Sweet and Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

This broccoli slaw recipe combines the fresh crunch of crisp broccoli slaw with the sweet chewiness of cranberries, the nutty richness of crunchy sunflower seeds, and a zesty Asian ginger dressing. Perfect for a meal side dish, a summer picnic or BBQ, a delicious lunch, or a party, this slaw is bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.

You will love the explosion of flavor in my broccoli slaw recipe – the crispness of broccoli slaw, the sweetness of cranberries, and the nutty bite of sunflower seeds, all coated in a zesty Asian ginger dressing. It's the ultimate side dish for BBQs and parties.

Actually, this slaw is my go-to for any occasion. It's a perfect side dish for a meal, a refreshing addition to a summer picnic, a light and satisfying lunch, and will certainly be a hit at a party. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors never fail to impress. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, this easy broccoli slaw recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and versatile dish!  

Ingredients

• A Bag of Broccoli Slaw –  Pre-shredded broccoli slaw usually contains broccoli stems, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage. It adds a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter, earthy flavor to the slaw. You can find broccoli slaw mix in the produce section of your grocery store.
• Dried Sweetened Cranberries – Dried cranberries add a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor to the slaw, balancing the other flavors.
• Shelled Sunflower Seeds – Sunflower seeds add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the slaw, as well as healthy fats and protein.
• Sweetened Flaked Coconut – Coconut adds a chewy texture and a sweet, tropical flavor to the slaw. You can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer.
• Chili Powder – Chili powder provides a subtle heat and a smoky flavor to the slaw, complementing the other flavors.
• Asian Ginger Dressing – This is a dressing made with Asian-inspired flavors, such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. It adds a tangy, savory flavor to the slaw and helps to bind the ingredients together. Use storebought dressing or make your own.

See recipe card below for exact slaw ingredients and detailed instructions.

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle the tangy dressing over the top and toss well to combine.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Hint: Start with a little less dressing and add more only if you need it.

Variations/Substitutions

• Different Dressings – Instead of the Asian Ginger dressing, you can use other dressings such as sesame ginger, soy vinaigrette, honey mustard, or even a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
• Nuts and Seeds – Feel free to substitute the sunflower seeds with other nuts or seeds like sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor and extra crunch.
• Dried Fruit – If you don't have cranberries, you can use other dried fruits like golden raisins, chopped apricots, or dried cherries.
• Fresh Fruit - Add some apple chunks or pieces of pear if you're looking for a little extra sweetness without too many additional calories.
• Vegetable Additions – Add more vegetables to the slaw, such as bell peppers sliced into thin matchsticks, or shredded cabbage for added crunch and flavor. Some red onion also brings extra flavor to your broccoli slaw.
• Fresh Herbs – Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Protein – Add protein to make it a more substantial dish. You can add cooked bacon, grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame.
• Cheese – Cheese can made a delicious add-in for a broccoli slaw and provide another texture. Cheddar is a good place to start with cheese.
• Spices – Experiment with different spices to change the flavor profile. Try adding cumin, paprika, or curry powder for a different twist.

Storage

Place your prepared broccoli slaw salad in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days.

Freezing your broccoli slaw isn't recommended.

Top Tips

• When mixing the ingredients, use a large bowl to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
• Chilling the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
• Start by adding a smaller amount of dressing and taste the slaw. Add more dressing as needed to reach your desired level of flavor.
• Feel free to customize the slaw based on your preferences. You can adjust the amount of cranberries, sunflower seeds, coconut, or chili powder to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This crunchy broccoli slaw is a great side dish with BBQ chicken quarters, a grilled burger or a vegan sandwich. It's great for lunch and as a condiment on sandwiches. The simplicity of the recipe makes it even more enticing. Everything goes in a bowl, the dressing gets mixed in and, voila, mama is happy.

FAQs

More Delicious Side Dishes

1. Mini Parmesan Truffle Hasselback Potatoes
2. Braised Collard Greens with Turkey Bacon
3. Crispy Oven Fried Zucchini Chips
4. Oven Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest
5. Tomato Pie with Three Cheeses and Basil
6. Perfect Homemade Biscuits from Mom on Timeout
7. 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole from Tastes of Lizzy

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RECIPE

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