Discover the ultimate **Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipe** that comes together in mere minutes, promising a delightful side dish perfect for any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner! This vibrant and crunchy salad is not just simple to prepare; it’s also packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Say goodbye to heavy, mayonnaise-laden sides and welcome a refreshing alternative that brings a burst of freshness to your plate.
The Perfect Broccoli Slaw for Any Occasion
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a beautiful weekend, especially when it involves delicious food and good company. We understand the hustle and bustle of daily life, where finding time for healthy, homemade meals can sometimes feel like an adventure in itself. That’s why we’re thrilled to share this incredible Broccoli Slaw recipe – a beacon of simplicity and taste, especially as warmer weather beckons. Whether you’re recovering from a busy week, planning a casual get-together, or simply craving something light and satisfying, this slaw is your answer. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any summer gathering, from backyard barbecues to relaxing porch hangouts. Get ready to elevate your side dish game!
Why Choose Broccoli Slaw?
Broccoli slaw offers a fantastic twist on traditional coleslaw, providing a unique texture and a wealth of nutritional benefits. Made primarily from shredded broccoli stalks and florets, it delivers a healthy dose of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Unlike its cabbage-based cousin, broccoli slaw often boasts a slightly milder, earthier flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dressings and add-ins. Its robust texture holds up well, making it an excellent make-ahead option. This recipe specifically highlights its fresh, tangy, and subtly sweet profile, perfectly balancing the richness of grilled meats or hearty sandwiches.
Essential Ingredients for an Epic Broccoli Slaw
Crafting a truly memorable Broccoli Slaw starts with fresh, quality ingredients. This recipe simplifies things by suggesting pre-made broccoli slaw mix, but also offers flexibility for those who prefer to shred their own. Below is a detailed overview of the components that make this salad truly shine, with specific measurements available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Broccoli Slaw Base Ingredients
- Broccoli Slaw Mix: The star of our show! Opt for a pre-made bag from your local grocery store for ultimate convenience. These mixes typically contain shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage, providing a colorful and crunchy base. If you prefer, you can easily shred your own fresh broccoli stalks using a food processor or a box grater.
- Slivered Almonds: These add a delightful nutty flavor and an essential crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender vegetables. For an even deeper flavor, consider lightly toasting them in a dry skillet before adding to the slaw.
- Apple: A crisp, sweet-tart apple like a Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji is perfect here. Finely chopped apple pieces contribute a refreshing sweetness and an extra layer of texture.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a mild sharpness and a beautiful pop of color. Its delicate flavor is less overpowering than white or yellow onions when served raw.
- Green Onion (Scallions): Adds a fresh, mild oniony taste and a vibrant green hue. Remember to reserve a small amount for garnish to give your finished dish a professional touch.
- Blue Cheese, Crumbled: This ingredient introduces a creamy, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish. Its distinctive taste is a hallmark of this recipe. Like the green onions, reserve a little for garnish if you desire.
Optional Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to customize! Elevate your slaw with extras like sunflower seeds, dried cranberries or golden raisins for added sweetness and chewiness, shredded red cabbage for more color and crunch, or a pinch of kosher salt to enhance the overall flavor balance.
The Zesty Broccoli Slaw Dressing Ingredients
The dressing is what truly brings this Broccoli Slaw to life, tying all the flavors and textures together with a creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced profile. Making it from scratch ensures maximum freshness and allows for customization to your taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The foundational acidic component, lending a sharp, fruity tang that cuts through the richness and brightens the vegetables.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the acidity of the dressing and adds a zesty, bright note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Honey: This natural sweetener balances the tartness of the vinegar and lemon, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile. Adjust to your preference.
- Dijon Mustard: More than just flavor, Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the dressing come together smoothly while imparting a complex, slightly spicy depth.
- Light Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dressing, giving it a rich texture without being overly heavy. You can use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer taste or explore alternatives for dietary needs.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Taste and adjust.
- Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Incorporates a healthy fat, contributing to the dressing’s silky texture and adding a nuanced, fruity flavor.
Essential Equipment for Preparation
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, having the right tools on hand can make the process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl is crucial for tossing the slaw ingredients thoroughly without spills and for mixing the dressing. We particularly love a glass batter bowl with a handle, as it makes handling and pouring easier, and keeps the bowl stable on your counter while you mix.
- Spatula: Ideal for gently folding the slaw ingredients and ensuring they are evenly coated with the dressing without bruising the delicate broccoli.
- Whisk: Perfect for emulsifying your dressing ingredients, ensuring a smooth, creamy, and consistent mixture.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For chopping your apple, red onion, and green onions with ease and precision.
How to Create This Delightful Broccoli Slaw
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, allowing you to whip up a fantastic side dish in no time. For complete step-by-step instructions and precise measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card below. Here’s a streamlined guide to getting this delicious slaw on your table:
Step 1: Combine the Slaw Ingredients. In your large mixing bowl, add all the prepared slaw ingredients: the pre-made broccoli slaw mix (or your freshly shredded broccoli), slivered almonds, chopped apple, thinly sliced red onion, sliced green onion (remembering to reserve some for garnish), and crumbled blue cheese (also reserving some for garnish). Gently toss everything together until evenly distributed. You want to ensure all components are well-mixed before adding the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, light mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, and all ingredients are well incorporated. This ensures a uniform flavor throughout the dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter profile, add a little more honey. If you like more tang, a dash more vinegar or lemon juice can be added.
Step 3: Dress and Chill the Slaw. Pour the freshly made dressing over the mixed slaw ingredients in the large bowl. Using your spatula, gently fold and mix until all the broccoli and other components are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; you want to maintain their crisp texture. For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least a few hours, ideally tossing it gently every hour or so. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to slightly soften while still retaining their desirable crunch. Just before serving, give it a final toss and garnish with the reserved green onions and crumbled blue cheese, adding a fresh visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
Preparation and Storage Tips
One of the many charms of this Broccoli Slaw is its fantastic make-ahead potential and easy storage, making it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining.
Make-Ahead + Storage: Broccoli Slaw is a true make-ahead champion! You can prepare the entire salad, including the dressing, up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will taste even better as the flavors have more time to meld. Leftovers can be enjoyed within three days. If you prefer, especially for larger gatherings, you can prepare the slaw base and the dressing separately, then combine them just a few hours before serving to ensure the crispest texture.
Freezing/How to Freeze: While freezing the dressed slaw is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables becoming watery and mushy upon thawing, you might be surprised to learn that the raw, shredded vegetables in broccoli slaw can be frozen. If you prepare your own broccoli slaw mix from fresh broccoli, you can store the shredded broccoli in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to six months. When you’re ready to make the slaw, simply thaw the vegetables in the fridge overnight and prepare the dressing fresh on the day of serving. This method works well for managing excess fresh broccoli.
Recipe Variations to Inspire You
This Broccoli Slaw recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
Substitutions: To lighten up the dressing and add a creamy tang, consider using equal parts light mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt. This boosts protein and reduces fat content. For additional crunch and flavor, swap slivered almonds for toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. You can also introduce other shredded vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even a different type of cheese like crumbled feta or sharp cheddar instead of blue cheese.
Vegetarian Option: This delightful summer salad is already vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect choice for those who follow a meat-free diet.
Vegan Option: Easily transform this Broccoli Slaw into a vegan-friendly dish by replacing the blue cheese with a dairy-free vegan crumble or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Swap the honey for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a high-quality dairy-free vegan mayonnaise. Many vegan mayonnaise brands are readily available and taste fantastic, often indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts.
Gluten-Free: The core ingredients of this salad are naturally gluten-free. However, if you are highly sensitive to gluten, always double-check the label on your Dijon mustard, as some brands may contain gluten-unsafe additives or cross-contamination warnings. Most standard Dijon mustards are gluten-free, but it’s always best to verify.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe yields four servings, utilizing 12 ounces (approximately three cups) of broccoli slaw mix. This recipe is highly adaptable. To adjust the serving size, simply scale all the ingredients up or down proportionally. For a larger crowd, double or triple the recipe; for a smaller meal, halve it.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick of heat, mix chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne powder into the salad dressing. For a different type of spice, a few drops of your favorite hot sauce can be added to the dressing, just be mindful that it might slightly alter the dressing’s original flavor profile. Freshly minced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha can also provide a vibrant heat.
Sugar-Free: For those monitoring sugar intake, the written recipe contains 13 grams of sugar per serving. You can easily make this recipe sugar-free by replacing the honey with a sugar-free liquid sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or allulose, adjusting to taste. Alternatively, you can omit the sweetener entirely for a more savory and tangy slaw.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Add a tablespoon of sesame oil, a dash of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and some grated fresh ginger to the dressing. Top with sesame seeds and mandarin oranges for a delicious fusion flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Slaw
- Convenience is Key: We love using a bag of pre-shredded, store-bought broccoli slaw mix. It makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. However, if you prefer, you can easily shred fresh broccoli stalks using a food processor or a box grater if the pre-made mix isn’t available in your area. This ensures you still get that fresh, crisp base.
- Toast Your Nuts: For an enhanced depth of flavor and extra crunch, lightly toast your slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool before adding to the slaw.
- Don’t Overdress: It’s better to start with less dressing and add more if needed. An over-dressed slaw can become soggy. You want the vegetables to be coated, not swimming.
- Chill Time is Crucial: While tempting to eat immediately, the flavors truly develop and meld after a few hours of chilling in the refrigerator. The cooling also crisps up the vegetables even more. Don’t skip this step!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing before combining it with the slaw, and then taste the finished slaw. Adjust salt, pepper, sweetness, or tanginess to suit your personal preference.
- Garnish for Impact: The reserved green onions and blue cheese aren’t just for show; they add a final burst of freshness and flavor right before serving.
- Nutritional information is available in the recipe card below for your planning convenience.
What to Serve with Your Refreshing Broccoli Slaw
This broccoli-fueled take on a classic summer salad is an incredibly versatile side dish. Its fresh, tangy, and crunchy profile makes it a perfect complement to a wide range of meals, particularly those enjoyed outdoors or at casual gatherings. Here are some menu planning suggestions to make your next warm-weather porch hangout, potluck, or barbecue gathering truly memorable:
Sides: Enhance your meal with other delicious accompaniments. The crispness of broccoli slaw beautifully contrasts with creamy sides, or pairs well with other light vegetable dishes. Consider our BLT Pasta Salad, rich Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, elegant Pear Salad, tangy Sauerkraut Salad, easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, crispy Air Fryer Texas Toast, savory Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream, comforting Southern Style Green Beans, indulgent Creamed Corn Casserole, light Watermelon Salad, intriguing Kool-Aid Pickles, or another crunchy favorite, Bacon and Broccoli Salad. For more inspiration, explore all of our easy vegetable side dishes.
Main Dishes: The refreshing qualities of broccoli slaw make it an excellent counterpoint to hearty main courses. It cuts through richness and adds a fresh element to your plate. Pair it with juicy Jalapeño Beer Brats, comforting CrockPot Cheeseburger Casserole, flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, sweet and savory Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, zesty Ranch Steak Kabobs, classic Hot Dog Chili, creamy CrockPot Bacon Mac & Cheese, unique Smoked Sausage Gnocchi, satisfying CrockPot Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole, or simple grilled chicken for a wholesome meal.
Desserts: After a fresh and savory meal, a sweet dessert is the perfect finish. The lightness of the slaw allows for a variety of dessert pairings. Indulge in our fluffy Strawberry Fluff Salad, delightful Grape Salad, nostalgic Orange Dreamsicle Salad, quirky Apple and Snickers Salad, refreshing Lemon Icebox Pie, southern classic Pig Pickin’ Cake, vibrant Watergate Salad, timeless Ambrosia Salad, decadent Butterfinger Cake, sweet Strawberry Poke Cake, cherry-infused Cherry Fluff Salad, chocolatey Oreo Poke Cake, or a comforting Bisquick Peach Cobbler.
Drinks: Quench your thirst with a selection of refreshing beverages that complement the lightness of the slaw and the flavors of summer. Sip on a vibrant Kool-Aid Slushie, a copycat Red Robin Freckled Lemonade, a classic CopyCat Chick-fil-A Lemonade, a fruity CopyCat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade, a fun Sonic Ocean Water, a creamy Brazilian Lemonade, a refreshing CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea, a natural Watermelon Agua Fresca, or a nostalgic CopyCat Sonic Cherry Limeade.
When to Serve This Versatile Slaw
This easy broccoli slaw is truly a chameleon of side dishes, fitting seamlessly into almost any dining occasion, especially when you’re looking for something fresh, vibrant, and quick.
- Lunch: A perfect light yet satisfying meal, ideal for a refreshing mid-day break or packed in a lunchbox.
- Dinner: An excellent side to complement a wide range of main courses, from roasted chicken to hearty casseroles.
- Potluck: Its make-ahead nature and appealing flavors make it a guaranteed hit at any communal meal.
- Barbecue/Cookout: A classic pairing! The crisp, cool slaw provides a fantastic contrast to smoky grilled meats.
- Summer Party: Bright, colorful, and easy to serve, it’s a cheerful addition to any festive summer gathering.
Explore More Great Recipe Collections
Looking for more culinary inspiration? Dive into our diverse recipe collections to find your next favorite meal or side dish:
Beef Recipes – Discover amazing dinners featuring ground beef, from comforting casseroles to exciting tacos and much more.
Sides for Burgers – Find epic side dishes that perfectly complement your favorite burgers, making every bite a delight!
Sloppy Joes Sides – This Broccoli Slaw recipe is proudly featured as one of our top picks for pairing with savory sloppy joes, offering a fresh contrast.
Rib Sides – Our Broccoli Slaw makes a star appearance in our collection of the best side dishes to serve alongside tender BBQ ribs.
Pasta Recipes – A glorious collection of pasta creations, from quick skillet entrees and comforting pasta bakes to convenient Crockpot pasta dishes.
Breakfast for Dinner Ideas – Who says the “most important meal of the day” can’t transition seamlessly from morning to evening? These breakfast for dinner recipes are ideal for a cozy night-time brunch!
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our copycat recipes, a wide array of dessert recipes, and our effortless CrockPot Recipes for every occasion.
Stay connected and never miss a delicious recipe! Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest culinary delights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making and serving Broccoli Slaw:
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of a mix? Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh broccoli, simply trim the florets and stalks. You can finely chop the florets and shred the stalks using a food processor with a shredding disc or a box grater. This often yields a fresher flavor and allows for greater control over the texture.
- How long does broccoli slaw last in the refrigerator? When stored in an airtight container, prepared broccoli slaw typically lasts for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The texture may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will continue to meld.
- Is broccoli slaw healthy? Yes, this broccoli slaw is a very healthy side dish! It’s packed with nutrient-dense broccoli, apples, and onions, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The dressing uses light mayonnaise and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a conscious choice. You can further boost its health factor by adjusting the honey or using Greek yogurt in the dressing.
- What can I add to make it more filling? To make this slaw more substantial and turn it into a light meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chopped hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or quinoa. These additions will boost protein and fiber content, making it a more complete and satisfying dish.
- Can I make the dressing in advance? Yes, the dressing can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver! Just give it a good whisk before pouring it over the slaw to ensure it’s well combined.
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
How to make a delicious Broccoli Slaw Recipe! This is a great side dish recipe.
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Prep Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
4
Calories:
348kcal
Author:
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
Broccoli Slaw
- 12 Ounce Broccoli Slaw
- ½ Cup slivered almonds
- 1 Cup Apple chopped
- ⅓ Cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 green onion thinly sliced (reserve a little for garnish)
- 1 Cup Blue Cheese crumbled (reserve a little for garnish)
Broccoli Slaw Dressing
- ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons light Mayonnaise
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- Add all slaw ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine.
- In a separate bowl, add all the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like a sweeter dressing, add more honey.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and mix until evenly coated.
- This is best when chilled for a few hours, tossing every hour or so.
- Garnish with reserved green onions and blue cheese, if desired.
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Whisk
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 348
Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 26mg9%
Sodium 699mg30%
Potassium 522mg15%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 644IU13%
Vitamin C 83mg101%
Calcium 258mg26%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Recipe originally shared on June 12, 2015. Updated December 2020, August 2023, and June 2024.