This summer, switch up the traditional side and make this healthy Broccoli Slaw instead. Toss together shredded broccoli florets, carrots, cabbage, onions, nuts, and berries in a creamy vinaigrette dressing and you’re good to go. This easy make-ahead recipe is perfect for July 4th or Memorial Day picnics and potlucks.
Healthy Broccoli Slaw Recipe
No picnic, potluck, July 4th, or Memorial Day BBQ would be complete without a big bowl of Homemade Coleslaw.
While tradition is great, sometimes you want to change it up and step outside the norm. That’s where this broccoli slaw recipe comes in!
It’s very similar to a classic coleslaw in that it’s made with a mayonnaise-based dressing…
But slightly different in that it’s got crunchy toasted almonds, sweet cranberries, and even nutritious seeds tossed into the mix.
And of course, some shredded broccoli stalks along with the cabbage.
The great thing about this broccoli coleslaw is that you can prep it ahead of time so your morning-of is as stress-free as possible.
It just might be the perfect side dish. The crisp broccoli has so much flavor thanks to the perfect combination of the mayo-based dressing, the extra veggies, and the crunchy add-ins.
Try this favorite Broccoli Salad for something similar.
Ingredients
To make this easy broccoli slaw recipe you need:
- Broccoli. You need two medium heads or one large in order to get the correct amount of florets. Look for fresh, green broccoli with no soft spots.
- Carrots. Save time by buying a bag of pre-cut matchstick carrots at the store.
- Cabbage. You can either shred cabbage at home or grab a bag of coleslaw mix at local grocery stores. Either green or red cabbage will work.
- Red Onion. A sweet or yellow onion may be substituted.
- Dried Cranberries. These add beautiful red color, but not an overly sweet taste. Raisins can also be used for a slightly different flavor. Either red or golden raisins will work. Or, leave them out for a low-carb or keto dish.
- Sunflower seeds. Crunchy sunflower seeds add the perfect texture to this slaw recipe. You can sub in pumpkin seeds if you need.
- Almonds. Roasted almonds add a special touch, but you can go with raw, sliced almonds if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise. You can also use an egg-free mayonnaise if you are allergic to eggs. Miracle Whip will drastically change the taste, however.
- Apple cider vinegar. Do not use distilled white vinegar, as you want the subtle sweetness of apple cider vinegar. White wine vinegar can be substituted.
- Sugar. Optional, but can be added if you want a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Broccoli Slaw?
Below, you’ll find the basic steps for making this broccoli slaw mix:
Chop the Florets
The first thing you want to do is remove the florets from the stalk.
Use a sharp knife to cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
Julienne the Stalks
Once the florets are cut up, use the knife to cut the broccoli stems into thin strips. You want pieces that are around 2 inches long and about ⅛-inch thick.
Check out these tips for a Julienne Cut.
If needed, you can use a food processor or a box grater to prep all of the veggies.
Combine Ingredients
Toss the prepared broccoli florets and stalks into a large bowl. Add the rest of the slaw ingredients: the carrots, cabbage, red onion, parsley, almonds, seeds, and cranberries.
Set it aside while you make the sauce.
Top with Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Be sure everything is thoroughly combined.
Carefully pour the creamy dressing over the bowl of prepared broccoli slaw. Toss until all of the pieces are coated.
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to prep ahead of time: You can prepare this recipe in its entirety and chill it overnight.
- How to store: This dish will keep for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator. However, after 24 hours the broccoli will begin to lose its crispness. It is a mayo-based dish, so be sure to take precautions and not leave it out at room temperature for too long.
- How to freeze: It is not recommended to freeze as the mayonnaise will separate.
Is broccoli slaw healthy?
Yes! Broccoli slaw is a healthy side dish you can feel good about enjoying. It is packed full of good-for-you ingredients, like cabbage, broccoli, onion, and nuts, and is a great source of nutrients.
Can you freeze broccoli slaw?
Because the sauce is mayonnaise-based, you shouldn’t freeze broccoli slaw. When you thaw it, the mayo will separate and the broccoli will become soggy.
What’s in broccoli slaw?
Traditionally, broccoli slaw is made with broccoli, cabbage, onions, and a variety of nuts and berries in a creamy mayo- and vinegar-based dressing. The beauty of this recipe is you can include whatever you want, though.
Dietary Modifications
The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian and gluten-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:
- Nut-free: Skip the almonds.
- Sugar-free: Leave out the sugar.
- Vegan: Choose a vegan-friendly mayonnaise.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Small is key. Be sure to chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces so you get a little of everything in each bite.
- Use it all. Don’t throw out the stalks of the broccoli! Julienne them to incorporate into the slaw.
- Chill out. Allow the flavors to meld together in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours.
- Save time. You can buy bagged cabbage and matchstick carrots at the store.
- Make it work. Sub in your favorite type of nuts, seeds, or dried berries.
What to Serve with Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli slaw is a flavorful twist on a delicious side dish, but it goes with all of your summer meals.
Burgers like Air Fryer Hamburgers, Salmon Burgers, and Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers are perfect main course pairings.
You can also opt for Hot Honey Chicken, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
More Summer Salad Recipes
I love a good summer salad as much as the next person, but these are my absolute favorite recipes.
Pasta salad, like Italian Dressing Pasta Salad and BLT Pasta Salad are easy to whip up ahead of time.
Avocado Corn Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, and Watermelon and Feta Salad are super refreshing.
Heartier sides like Instant Pot Potato Salad, German Potato Salad, Avocado Egg Salad, and Cucumber Avocado Crab Salad are instant favorites, though.
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Broccoli Slaw Recipe
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Ingredients
- 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
- ¾ cup mayonnaise Paleo or vegan, if needed
- 1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard or yellow
- 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
- Cut the larger florets off of the head of broccoli and then cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces. Julienne the stalks of the broccoli into 2-inch long by ⅛” thick pieces.
- Add the prepared broccoli to a large bowl along with the carrots, cabbage, red onion, parsley, almonds, seeds, and cranberries.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- Pour the dressing on top of the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to serve chilled.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
