What Is Broccoli Slaw?
Broccoli slaw is a lot like cabbage coleslaw, but uses shredded broccoli stems and florets instead of cabbage. It combines crisp broccoli and fresh carrots with an irresistible, lightly sweet creamy broccoli slaw dressing, then finishes with sliced almonds for added crunch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best broccoli slaw ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Broccoli Slaw:
Broccoli & Carrots – Use a small bunch of broccoli with stems included and one carrot. Alternatively, you can use about 4 cups of pre-made broccoli slaw mix in a bag from the grocery store. Sliced Almonds – Although optional, I recommend adding these for the perfect flavor and crunch. You could also use walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, or pecans. For a nut free option, use sunflower seeds instead.
Broccoli Slaw Dressing:
Mayonnaise – I make my own avocado oil mayonnaise for this, but store-bought or even plain Greek yogurt would work as well. Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives that tangy coleslaw flavor. You could also use lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Honey – I usually use sugar-free honey to avoid added sugar, but any kind works. Dijon Mustard – Although it adds additional flavor and tang, Dijon mustard is not essential to the dressing. You could use yellow mustard, honey mustard, or brown mustard instead, or omit the mustard altogether. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – To taste.
How To Make Broccoli Slaw
This section shows how to make broccoli slaw salad, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Recipe Variations
This dish makes the perfect healthy salad as is, but here are some optional additions if you want to change it up: You can slice the stems thinly by hand using a knife, but I recommend using a food processor with grating attachment. A box grater would also work.
Dried fruit – Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries (regular or sugar-free), raisins, or golden raisins to make it sweeter. You can also try my broccoli cranberry salad for a similar twist. Apples – Shred 1 red or green apple into the broccoli coleslaw salad for a sweet and crunchy contrast. Onion – Adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of diced or thinly sliced red onion to broccoli slaw provides a hint of spice and sweetness, adding an extra layer of flavor. Make a meal – Top with pan seared chicken breast, grilled chicken, or juicy baked chicken breast to make it a meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
What To Serve With Broccoli Slaw Recipes
This slaw is so versatile that it can be used as a side salad at picnics or potlucks, a side dish at home, or even as a topping! Here are some delicious ideas:
Chicken – I like to serve this salad with simple fried chicken thighs, but I also serve it with coconut chicken tenders for a sweet and savory combo. It also does a great job of balancing out the heat of buffalo flavors, like baked buffalo wings, zesty buffalo chicken breasts, or for a vegetarian option, buffalo cauliflower. Fish – Slaw is a classic combo for crunchy fish recipes like fish sticks, crispy parmesan crusted tilapia, or elegant baked haddock with a toasted almond topping. Grilled Mains – Broccoli salad with coleslaw dressing pairs well with barbecue mains like smoky grilled shrimp skewers, BBQ ribs, juicy grilled steak, flaky grilled cod, or even BBQ lobster tails. Topping – Add it to your favorite tacos, make supreme nachos (or cauliflower nachos for a lighter option), or add it to hot dogs or juicy burgers for fresh crunch.
More Creamy Salad Recipes
Say bye to bland salads! Try these easy ones instead — perfect for all occasions. Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients.
