Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Looking for a quick and easy salad that requires minimal prep? You’ll love this Crunchy Broccoli Slaw Salad!

 

What’s just as delicious as broccoli salad but easier and lighter to make? This homemade Crunchy Broccoli Slaw salad! It literally takes less than 5 minutes to make, with my super easy short cut….

Broccoli Slaw Mix

Instead of chopping my own, I usually just buy a bagged broccoli slaw mix. It is made up of raw broccoli, red cabbage and carrots.

Some may call it cheating, but you know what? I don’t have time to get out the mandolin slicer or food processor to shred each veggie. Bagged will do just fine.

Sometimes it even incorporates brussel sprouts too. But, you know what, you can use whatever slaw mix you want- even cabbage slaw.

One of the biggest issues with bagged slaw mix is that they look sad and dried out. But no worries, it is actually pretty easy to revive them.

Place your slaw mix into a large mixing bowl filled with ice water.

Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes and then drain. Pat it dry with a paper towel before adding the dressing. If it has too much water on it, the dressing will thin out and not stick.

I used this technique on the slaw in the pictures and I think it looks pretty great!

Broccoli Slaw Mix-Ins

Then, to take this broccoli slaw to the next level, I throw in a fix extras, like pepitas and raisins.

Pepitas are one of my favorite seeds to use in salads. They are a vibrant green and usually salted. You can use any other type of nut too, this slaw also does well with slivered almonds.

Raisins provide a sweet and soft contrast to the rest of the ingredients in this broccoli salad.

Dried cranberries are also a good pick.

Creamy Broccoli Slaw Dressing

Instead of a mayo and poppy seed dressing like traditional broccoli salad, I top this with a creamy honey mustard.

Mustard adds some acidity while honey balances out the other ingredients. It is still creamy, as this honey mustard sauce uses mayo.

I don’t like too much slaw dressing, but if you prefer to a creamier version, double the honey mustard sauce.

It tastes so yummy with the broccoli mix but can also be used to baste chicken, fish or pork and as a dipping sauce.

Light Broccoli Slaw

It is easy to convert this broccoli salad into a light version. Simply substitute the mayo in the dressing with plain Greek yogurt.

You can even try making your own!

Also look for unsweetened raisins or cranberries to further cut down on the sugar.

Make Ahead & Storage

This dish is perfect for making ahead up to 24 hours. Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give the salad a quick stir to revive it.

I do not recommend freezing broccoli slaw. It thaws all soggy and mushy. Yuck.

Picnic Side Dish

This Broccoli Slaw Salad makes a great dish for summer cookouts and is so much easier to make than broccoli salad. Everyone devours it just as quickly too!

I also like to serve it at home when I need a quick veggie or side dish and don’t feel like cooking. It’s a great side for chicken, fish, pork or burgers.

Here are some of my favorites:

What You’ll Need

Large Mixing Bowl– Use a mixing bowl a little larger than you think you’ll need. There is less pressure to keep it in the bowl. You can always transfer it to a smaller serving bowl later. I personally look for ones with lids so I can cut down on plastic wrap and aluminum foil waste.

Mixing Spoon– Use a large spoon or even fork to do the tossing!

More summer sides:

• Herb Grilled Potatoes
• Pineapple Coleslaw
• Red Cabbage Slaw
• Taco Pasta Salad
• Vinegar Coleslaw