Zesty Broccoli Slaw Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic Crunch

Crisp summer days call for a zesty broccoli slaw that bursts with freshness and crunch.

Vibrant green florets mingle with shredded carrots and purple cabbage for a colorful side dish.

Tangy dressing coats each strand, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Minimal prep work means you can whip this up in mere minutes.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and this delectable salad.

Crunchy, light, and packed with nutrients, this slaw will become your new go-to summer favorite.

Let’s make something delicious that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why Broccoli Slaw Deserves More Attention

• Takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it a super speedy side dish for busy home cooks.
• Packed with fresh broccoli slaw mix, offering a crunchy, healthy alternative to traditional coleslaw with added protein from Greek yogurt.
• Perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and weeknight dinners – easily customizable with optional mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
• Requires no cooking skills, just simple whisking and mixing, making it an excellent choice for novice cooks or anyone wanting a foolproof side dish.

The Ingredients That Make It Stand Out

Main Ingredients:

Dressing Base: – Mayo, Greek Yogurt: Creamy foundation that provides rich texture and tangy flavor. Full-fat versions recommended for best consistency.

• Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the creamy dressing. Apple cider or white wine vinegar work well.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing's flavor profile. Local honey preferred for depth.

• Broccoli Slaw Mix: Pre-shredded broccoli stems and carrots that create a crunchy, nutritious base. Fresh, packaged mix saves preparation time.

• Mustard: Provides sharp, tangy undertone to the dressing. Dijon or whole grain mustard recommended.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor. Fresh ground black pepper adds more complexity.

• Optional ingredients can include sunflower seeds, raisins, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Completely customizable to personal preference.

Mixing Slaw That’s Crunchy and Balanced

Step 1: Create Magical Dressing Blend

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and silky, creating a tangy and sweet base.

Step 2: Prepare Veggie Foundation

• Shredded carrots
• Chopped nuts
• Sliced green onions

Step 3: Combine And Coat

Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli slaw. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss everything together, ensuring each strand gets thoroughly coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 4: Chill And Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator. Let the slaw rest and marinate for 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Remove from the refrigerator, give a quick stir, and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch companion.

Tips to Avoid Watery or Wilted Slaw

• Boost Creaminess: Add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt for a richer, smoother dressing that clings perfectly to the broccoli.
• Customize Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds just before serving to add a delightful texture and nutty flavor.
• Dial Up Freshness: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the dressing to brighten the overall taste and add a zesty kick.
• Swap for Dietary Needs: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use a sugar-free alternative for low-carb diets.
• Prep Ahead Trick: Make the slaw up to 24 hours in advance to let flavors meld, but add crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain their texture.

Best Way to Store and Serve Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the broccoli slaw fresh by sealing it tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Give the slaw a quick mix before eating to redistribute the dressing and revive its texture. Cold storage can make ingredients settle.
• Skip freezing this salad as mayo and yogurt-based dressings break down and separate when thawed, ruining the creamy consistency.
• If the slaw seems dry after refrigeration, add a tiny splash of vinegar or yogurt to restore moisture and bring back its vibrant flavor.

Great Pairings for Broccoli Slaw

• Crisp sauvignon blanc complements the tangy dressing with its bright acidity and herbal notes, cutting through the creamy texture of the broccoli slaw.
• Grilled chicken or seared salmon provides a perfect protein companion, balancing the slaw's cool, fresh flavors and adding substantial nutrition to the meal.
• Toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds sprinkled on top bring delightful crunch and nutty undertones, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dish.
• Light wheat beer or a crisp pilsner offers refreshing carbonation that works beautifully with the slaw's creamy dressing and vegetable base.

Flavor Ideas That Keep It Interesting

• Vegan Delight: Replace mayo and Greek yogurt with cashew cream or vegan mayonnaise. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein boost.
• Low-Carb Crunch: Swap broccoli slaw for shredded cabbage and cauliflower mix. Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey to reduce carbohydrates.
• Protein Power: Mix in grilled chicken strips or canned tuna for a more substantial meal. Add sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra protein and crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate sriracha or hot sauce into the dressing. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for additional heat and complexity.

Broccoli Slaw FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this broccoli slaw?

The main ingredient is broccoli slaw mix, which typically contains shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage. The dressing is made with mayo, Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.

• Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s relatively healthy. Broccoli is packed with nutrients, and using Greek yogurt instead of all mayo reduces calories and adds protein. The honey provides a natural sweetness without excess refined sugar.

• Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli slaw up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.

• What optional mix-ins work well in this recipe?

Some great additions include sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or chopped green onions. These can add extra crunch, flavor, and nutrition to the slaw.

Broccoli Slaw Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp and zesty broccoli slaw delivers a refreshing crunch that dances with tangy dressing and colorful vegetables. Nutritious greens and crunchy textures combine for a light, satisfying side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) bag broccoli slaw mix

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (optional)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking mayo, Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until silky and fully incorporated.
2. Transfer broccoli slaw mix into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a crisp canvas for flavor infusion.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the slaw, using gentle folding motions to ensure each shred is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Incorporate any desired supplementary ingredients like sunflower seeds, raisins, or chopped nuts for added texture and complexity.
5. Refrigerate the dressed slaw for a minimum of 15-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to marinate and soften slightly.
6. Just before serving, give the slaw a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the texture.
7. Present the chilled slaw as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional cracked pepper if desired.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version, keeping the creamy texture intact.
• Toast sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor, adding depth to the slaw’s texture.
• Adjust honey with maple syrup or agave for different sweetness levels and to accommodate vegan dietary preferences.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in shredded kale or add grated carrots for additional color and vitamin boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg