If you’re searching for a fresh, crunchy, and vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and texture, look no further than this Broccoli Slaw Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy broccoli beyond steaming or roasting, offering a delightful mix of crisp vegetables, nutty seeds, and a tangy, creamy dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light lunch, this recipe is sure to win over your taste buds and become a staple to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Slaw Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that create a perfect balance of colors, crunch, and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fresh vegetables to the warmly toasted nuts and the zingy dressing that ties it all together.
- Broccoli (1 lb.): Choose a large head or two medium heads to ensure plenty of crunchy florets and tasty stalks.
- Carrots (2 cups, matchstick): Add vibrant color and natural sweetness to complement the broccoli.
- Red cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Offers a punch of purple color and an extra layer of crunch.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Provides a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness in the salad.
- Fresh parsley (3 Tbsp., finely chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift to brighten the dish.
- Almonds (½ cup, thinly sliced, toasted): Brings crunchy nuttiness and a toasty depth of flavor.
- Sunflower seeds (¼ cup, roasted and salted): Or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully here for extra texture and a savory note.
- Cranberries (½ cup, dried): Give bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts with the veggies.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup): Use Paleo or vegan mayo if preferred for a creamy binding element.
- Dijon mustard (1 ½ Tbsp.): Adds mild heat and tang that lifts the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 Tbsp.): Or swap with white wine vinegar for a bright acidity that balances richness.
- Sugar (1 Tbsp., optional): A touch of sweetness to mellow the vinegar’s sharpness.
- Salt (¾ tsp., to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp., to taste): Adds a gentle warmth to finish it off.
How to Make Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by cutting the larger florets off the broccoli head and then chopping them into smaller, bite-sized pieces that are easy to enjoy in every forkful. Don’t forget the stalks—julienne them into long, thin strips about two inches long and ⅛ inch thick for added crunch and color variation.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables and Nuts
In a large bowl, toss together your prepared broccoli with matchstick carrots, shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Then sprinkle in the toasted almonds, roasted sunflower seeds, and chewy dried cranberries to create that unforgettable texture mix that makes this Broccoli Slaw Recipe so addictive.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This tangy and creamy dressing is what pulls all the fresh ingredients together into one harmonious bowl of deliciousness.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the vegetable and nut mixture, tossing everything gently so every piece is coated without being mushy. You can enjoy the salad right away for maximum crunch or refrigerate it for an hour or two—chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully, making the salad even more irresistible.
How to Serve Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling extra toasted almonds or a few fresh parsley leaves on top just before serving. A light dusting of black pepper or a quick squeeze of lemon juice can also add a final pop of flavor and visual appeal that makes the salad truly impressive.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Slaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, and it’s a fantastic complement to sandwiches and burgers. It also shines at picnics and barbecues as a crunchy, refreshing side that balances heavier mains perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for convenience and a cute presentation. You can also pile it onto hearty lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld slaw wrap or use it as a vibrant topping for baked potatoes or grain bowls, adding both texture and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover broccoli slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and crisp for up to 2 days, making it a perfect make-ahead salad for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This recipe is not ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables will become soggy and lose their delightful crunch after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored chilled for a short period.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, simply give it a good stir and serve chilled straight from the fridge for that wonderful crispness and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Broccoli Slaw Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the mayonnaise for a vegan-friendly version and ensure your mustard and other ingredients don’t contain animal products. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and delicious.
How long does this broccoli slaw keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this Broccoli Slaw Recipe will keep for about 1 to 2 days before the vegetables start to lose their crispness.
Can I add protein to this broccoli slaw?
Yes! Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu cubes can turn this slaw into a more substantial meal. The flavors and textures complement protein additions wonderfully.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli works best because frozen broccoli tends to be softer and wetter, which can affect the salad’s crunch and texture. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain it very well before using.
What can I use instead of almonds if I have allergies?
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds are excellent substitutes that maintain the crunchy texture while keeping the dish nut-free. You can even try toasted pepitas for a different flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Slaw Recipe is a fresh, colorful, and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy one of your favorite veggies. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for any meal or occasion. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to share with friends and family.
Print
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Broccoli Slaw recipe combines fresh broccoli, crunchy almonds, and tangy dried cranberries tossed in a creamy Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, it’s quick to prepare with no cooking required, delivering a colorful and nutritious salad that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Nuts
- 1 lb. broccoli (1 large head or 2 medium)
- 2 cups carrots (matchstick)
- 2 cups red cabbage (shredded)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ cup almonds (thinly sliced, toasted)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds, roasted and salted)
- ½ cup cranberries (dried)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (Paleo or vegan, if needed)
- 1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (optional)
- ¾ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the larger florets off of the head of broccoli and then slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Julienne the broccoli stalks into 2-inch long by â…› inch thick strips for a mix of textures.
- Combine Vegetables and Nuts: Place the prepared broccoli into a large bowl along with the matchstick carrots, shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, finely chopped parsley, toasted sliced almonds, roasted and salted seeds, and dried cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, optional sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and nut mixture. Toss thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated. Serve immediately for a crunchy texture or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds depending on preference.
- For a vegan or Paleo version, use plant-based or Paleo-approved mayonnaise.
- The sugar in the dressing is optional; omit to reduce sweetness or adapt for dietary needs.
- To enhance flavor, toast the almonds and seeds lightly before adding.
- Slaw can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated in an airtight container.
