The Easiest Broccoli Slaw Recipe You’ll Ever Need
I have such fond memories of family barbecues growing up, and there was always one dish that consistently appeared on the picnic table, nestled between the burgers and potato salad: broccoli slaw. It wasn’t the flashiest dish, but its cool, crisp texture and tangy-sweet dressing were the perfect counterpoint to the richer, grilled fare. Now, years later, I still crave that familiar taste, and I’ve perfected a recipe that’s incredibly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli coleslaw mix (found in the bag salad section of your grocery store)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and celery seed.
- Whisk the mixture together until it is smooth and well combined. The mixture should resemble a creamy dressing consistency.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You may need to add extra vinegar to thin it out, or more sugar, pepper, or celery seed to suit your personal taste. I often add a little more vinegar for extra tang. If you prefer, you can use a sugar substitute like Splenda.
- Add the broccoli slaw mix to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the broccoli slaw with the dressing until it is evenly coated. Make sure all the bits of broccoli, cabbage, and carrots are well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the broccoli slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the slaw to chill properly. Chilling for longer, even a few hours, will improve the flavor and texture.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Mayonnaise Matters: Use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Real mayonnaise provides a richer, creamier base than lighter or reduced-fat options.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet slaw, start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste. Alternatively, try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Enhance the Texture: Add some toasted nuts or seeds, such as slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch and flavor.
- Get Ahead: This slaw is a great make-ahead dish. It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prevent Soggy Slaw: To prevent the slaw from becoming too soggy, don’t dress it until just before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss it with the slaw right before serving.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This broccoli slaw is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, or fish. It’s also a great addition to sandwiches or wraps.
To store leftovers, transfer the broccoli slaw to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the slaw may become slightly softer over time as the dressing breaks down the vegetables. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended as the vegetables will become very soggy and lose their crisp texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 91.6 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 59 g | 65% |
| Total Fat | 6.6 g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 5.1 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 140.4 mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8 g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 4.1 g | 16% |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 0% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Creamy Coleslaw: For a richer and creamier slaw, substitute some of the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: Replace the apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar and add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Sweet and Spicy Slaw: Add a diced jalapeno pepper (seeds removed for less heat) and a tablespoon of honey to the dressing.
- Fruit and Nut Slaw: Add diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts to the slaw for a sweeter and more textured version.
- Vegan Slaw: Use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise.
- Low Carb Slaw: Substitute a sugar alternative like Stevia or Monk Fruit for the sugar.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can substitute the apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, rice vinegar, or even lemon juice, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Q: How can I make the slaw less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or use a sugar substitute. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded carrots, red onion, bell peppers, or even chopped celery for extra crunch and flavor.
Q: How long does broccoli slaw last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, broccoli slaw will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I serve with broccoli slaw?
A: Broccoli slaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, wraps, and even tacos.
Final Thoughts
This broccoli slaw recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and easy techniques can create something truly delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same joy and nostalgia that this dish brings me. Feel free to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your feedback! Pair it with your favorite grilled fare for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!