5-Minute Broccoli Slaw (A Healthier Coleslaw Swap)

Broccoli slaw is so delicious and an elevated replacement for a traditional coleslaw but can be used just the same. It’s crunchy and addictive, and it’s perfect for any gathering.

Broccoli slaw is exactly the sort of thing I like to make in the summer. It’s light and refreshing, and it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great choice for picnics and cookouts.

Recently, I made a batch for a family cookout, and it was a hit! Not to mention, it was incredibly easy to make and only uses 5 ingredients so you can impress everyone at your summer gatherings without investing a lot of time.

I usually make it as a side dish, but broccoli slaw can just as easily top anything grilled and especially with BBQ like a smoked pulled chicken sandwich.

Broccoli slaw is more nutritious than traditional coleslaw because it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Bonus, you can count it as a serving of your veggies for the day!

This broccoli slaw recipe is so easy to make and comes together in about 5 minutes when you use a package of plain broccoli slaw (or shredded cabbage, or any slaw mix) from your local store.

Don’t worry, it’s just as healthy (and much more convenient) than making it yourself! I like to avoid pre-sliced fruits, veggies, and even salad kits because they’re insanely overpriced, but for pre-packaged plain slaw, which is much more work to chop, this hack is totally worth it!

Broccoli Slaw Recipe Ingredients

Broccoli Slaw

Obviously, our main ingredient. My go-to is the organic broccoli slaw mix at Whole Foods which includes pre-shredded broccoli stems with a few shredded carrots tossed in.

If you have leftover fresh broccoli stems from another recipe, you can use your food processor shredding attachment to shred the stems into slaw or get to work with a sharp knife and julienne cut them yourself.

But take my advice and opt for the pre-shredded broccoli slaw (without dressing). It’s so convenient and just as nutritious, and will really save on time!

Mayo

Mayo makes this recipe creamy! Make it healthy with a good-quality mayo. Store bought options use healthier oils like avocado oil and olive oil. My go-to is Primal Kitchen Mayo because it uses only avocado oil for fat, contains just six ingredients, and comes in a glass jar. Of course you can go even healthier by making your own homemade vegan mayonnaise, or store-bought Vegenaise Vegan Mayo.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Slaw needs some tang, particularly something vinegary to give it that coleslaw flavor. I prefer apple cider vinegar for its flavor and health benefits. Here’s a little science behind the scenes: when you combine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt, it can cause the broccoli slaw to release some water. So don’t be surprised if you find a little pool at the bottom of your coleslaw bowl. Use less than you think you need and have some ready on the side to add more if needed.

Fresh Lemon Juice

When it comes to slaw, using fresh lemon juice is key. It brightens up the flavor and is packed with enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your body. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks nutritional value and is often artificial. Real lemon use is the way to go for full flavor and all the health benefits.

Honey (or Sugar)

Traditional coleslaw has some sweetness to taste and uses white sugar. Use sugar for a vegan version. For a sugar-free version, go ahead and leave it out completely. My preference is to use honey as it’s a natural sweetener full of enzymes and minerals, and I don’t have any white sugar in my kitchen. It’s such a small amount in the recipe that I’m all for in it to elevate the flavor of the slaw dressing, especially when using so much broccoli!

Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

A little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are always great to enhance the flavor. Personally, I love using Real Salt sea salt because it dissolves effortlessly, making it perfect for dressings like this. Start with a conservative amount of salt and adjust to taste. Opt for freshly ground pepper in place of pre-ground black pepper. You just use a pepper grinder with peppercorns, easy to find at your local grocer. Trust me, it’s worth the upgrade!

Apples, Dried Cranberries & Sliced Almonds

Add more to your broccoli slaw if you’d like! To save time, skip the julienned apples. But mixing some dried cranberries and sliced almonds (or any nut of choice) just before serving, can change the flavor of this dish to your liking!

I like to include these add-ins when I’m serving broccoli slaw as a side dish. Or, it simple and leave these ingredients out if I’m using the slaw as a topper so it complements the flavor of the BBQ chicken or sweet potato, I’m paring it with.

If you do go for these add-ons, make sure to mix in your dried cranberries and sliced almonds just before serving so they don’t get soggy!

Preparing Broccoli Slaw

To prepare, combine the pre-packaged broccoli slaw, with mayo, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey (or sugar), apples if you choose, and a dash of salt and pepper in a bowl.

Once everything is mixed together, allow the slaw to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the broccoli slaw to slightly soften. It’s worth the wait for the creamy texture!

Before serving, mix in your sliced almonds and dried cranberries. Serve it chilled as a side or pair it with your favorite grilled or BBQ dishes. It really is the perfect as a side dish for spring or summer parties.

Broccoli Slaw Servings Ideas

Broccoli slaw is perfect for anything grilled and makes a great side dish to offer to bring to a spring or summer party.

Here are some ideas that go well with broccoli slaw:

• With grilled or smoked chicken
• With burgers
• With BBQ dishes
• With baked sweet potatoes