help the body absorb all the nutrients in this crunchy salad. Not a huge fan of a bold olive oil taste? Use a “light” olive oil, rather than extra virgin, just be sure it’s not an oil blend! You could absolutely use a milder tasting avocado oil, though it may be pricier.Apple cider vinegar and mustard help break down the tough cruciferous veggies, making them easier to digest. The dressing is sweetened lightly with honey, which balances the subtle bitterness of raw veggies.  

Crunch your way through pregnancy

This salad is high in fiber, antioxidants, and easily digestible, healthy fats making it a pregnancy superfood dish. Raw crunchy veggies are ideal during the second trimester, when most nausea has subsides, energy picks up, and the need for fiber rich veggies increases. During pregnancy, digestion slows down to allow your body to absorb as many nutrients as possible. This can cause constipation and heartburn for many pregnant people. Incorporating lots of fiber rich veggies, like broccoli and snap peas, can help combat this! Pair this salad with salmon or roasted chicken for a complete meal!