This vibrant and satisfying broccoli slaw salad is bursting with flavor. It adds a healthy touch to any meal.
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This crunchy and flavorful alternative to traditional coleslaw is made from shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and other vegetables. With its vibrant color and mix of veggies, it adds a burst of freshness to any meal.
When I need a change from regular coleslaw (which I absolutely love), I'll make this salad. I find it's a nice change and has a crisper texture than the usual slaw made with cabbage. The satisfying crunch goes well with grilled meats like BBQ chicken and shrimp skewers.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious broccoli salad recipe.
Here's what we use in our easy broccoli slaw:
- broccoli stems
- carrot
- red onion
- red cabbage
- pine nuts
- sunflower seeds
- dried cranberries
- honey mustard dressing
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Ready to make this simple salad? First, you'll need to prep the vegetables. Then everything is tossed together in a large bowl as shown in the more detailed directions below.
Remove the tough outer parts of broccoli stems. Julienne cut each stem. Cut into three, slice thinly, and cut into matchsticks.
In a large bowl, place julienne-cut broccoli stems and carrots, red onions, and red cabbage.
Add pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and cranberries. Gently toss.
Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Hint: Serve with additional dressing on the side and enjoy. You can even whisk together your own homemade salad dressing.
Tips
Top tip: Aim for a balance of flavors and textures. The slaw should have a combination of crunchiness from the vegetables and additional textures from toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
- Use pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix available at most grocery stores to save time.
- Wash and dry the vegetables thoroughly. For the broccoli, only use the stems and peel off the outer layer. You can also use a box grater or food processor to shred the broccoli stems, carrots, and other veggies for a slaw-like texture.
- Add a little lemon juice to add a tang and brighten the flavor.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change up this broccoli slaw salad depending on the texture, sweetness, or meal you want:
- For more crunch: Add sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped pecans right before serving so they stay crisp.
- For a sweeter slaw: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a little chewy sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
- For a heartier side or light lunch: Add shredded chicken for extra protein and a more filling salad.
- For a fresher, brighter version: Stir in thinly sliced green onion for a sharper bite and more savory flavor.
- For extra texture and color: Toss in a little shredded carrot if you want the slaw to feel more like a classic deli-style side.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Consuming the slaw within 4 days is recommended for optimal taste and texture.
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Recipe
Broccoli Slaw Salad
Ingredients
- 2 broccoli stems about 1 cup
- 1 small carrot julienne cut (about ½ cup)
- ½ red onions thinly sliced
- ¼ small red cabbage shredded
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- ¼ cup honey mustard dressing or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Remove the tough outer parts of broccoli stems. Julienne cut each stem. Cut into three, slice thinly, and cut into matchsticks.
- In a large bowl, place all the salad ingredients - julienne cut broccoli stems and carrots, red onions, red cabbage, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and cranberries. Gently toss.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with additional dressing on the side and enjoy.
Jane says
Ohh, I never thought of using the stems for a slaw salad. This is brilliant! I tried it last night and it was really great!
Malaica says
This broccoli slaw salad is so crunchy plus super healthy! I tried it with coleslaw dressing and it turned out so delicious. I never knew broccoli could taste so good!
Brianna says
This was my first time to use dried cranberries in a salad. They were SO good. I love the little bursts of flavor. My son usually doesn't even try the salads I make, but he loved this. So we'll be making it frequently.
Vivienne says
Such an easy recipe and they taste amazing! Added chicken and almonds to the mix and it came out perfect even the picky little ones enjoyed them! Thanks a lot!
GRETA says
This was a really nice salad for lunch today. So flavorful and healthy. I made a big container of this broccoli slaw salad, which will be perfect for tomorrow. I also saved your recipe for later use. Thanks x
Jellie says
The combination of crunchy veggies and creamy dressing was perfect. I added a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick and it was a nice alternative from the traditional coleslaw. So delish!