Whether you’re serving it with barbecue, sandwiches, or as a light lunch, broccoli slaw is a crunchy, nutritious alternative to traditional coleslaw. Unlike cabbage based slaw, broccoli slaw uses shredded broccoli stems and sometimes florets for a light, crispy texture that pairs beautifully with tangy dressings and bold flavors.
Broccoli lovers will LOVE this one, and if you’re not a fan, you would still enjoy this broccoli claw recipe, we promise! Unlike our popular Broccoli Salad where you can see and taste the broccoli florets, this tastes like slaw. Thanks to the best homemade Coleslaw Dressing, this recipe has a sweet tang.
If you love broccoli, don’t miss trying our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad as well! It’s one of those shockingly delicious and TASTY salad bowls loaded with Candied Walnuts.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, need a crowd pleasing side for BBQs or holidays, or want a quick weeknight meal addition, broccoli slaw delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
What Is Broccoli Slaw?
Broccoli slaw is a salad made primarily from finely shredded broccoli stalks and sometimes florets, often mixed with carrots and tossed in a coleslaw dressing. While classic coleslaw uses cabbage, broccoli slaw offers a lighter crunch, slightly sweeter flavor, and greater nutrient density.
The main components for a great broccoli slaw are broccoli stalks for texture, with some florets. But the stalk is optimal for texture! Carrots and apples for color and sweetness. A balanced dressing that clings to strands. And finally, toasted nuts for perfect crunch!
Broccoli slaw uses the often discarded stalks of broccoli, shredded into slaw like strands for a crunchier, higher in fiber and nutrients and low calorie option.
Why You’ll Love Broccoli Slaw
- Light & Crunchy with thin strands of broccoli that stay crisp, even after dressing!
- Healthier Alternative! Broccoli slaw is higher in vitamins A, K and C, fiber, and antioxidants than traditional coleslaw.
- SO Quick & Easy. All you would do. is shredding broccoli and tossing with dressing! You can use a food processor if you need to speed it up!
- Pairs with SO MANY dishes! It’s great with grilled meats, burgers and sandwiches, tacos and bowls.
- Customizable to your taste! Make it extra Sweet, tangy or even spicy. A broccoli slaw adapts easily to flavor preferences.
- Make it extra creamy, tangy, more Asian inspired, spicy with a drizzle of Chili Oil Recipe. Adapt it to be vegan, dairy free, keto, or add in some protein.
Broccoli Slaw Recipe Ingredients You Need
- Broccoli. We used fresh heads of broccoli here with stems of course, however you can get a ready made broccoli slaw mix which is basically shredded broccoli stalks. These are readily available at the grocery store.
- Carrots. You can likewise but the store bought shredded bags, or shred them at home using a box grater or food processor.
- Apples. They add sweetness and compliment the crunch so beautifully here.
- Onions. Thinly sliced red onion, or green onions (scallions) work well here.
- Almonds or seeds. Toasted nuts or seeds are the perfect crunch topping to this broccoli slaw recipe! It’s optional but highly recommended. If you’d like a sweet touch, try our Candied Walnuts!
- Dried cranberries. Also optional for sweetness.You can use golden raisins if you’d like.
- Red cabbage Optional, for color and more crunch.
- Classic Creamy Slaw Dressing which is a detailed recipe and all you need to know about making coleslaw dressing from scratch. It’s a simple Mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey), salt, black pepper, and dijon mustard blend.
How to Make Broccoli Slaw
Prepare the Broccoli
- Trim tough ends of the broccoli. Then use a mandolin , food processor slicing blade, vegetable peeler or sharp knife to shred broccoli stalks into thin, slawlike strands.
- Use the same technique for the florets.
Add Other Veggies
- Add in the remaining ingredients of the broccoli slaw into a large bowl. This includes shredded carrots, apples, red onions, toasted almonds and cranberries.
Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl prepare the best Coleslaw Dressing, or if you have it ready in the fridge then you’re good to go!
- This dressing is a perfect balance of acidity, richness, tang and sweetness. You can get some many variations and uses of that dressing, just make sure to read the entire article and try it out!
Combine and Toss
- Now pour that luscious dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
Chill Before Serving
- The best rule to extra tasty slaw is always to refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. If you can make it and chill for about 2-3 hours, that would be even better
- Chilling allow flavors to meld and softens the slaw slightly.
Serve & Enjoy
- Broccoli slaw is best served chilled, but it can also sit at room temperature for short periods during gatherings or meals.
Pro Tips For the BEST Better Broccoli Slaw
- Shred the broccoli finely. Ultra thin strands absorb dressing better and feel less fibrous.
- Massage lightly. If you have time, give the broccoli a quick toss with salt or acid can soften raw broccoli strands.
- Balance flavors, especially for the dressing. Our Coleslaw Dressing is an absolutely perfectly well rounded and balanced in terms of richness, sweetness, tang and acidity. You may want it extra sweet, less rich, etc, so make that balance.
- Add texture contrasts. We added toasted nuts, you can use seeds as well. They make the salad more interesting so we highly recommend you don’t skimp! Try our Candied Walnuts for a sweet crunch!
- Don’t overdress. Overdressing the slaw will make it soggy.
- Use fresh broccoli stalks. Firm and fresh stalks are tender and sweet, older stalks can be tough.
- Sweetness balance. We added apples and cranberries for a mild sweet contrast.
- Make ahead. Broccoli slaw gets better after resting.
- Drain Excess Dressing. If you notice the salad is soggy after chilling, simply drain excess dressing or use a spoon to do so.
Popular Broccoli Slaw Variations
- Sweet and Tangy: Pairs fruit like apples and dried cranberries with a citrusy coleslaw dressing for contrast. The dressing would have lemon or orange juice and zest.
- Asian Broccoli Slaw: It would include sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce, cilantro, Spicy Mayo and Chili Oil Recipe
- Healthy Yogurt Dressing: This version replaces mayo with Greek yogurt for lighter texture.
- BBQ Style: Here you can add a smoky, mustard based dressing with some of your favorite BBQ sauce to complement grilled meats.
Is broccoli slaw healthy?
Yes broccoli slaw is a nutrient dense salad high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s lighter than cabbage‑based slaws and pairs well with balanced dressings.
Can I make broccoli slaw ahead of time?
Yes you can and you should! Broccoli slaw tastes better when made hours in advance. If you want to prepare it days in advance, then you can shred the broccoli and store it separately. Toss with coleslaw dressing 1-2 hours before serving for best texture.
How long does broccoli slaw last in the fridge?
Once dressed, it’s best eaten within 3 days. Undressed broccoli slaw can last longer when wrapped airtight.
What dressing works best with broccoli slaw?
Our absolute Coleslaw Dressing is what we use and recommend! You can also find variations on the article depending on what you make. Think also of light vinaigrettes, creamy mustard dressings, or yogurt based options such as Creamy Cucumber Salad. A balance of acidity and sweetness is key.
Why is my broccoli slaw watery?
The best way is to avoid overdressing your salad, drain any excess liquid if you find it, and lightly salt the broccoli before dressing to help reduce water.
Can I use florets instead of stalks?
You can, but it would be more of a Broccoli Salad. The stalks shred more evenly and deliver a consistent slaw like texture.
Is broccoli slaw gluten‑free or vegan?
Yes! if your dressing ingredients is made with gluten‑free or vegan ingredients. Think vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo.
What’s the difference between broccoli slaw and coleslaw?
Broccoli slaw uses shredded broccoli stalks instead of cabbage, resulting in a crunchier texture with more nutritional value.
Can I make broccoli slaw without mayo?
Yes if you choose to! A simple vinaigrette of olive oil, dijon mustard, vinegar (or any citrus juice like lemon juice) whisked together makes a bright version. You can sweeten it lightly with maple syrup, and you’ve got a balanced dressing.
Can broccoli slaw be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture will become soggy and watery.
Can I add protein to broccoli slaw?
Yes! Try shredded chicken, crumbled beef or chicken, tofu, chickpeas, quinoa, your favorite!
Can broccoli slaw be low carb or keto?
Yes if you use a sugar free dressing by substituting sugar free sweeteners, then you make it keto and low carbs while enjoying the crunch and vitamins.
What toppings enhance broccoli slaw?
Our favorites include toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, some fresh herbs and citrus zest.
What to Serve With Broccoli Slaw
- Hot honey chicken , Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Best NY Strip Steak, Ribeye Steak
- Chicken Sliders, Cheeseburger Sliders, Turkey Sliders, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Salmon burgers, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Cheese Stuffed Burgers With Onions And Mushrooms
- Lamb Tacos, Birria Tacos, Mahi Mahi Tacos, Ground Beef Tacos, Ground Chicken Tacos
- Mashed potatoes or potato salad
- On top of grain bowls like Fajita Bowl.
Broccoli Slaw
Ingredients
Broccoli Slaw
- 5 cups broccoli florets and stems cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 large apple or 2 medium ones, shredded or cut into thin strips
- 1/3 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1 cup loosely packed toasted almonds
Coleslaw Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream or Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon each Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broccoli
-
Trim tough ends of the broccoli. Then use a mandolin , food processor slicing blade, vegetable peeler or sharp knife to shred broccoli stalks into thin, slawlike strands.
-
Use the same technique for the florets.
-
Add in the remaining ingredients of the broccoli slaw into a large bowl. This includes shredded carrots, apples, red onions, toasted almonds and cranberries.
-
Make the Dressing
-
In a separate bowl prepare the best Coleslaw Dressing, or if you have it ready in the fridge then you're good to go! Just mix all ingredients together.
-
Now pour that luscious dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
-
The best rule to extra tasty slaw is always to refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. If you can make it and chill for about 2-3 hours, that would be even better
-
Chilling allow flavors to meld and softens the slaw slightly.
-
Broccoli slaw is best served chilled, but it can also sit at room temperature for short periods during gatherings or meals.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips For the BEST Better Broccoli Slaw
- Shred the broccoli finely. Ultra thin strands absorb dressing better and feel less fibrous.
- Massage lightly. If you have time, give the broccoli a quick toss with salt or acid can soften raw broccoli strands.
- Balance flavors, especially for the dressing. Our Coleslaw Dressing is an absolutely perfectly well rounded and balanced in terms of richness, sweetness, tang and acidity. You may want it extra sweet, less rich, etc, so make that balance.
- Add texture contrasts. We added toasted nuts, you can use seeds as well. They make the salad more interesting so we highly recommend you don't skimp! Try our Candied Walnuts for a sweet crunch!
- Don’t overdress. Overdressing the slaw will make it soggy.
- Use fresh broccoli stalks. Firm and fresh stalks are tender and sweet, older stalks can be tough.
- Sweetness balance. We added apples and cranberries for a mild sweet contrast.
- Make ahead. Broccoli slaw gets better after resting.
- Drain Excess Dressing. If you notice the salad is soggy after chilling, simply drain excess dressing or use a spoon to do so.
Popular Broccoli Slaw Variations
- Sweet and Tangy: Pairs fruit like apples and dried cranberries with a citrusy coleslaw dressing for contrast. The dressing would have lemon or orange juice and zest.
- Asian Broccoli Slaw: It would include sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce, cilantro, Spicy Mayo and Chili Oil Recipe
- Healthy Yogurt Dressing: This version replaces mayo with Greek yogurt for lighter texture.
- BBQ Style: Here you can add a smoky, mustard based dressing with some of your favorite BBQ sauce to complement grilled meats.
Is broccoli slaw healthy?
Yes broccoli slaw is a nutrient dense salad high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s lighter than cabbage‑based slaws and pairs well with balanced dressings.
Can I make broccoli slaw ahead of time?
Yes you can and you should! Broccoli slaw tastes better when made hours in advance. If you want to prepare it days in advance, then you can shred the broccoli and store it separately. Toss with coleslaw dressing 1-2 hours before serving for best texture.
How long does broccoli slaw last in the fridge?
Once dressed, it’s best eaten within 3 days. Undressed broccoli slaw can last longer when wrapped airtight.
What dressing works best with broccoli slaw?
Our absolute Coleslaw Dressing is what we use and recommend! You can also find variations on the article depending on what you make. Think also of light vinaigrettes, creamy mustard dressings, or yogurt based options such as Creamy Cucumber Salad. A balance of acidity and sweetness is key.
Why is my broccoli slaw watery?
The best way is to avoid overdressing your salad, drain any excess liquid if you find it, and lightly salt the broccoli before dressing to help reduce water.
Can I use florets instead of stalks?
You can, but it would be more of a Broccoli Salad. The stalks shred more evenly and deliver a consistent slaw like texture.
Is broccoli slaw gluten‑free or vegan?
Yes! if your dressing ingredients is made with gluten‑free or vegan ingredients. Think vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo.
What’s the difference between broccoli slaw and coleslaw?
Broccoli slaw uses shredded broccoli stalks instead of cabbage, resulting in a crunchier texture with more nutritional value.
Can I make broccoli slaw without mayo?
Yes if you choose to! A simple vinaigrette of olive oil, dijon mustard, vinegar (or any citrus juice like lemon juice) whisked together makes a bright version. You can sweeten it lightly with maple syrup, and you've got a balanced dressing.
Can broccoli slaw be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture will become soggy and watery.
Can I add protein to broccoli slaw?
Yes! Try shredded chicken, crumbled beef or chicken, tofu, chickpeas, quinoa, your favorite!
Can broccoli slaw be low carb or keto?
Yes if you use a sugar free dressing by substituting sugar free sweeteners, then you make it keto and low carbs while enjoying the crunch and vitamins.
What toppings enhance broccoli slaw?
Our favorites include toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, some fresh herbs and citrus zest.
What to Serve With Broccoli Slaw
- Hot honey chicken , Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Best NY Strip Steak, Ribeye Steak
- Chicken Sliders, Cheeseburger Sliders, Turkey Sliders, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Salmon burgers, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Cheese Stuffed Burgers With Onions And Mushrooms
- Lamb Tacos, Birria Tacos, Mahi Mahi Tacos, Ground Beef Tacos, Ground Chicken Tacos
- Mashed potatoes or potato salad
- On top of grain bowls like Fajita Bowl.
This is my new favorite. It tastes just like the broccoli slaw my Granny used to make.
Thi sis so yummy! I love the crunch of the veggies with the creamy dressing.
Broccoli is one of my favourite vegetables, and I love the look of this broccoli slaw! This would be perfect to make for any BBQ in the Summer!
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
i am doing Broccoli slaw on Saturday! I love that it is a healthier version of Coleslaw…I will get the ingredients tomorrow.