Crunchy Broccoli Slaw with Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

Broccoli Slaw recipe with almonds, crunchy sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and creamy coleslaw dressing. A refreshing and nutritious yet delicious healthy coleslaw recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

Have you noticed the packages of broccoli slaw mix in the grocery store near the regular coleslaw mix?

Well, I’m here to tell you they are well worth the try! You might even enjoy it better than classic coleslaw.

The pre-packaged mix makes this recipe so fast and easy, although you can absolutely cut broccoli stalks using a knife or pulse it in a food processor instead of buying the pre-cut mix.

While I love classic coleslaw using green cabbage, I find the broccoli version is a nice change.

I make my Carrot Coleslaw and Healthy Creamy Coleslaw fairly regularly, especially when the weather begins to warm up.

And for all those times I’m feeling a no-mayo approach, I make my Mayo-Free Coleslaw. 

But here we are breaking new ground with this easy broccoli slaw recipe! I started noticing packages of broccoli slaw mix next to the regular cabbage coleslaw mix in the grocery store several years ago. 

Once I gave it a try, I was blown away at how fresh and tasty it is.

Combining thinly cut raw broccoli stems with carrots and red cabbage, this is a marvelous way of getting a variety of vitamins and minerals in addition to dietary fiber.

I love adding both sliced almonds and sunflower seeds for a little crunch, dried cranberries for some spunky flavor, and that classic creamy coleslaw dressing to tie it all together.

I stick with a mayo-based dressing, but you can easily swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt to make mayo-free broccoli slaw.

Do you need to enjoy broccoli? Yes, you do. Unfortunately broccoli slaw is not one of those hidden vegetable situations where you don’t detect the broccoli flavor.

But for my broccoli lovers, strap in! We’re about to embark on your new favorite coleslaw recipe. It’s the perfect side dish for warm weather!

Let’s chat about the ingredients for this healthy broccoli slaw recipe!

Ingredients for Broccoli Slaw:

Package of Broccoli Coleslaw: Found in the produce section near the other packaged salad mixes, you will find a 12-ounce package of broccoli slaw. Buy that thing!

Typically, broccoli coleslaw mix is a combination of sliced (or julienne cut) broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage.

A broccoli slaw bag saves so much time because you don’t need to chop or slice the vegetables yourself! The prep time of this homemade coleslaw is around 15 minutes if you’re taking your sweet time.

Green Onions: Adding a burst of refreshing onion flavor without being overpowering, we use a full bunch of green onion. 

Sliced Almonds and Roasted Sunflower Seeds: Bringing nutty flavor and extra crunch, I like using both sliced almonds and sunflower seeds. There are plenty of ways you can change up the nut and seed selection.

Dried Cranberries: No slaw would be complete without a sweet component in my humble opinion! I love that dried cranberries bring sweetness and tanginess to the broccoli coleslaw to balance out the savory flavors.

Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients:

Mayonnaise: Richness and creaminess is what mayonnaise brings to the creamy coleslaw dressing. Use your favorite mayo. I stick with avocado oil mayonnaise, but any kind will work. Vegan mayo works too for a vegan option.

Lemon Juice (or Cider Vinegar): Bringing a zing of sour flavor to the dressing, we need fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar. Rice vinegar works here too!

Pure Maple Syrup: Classic coleslaw dressing includes white sugar but I swap it out for pure maple syrup. If you’re fine with using white sugar, use 2 teaspoons.

Dijon Mustard: A little mustard goes a long way in creating subtle nuance for the dressing.

Dried Parsley: A pop of herby flavor! 

Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Season the coleslaw with sea salt and black pepper. If you feel the coleslaw tastes bland, keep adding salt (or make more dressing) until you get the flavor you’re going for.

There are so many ways one can customize this recipe to create your own version! Here are some ideas.

Recipe Adaptations:

• Want to make broccoli slaw without mayo? Swap the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. The dressing won’t taste as rich but it will still have a lightly creamy texture.
• If you know you enjoy your slaws extra saucy, double the simple broccoli slaw dressing for added creaminess.
• Add in extra grated carrots and extra sliced red cabbage to balance out the colors and ingredients. If you add more veggies, I recommend making more dressing too.
• Swap the sliced almonds and sunflower seeds out for your nut or seed of choice. Pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and pecans are all great options!
• Skip the almonds and seeds to make the recipe nut-free and seed-free.
• If you enjoy red onion in your slaws and salads, add ⅓ to ½ cup of thinly sliced or finely chopped red onion.
• Kick up the spice by adding in some sliced or chopped jalapenos. 
• You can julienne broccoli stalks into thin matchsticks using a sharp knife instead of using a bag of broccoli slaw if you prefer. You can also use a vegetable peeler, a food processor or box grater. Broccoli florets work too but they will bring the classic texture of broccoli salad as opposed to slaw.
• Add 1/2 tsp of celery seed to the creamy dressing if you have it on hand.
• Use any dried fruit you like in place of the dried cranberries. Raisins and dried blueberries are great!

Now that we’re familiar with the healthy ingredients list, let’s make crisp broccoli slaw in a few easy steps!

How to Make Broccoli Slaw:

In a small bowl, mix together the coleslaw dressing ingredients until they are well combined and creamy. It’s okay if the dressing looks a bit runny.

Open the package of broccoli slaw mix and pour it into a large bowl. Add in the chopped green onions, almonds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries (all of the slaw ingredients).

Pour all of the coleslaw dressing into the bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together until the ingredients are coated with tangy dressing.

Taste the cole slaw for flavor and add more sea salt or black pepper to your personal taste. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil. If you find there isn’t enough dressing for your taste, feel free to make more!

Serve creamy broccoli slaw alongside your main entree, and enjoy!

Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This simple broccoli slaw recipe is ideal for warm weather gatherings, when everyone is in the mood for coleslaws! It pairs magically with burgers, pulled pork, sandwiches, bbq chicken, ribs, and more!

I often use leftover coleslaw in my green salads to bring more variety and fun texture to them. 

Simply make your favorite green salad, add in a bunch of leftover broccoli slaw, drizzle in more dressing, mix it all up and enjoy!

Because coleslaw recipes save fairly well and taste even better the next day, I have no shame in preparing them a day in advance. 

To make sure the nuts stay nice and crunchy, I recommend adding the nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries just before serving the slaw. They can become soft and soggy when they sit overnight. 

So the next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing side dish and want to keep it nutritious, whip up this simple recipe!

If you like light and refreshing side dishes like this, also try these healthy sides!

More Healthy Side Dishes:

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad  
• Apple Broccoli Salad with Walnuts  
• The Best Potato Salad  
• Pea Salad with Bacon (Mayo-Free)  
• Green Bean Salad with Walnuts and Feta  
• The Best Broccoli Salad  

This easy side dish is a great way of adding delicious nutrients to any meal!

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