Crisp Broccoli Slaw Salad (Printable version)
Crisp shredded broccoli and carrots tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with cranberries and sunflower seeds.
# Ingredient list:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 cups shredded broccoli stems (or pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix)
02 - 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded (optional)
→ Dressing
05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
06 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon honey
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Extras
10 - 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
11 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded broccoli stems, grated carrot, sliced red onion, and shredded red cabbage until evenly distributed.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
04 - Gently fold in the sunflower seeds and dried cranberries until they are uniformly distributed throughout the slaw.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It turns the part of the broccoli you usually throw away into something genuinely craveable.
- Fifteen minutes start to finish with zero cooking required, which makes it a lifesaver on hot days when the stove feels like an enemy.
- The dressing doubles as a universal salad dressing so you will want to keep it in your back pocket all summer long.
02 -
- The slaw actually tastes better the second day after the dressing has had time to penetrate the vegetables so do not hesitate to make it ahead.
- If you let it sit longer than overnight the vegetables will release water and the dressing will become watery, so drain off excess liquid before serving leftovers.
03 -
- Run your knife through the shredded broccoli mix a few times to shorten the strands because shorter pieces are easier to eat and hold dressing better.
- Toasting the seeds takes barely two minutes in a dry skillet and is the single step that transforms this from a good side dish into the one everyone asks about.