Broccoli Slaw

This Broccoli Slaw may just become your new favorite summer side dish.

Crispy veggies, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts are tossed in a sweet, tangy cream sauce.

It’s just as delicious and refreshing as our classic creamy Coleslaw. Be sure to expect everyone to ask for seconds!

BROCCOLI SLAW – A 12-ounce bag of pre-sliced broccoli slaw can be found in the grocery store’s produce section. It usually contains broccoli, white cabbage, and red cabbage. 

APPLES – Fuji or Honeycrisp are the best brands for this salad. They are very crispy and have a wonderful texture. 

ONIONS – Be sure to finely dice or use thinly sliced red onions so you don’t accidentally get a big bite of onion. 

GARLIC – This secret ingredient adds a little bite to the salad you won’t usually find in a broccoli slaw. Be sure to include it; you’ll be glad you did! 

MAYONNAISE and SOUR CREAM – This is the creamy base for the dressing. Adding some sour cream gives it a tangy flavor and adds to the creaminess. 

LEMON – A squeeze of lemon juice gives the creamy broccoli slaw an added boost of acid and balances the flavor of the broccoli. 

SUGAR: A little sugar helps to make sure this broccoli salad isn’t too tart.

Variations and Additions

Our family loves sliced almonds in our slaw. But you can get creative and add other toppings, such as sunflower seeds, raisins, or dried cranberries. 

You can also use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.

If you want to add a bit of protein, try adding some diced bacon! I don’t often do this in my slaws, but it’s worth experimenting.

If you like bacon and broccoli. We have a salad for that, too. This deliciously creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad will fit the bill.

How To Make Broccoli Slaw

1. Add broccoli slaw, apples, and onions to a large bowl. 
2. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisk until well blended. 
3. Pour creamy dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat well. Chill for 30 minutes.

Optional: Garnish with sliced almonds.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

We use a store-bought package of shredded broccoli. It’s super convenient, and it often also has some shredded carrots. My favorite is Trader Joe’s Broccoli Slaw. It’s one of the best pre-made slaws and perfect for this recipe.

If you’d like to make the slaw mix at home, you can use broccoli, carrots, and white and red cabbage. 

Shred them using a food processor with the slicer attachment or a hand grater.

To use the hand grater, stand it up on a cutting board and carefully slide the ingredients over the larger grater holes until you have enough mix for the salad.

Feel free to cut the very ends off the broccoli and grate the broccoli stalks as well. 

Once you’re done preparing the ingredients for the slaw, combine the shredded broccoli and cabbage mixture with the onion, garlic, and dressing.

Mix it all in a large bowl, then sprinkle the sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, cranberries, walnuts, or any other topping you’d like.

Serving Suggestions

If you have leftover slaw, transfer it to an air-tight container or a plastic zip-top bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

It’s best not to freeze it since the mayo and veggies won’t hold up very well to that. 

When you’re ready to eat, just put the slaw in your bowl and eat it cold from the fridge.

More Easy and Delicious Side Dishes

CLASSIC CREAMY COLE SLAW – Classic cabbage-based slaw in the most delicious creamy dressing.

AMISH MACARONI SALALD – Perfect if you like quick and easy cold pasta salads.

DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD -This salad is a great side dish and a buffet table superstar.

CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD – Classic German side dish.

ITALIAN PASTSA SALAD – This classic side salad is a real crowd-pleaser.