SALADS

Broccoli Slaw Salad Delight: Crisp & Zesty

by basmer

10 de September de 2025

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Broccoli slaw salad has become my go-to for a quick and incredibly refreshing side dish, especially during warmer months. I remember the first time I tasted a truly vibrant broccoli slaw salad – the crunch was amazing, and the slightly tangy dressing just sang. This easy broccoli slaw salad recipe I’ve perfected uses the often-overlooked broccoli stems, giving them a new life with crisp shredded carrots, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds. It’s so simple to whip up, and the smell of the zesty dressing is just mouthwatering. Let’s get this delicious salad made!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Slaw Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to add it to your regular rotation!

It’s incredibly refreshing and satisfyingly crunchy.
You can whip up this quick broccoli slaw salad in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s packed with nutrients and makes a wonderfully vegetarian broccoli slaw salad option.
The creamy dressing perfectly complements the crisp vegetables.
It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish for parties and potlucks.
The vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any table.
It’s easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.

Broccoli Slaw Ingredients

Gathering your broccoli slaw ingredients is the first delicious step towards making this amazing salad. You’ll need:

3 cups Shredded broccoli slaw mix – this is the star, providing that irresistible crunch.
1 cup Shredded carrots – for sweetness and a pop of color.
1 cup Red cabbage, shredded – adds a lovely texture and vibrant hue.
2 tbsp Green onions, chopped – for a mild oniony bite.
2 tbsp Sunflower seeds – these add a fantastic nutty flavor and crunch, making it a great broccoli slaw salad with nuts.
2 tbsp Dried cranberries – for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.
1/4 cup Mayonnaise – the base for our creamy dressing.
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar – this gives our broccoli slaw with dressing that essential tangy kick.
1 tbsp Honey – to balance the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness.
Salt, to taste – to enhance all the flavors.
Black pepper, to taste – for a little warmth.

How to Make Broccoli Slaw Salad

Learning how to make broccoli slaw salad is surprisingly simple, and the results are incredibly rewarding. You’ll have a delicious, crunchy salad ready in no time!

Step 1: Start by prepping your veggies. Give the shredded broccoli slaw mix, shredded carrots, and shredded red cabbage a good rinse under cool water. Drain them well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures your dressing adheres nicely and doesn’t get watered down.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared broccoli slaw mix, shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Add the sunflower seeds and dried cranberries to the bowl. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Now, let’s make the dressing. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This is where you can adjust seasonings to your liking – maybe a little more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.
Step 4: Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture in the large bowl.
Step 5: Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons. Make sure all the vegetables and add-ins are evenly coated with the dressing. This step is key to a well-integrated flavor profile, and it’s how you achieve that perfect creamy broccoli slaw salad texture.
Step 6: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, softening the slaw just slightly while keeping it wonderfully crisp. It’s essential for the best flavor experience.
Step 7: Before serving, give the salad another light toss. This helps redistribute the dressing, especially if any has settled at the bottom. This is a great way to serve it as a fantastic broccoli slaw salad side dish.
Step 8: Serve your delicious broccoli slaw salad chilled. It’s perfect as is, and you can even enjoy it without mayo if you prefer a lighter version, making it a great broccoli slaw salad no mayo option with a vinaigrette base.

Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Slaw Salad

Follow these little tricks to ensure your broccoli slaw salad is always a hit:

For the crispiest texture, ensure your shredded vegetables are extra dry before mixing.
Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s crucial for the flavors to meld into a delicious harmony.
Taste and adjust the dressing before tossing everything together – a little more honey or vinegar can make a big difference.
If you’re making this for a potluck, consider bringing the dressing separately and tossing right before serving to keep it super crisp.

What’s the secret to perfect Broccoli Slaw Salad?

The secret to a truly perfect broccoli slaw salad lies in the balance of textures and flavors from the dressing. My best advice for the best broccoli slaw salad recipe is to ensure your dressing is well-emulsified and that you give the salad adequate time to chill. For more salad inspiration, check out these watermelon salad recipes.

Can I make Broccoli Slaw Salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the salad components and the dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Combine and toss them about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to serve it to allow the flavors to meld without making the slaw soggy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Broccoli Slaw Salad?

A common pitfall is a watery salad; make sure your veggies are well-drained. Another mistake is overmixing, which can make the slaw mushy. Aim for a gentle toss to maintain that desirable crunch for a perfect creamy broccoli slaw salad.

Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Slaw Salad

This versatile salad is fantastic for so many occasions. It shines as a delightful broccoli slaw salad side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, adding a much-needed crunch and freshness to your plate. I also love bringing this to gatherings because it’s a crowd-pleaser and holds up well. It’s an excellent choice for a broccoli slaw salad for potluck because its bright flavors and texture are always a welcome addition, especially when paired with heartier dishes like pulled pork or barbecue ribs.

Nutrition Facts for Broccoli Slaw Salad

This healthy Broccoli Slaw Salad is a nutritional powerhouse! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, which is approximately 1.5 cups.

Calories: 220
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy eating tips, consider these 3 foods you should eat less of to stay healthy.

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Slaw Salad

Properly storing your delicious Broccoli Slaw Salad ensures you can enjoy its crispness for days. After you’ve finished making this fantastic broccoli slaw recipe, let it cool down completely before you store it. I always use airtight containers; they’re best for keeping the slaw fresh and preventing any odors from the refrigerator from getting in. You can safely store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, though, as the vegetables can become quite mushy upon thawing. If you want to reheat it, it’s really best served cold, but if you absolutely must, a very brief, gentle warming in a pan or microwave might work, though it will lose some of its signature crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Slaw Salad

What is broccoli slaw salad?

A broccoli slaw salad is a vibrant and crunchy salad typically made with shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage, often tossed in a creamy or tangy dressing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables and is much heartier than a traditional leafy green salad. For a similar refreshing dish, try this lemon parmesan lettuce salad.

Can I make Broccoli Slaw Salad with chicken?

Absolutely! Adding cooked, shredded, or diced chicken is a wonderful way to turn this salad into a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the crunchy textures and tangy dressing, making it a satisfying lunch or light dinner option.

Is this a kid-friendly broccoli slaw salad?

Yes, it can be! Many kids enjoy the sweet and crunchy elements. If you’re introducing it to picky eaters, start with a milder dressing and ensure the vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also omit the onions or use less if that’s a concern for them.

What are some broccoli slaw salad variations I can try?

There are so many delicious broccoli slaw salad variations! You can add diced apples, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, or even a pinch of curry powder to the dressing for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Broccoli Slaw Salad Variations You Can Try

One of the best things about this salad is how adaptable it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite broccoli slaw salad variations to inspire you.

For a Heartier Meal: Add grilled or shredded broccoli slaw salad with chicken for a protein boost that turns this side into a satisfying main dish.
Sweet & Tart Twist: Boost the sweetness and chewiness by increasing the dried cranberries, or swap them for chopped dried apricots. This makes for a delightful broccoli slaw salad with cranberries.
Lighter Dressing Option: For a dressing that’s less creamy, swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or use a lighter vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice.
Nutty Crunch Boost: While we already have sunflower seeds, consider adding chopped toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.