Delicious Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe with Apple Cider Dressing: Your Ultimate Healthy Summer Side

Discover the perfect blend of cool, crisp, and creamy with this exceptional broccoli slaw recipe, featuring a bright and tangy apple cider dressing. This vibrant dish is not just a side; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and satisfying textures, making it an ideal choice for your next summer grilling session, family picnic, or any festive gathering. The inclusion of tart dried cranberries and crunchy almonds introduces layers of complexity, creating a delightful contrast against the wholesome, crisp vegetables and the zesty dressing. Whether you prefer the convenience of pre-bagged broccoli slaw or the unparalleled freshness of chopping your own with a food processor, this recipe offers flexibility without compromising on taste. Its make-ahead friendly nature means less stress and more enjoyment, allowing you to simply dress and serve when you’re ready to impress your guests or treat your family to a nutritious and flavorful meal.

This creamy broccoli slaw has quickly become a household favorite, consistently hitting all the right notes for a refreshing and healthy accompaniment. It pairs beautifully with virtually any grilled dish, from succulent chicken to smoky ribs, elevating your backyard BBQ experience. What’s even better is that any leftovers transform into a quick, convenient, and incredibly healthy lunch the following day, ensuring you enjoy every last bite. While using a food processor for chopping the vegetables guarantees maximum freshness and a superior texture, we understand that time is often a luxury. For those busy days, pre-cut bagged broccoli slaw from the grocery store offers a convenient shortcut. The key is to adapt the recipe to suit your lifestyle, ensuring you can enjoy this delectable slaw whenever the craving strikes.

Why This Creamy Broccoli Slaw Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this versatile and healthy broccoli slaw. Its simplicity, adaptability, and incredible flavor profile make it a standout dish. Here’s a deeper look into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Effortless Preparation: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this recipe caters to all skill levels. You can opt for the efficiency of a food processor to shred your vegetables in minutes, or take the convenient route with pre-cut broccoli slaw mixes available in stores. This flexibility means you can always whip up a fresh batch, regardless of how much time you have.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Planning ahead has never been easier! The raw slaw mix can be prepared days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing, too, can be made and kept separately. This allows you to combine them just before serving, ensuring optimal crunch and freshness, making it a fantastic option for parties, holidays, or weekly meal prepping.
• A Delicious Boost of Veggies: This slaw is a fantastic way to incorporate more nutrient-rich vegetables into your diet in a fun and appealing manner. Broccoli, cabbage, and carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Even picky eaters will enjoy the vibrant colors and appealing texture.
• Irresistibly Cool, Crisp, and Crunchy: Imagine the perfect summer salad – this is it. The combination of fresh, finely shredded vegetables delivers an incredible array of textures. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, making it incredibly refreshing and palate-cleansing, especially alongside heavier main courses.
• Easily Customizable for Special Diets: This recipe is inherently flexible. With simple substitutions, it can be effortlessly made vegan and dairy-free. By selecting an egg-free or plant-based mayonnaise for the dressing, you can cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

For another equally satisfying and crunchy option, be sure to explore this delightful broccoli salad with bacon, a hearty choice that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vibrant Broccoli Slaw

Crafting the perfect broccoli slaw begins with selecting the finest ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and textured dish:

For the Ultimate Broccoli Slaw Base:

• Broccoli: Opt for fresh, full heads of broccoli or broccoli crowns. A fantastic advantage of making your own slaw from scratch is utilizing the often-discarded broccoli stems, which are surprisingly tender and packed with flavor and nutrients when properly prepared. If time is a constraint, a high-quality bagged broccoli slaw mix can be used, but keep our chef’s tip in mind for enhancing its flavor and texture.
• Carrots: Essential for adding a brilliant pop of color, a delightful crunch, and a subtle natural sweetness that beautifully balances the other flavors. Carrots also bring a wealth of Vitamin A to the dish.
• Cabbage: A mix of both green and red cabbage is crucial. Green cabbage provides the classic slaw foundation and crispness, while red cabbage contributes not only a striking visual appeal but also a slightly different texture and additional antioxidants.
• Fresh Herbs: Elevate the freshness factor with finely chopped fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley). These herbs infuse the slaw with a bright, aromatic quality that complements the vegetables and dressing perfectly. Choose your favorite or use a blend for layered flavor.
• Scallions (Green Onions): These provide a mild, oniony bite without overwhelming the palate. The green parts, chopped crosswise, add both flavor and a beautiful green fleck throughout the slaw.
• Dried Cranberries: A true flavor enhancer! Their sweet-tart profile offers a wonderful contrast to the crisp vegetables and creamy dressing. They add a chewy texture and a vibrant color. If cranberries aren’t available or preferred, raisins or even finely diced dried apricots can serve as excellent alternatives.
• Almonds: Introduce a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Slivers or sliced almonds work best, distributing evenly throughout the slaw. Toasting them lightly before adding can further deepen their flavor.

Chef’s Tip for Enhanced Slaw: While bagged broccoli slaw mix offers undeniable convenience, it often consists primarily of broccoli stems with a minimal amount of carrot. This is precisely why developing a homemade broccoli slaw recipe is so rewarding. Our from-scratch version ensures a richer, more complex slaw with superior interest, diverse textures, vibrant colors, and exceptional flavor. If you choose to use a bagged mix, we strongly recommend “jazzing it up” by incorporating thinly sliced red and green cabbage, adding extra shredded carrots, a generous amount of fresh herbs, and of course, our simple yet exquisite dressing. Essentially, supplement the bagged mix with the fresh elements outlined in this recipe to transform it into something truly special.

For the Creamy Apple Cider Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing. Select your favorite high-quality brand. For those seeking a lighter, cleaner taste or following specific dietary guidelines, Vegenaise (available in soy-free and avocado oil versions) is an excellent choice, known for its superb texture and flavor.
• Vinegar: Good old apple cider vinegar is the star here. Its tangy, slightly fruity notes are indispensable for creating the dressing’s signature zip and balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. Organic or unfiltered apple cider vinegar can add even more depth.
• Orange Zest: A secret ingredient that provides a delightful lift and brightness to the dressing. The fragrant oils from the orange zest infuse a subtle citrusy aroma and a refreshing flavor that beautifully complements the apple cider vinegar.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring the dressing into perfect balance. Adjust to your personal preference.

For precise quantities, measurements, and detailed seasoning adjustments, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this article.

Looking for alternative dressing options to diversify your slaw experience? Consider thinning down our flavorful Asian Almond Butter Sauce. This will introduce a distinct, nutty, and savory flavor profile to your broccoli slaw, offering a delightful twist for another occasion.

Crafting Your Homemade Broccoli Slaw: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this homemade broccoli slaw is surprisingly simple, especially when you leverage the right tools. While pre-cut vegetables offer convenience, taking a few extra minutes to prepare your own ensures unmatched freshness, vibrant colors, and superior texture. My go-to method for achieving that perfect shredded consistency is using a food processor equipped with a grating blade, similar to what you’d use for hard cheeses. This method significantly streamlines the chopping process, making it far less daunting than manual shredding.

Preparing Your Vegetables for Optimal Slaw

Proper vegetable preparation is fundamental to the success of this broccoli slaw. Start by thoroughly washing all your produce to remove any dirt or impurities. For the broccoli, carefully separate the florets from the sturdy stems using a sharp knife. Don’t discard the stems; they are a fantastic, often overlooked, component of the slaw! Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer layer of the broccoli stems. This ensures they become tender and integrate seamlessly into the slaw’s texture. For the carrots, you have a choice: you can peel them for a smoother texture if you prefer, or simply scrub them well with a vegetable brush. The skin of carrots is not only edible but also contains valuable nutrients, so leaving it on is a healthy option.

Mastering Your Food Processor for Perfect Slaw

Utilizing a food processor is the secret to achieving a beautifully textured slaw in a fraction of the time it would take to chop by hand. This method allows for consistent cuts and saves significant effort. I’ve experimented with both a large-hole grating blade and a julienne blade, each yielding slightly different but equally delicious results. The grating blade produces a finer, lighter, and fluffier slaw, reminiscent of a classic coleslaw texture. The julienne blade, on the other hand, creates longer, more substantial pieces, similar to the texture often found in store-bought bagged slaws, offering a heartier bite.

To begin, cut your cabbage into wedges or pieces small enough to comfortably fit through the feed tube of your food processor. Secure the chosen blade (grating or julienne) into your food processor’s work bowl. Process the broccoli stems first, followed by the carrots, pushing them through the narrower feed tube if available. Then, process the broccoli florets and finally the cabbage through the widest feed tube. As the work bowl fills with the shredded vegetables, periodically transfer the slaw into a large mixing bowl to make space for the remaining produce. This entire process typically takes mere minutes, quickly transforming whole vegetables into a mountain of fresh, colorful, and healthy slaw, ready for dressing.

Whipping Up the Zesty Apple Cider Dressing

The dressing is truly what brings this broccoli slaw to life. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and subtly citrusy notes that complement the crisp vegetables perfectly. What’s more, this versatile dressing isn’t limited to just broccoli slaw; it can enhance a variety of salads and dishes. Preparing the dressing is incredibly straightforward. You can achieve a smooth, emulsified consistency by simply whisking all the ingredients vigorously in a bowl, shaking them together in a tightly sealed jar, or for an extra-smooth finish, using a blender on a low speed. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a uniform flavor profile. Once prepared, the dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it convenient for future use.

Serving Your Delicious Broccoli Slaw

Presenting your broccoli slaw is the final, delightful step. To serve, gently toss the desired amount of slaw mix with the creamy apple cider dressing. It’s crucial to add the dressing just before serving, or no more than an hour beforehand, to maintain the slaw’s signature crispness. After dressing, fold in the dried cranberries and almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed to provide bursts of flavor and crunch in every bite. While the dried cranberries are optional, their sweet-tart notes offer a truly wonderful complement to the overall dish, and even a small handful makes a significant difference. If you are monitoring sugar or carbohydrate intake, you can certainly omit them without compromising the core flavors.

This recipe yields a generous batch, approximately 3 pounds of fresh slaw, which is equivalent to about four standard 12-ounce bags of store-bought broccoli slaw. This quantity is perfect for feeding a large family, entertaining a crowd, or ensuring you have plenty of healthy leftovers. To maximize freshness and extend shelf life, only dress the portion you intend to serve for a single meal. The undressed raw vegetable mix will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days, allowing you to enjoy fresh slaw throughout the week. The leftover undressed mix can also be repurposed in various creative ways, such as adding it to tacos, stir-fries, or other salads.

For smaller gatherings or individual needs, this recipe can be easily halved without any adjustments to the ingredient ratios, ensuring you always make the perfect amount.

Creative Ways to Utilize Leftover Undressed Broccoli Slaw

If you’ve prepared a full batch of the raw broccoli slaw mix, congratulations! You now have a versatile base for countless healthy and delicious meals throughout the week. Here are some fantastic ideas for how to use your undressed raw veggies, beyond just making more slaw:

• Inside Tacos and Wraps: Transform your tacos, burritos, or wraps by adding a generous helping of raw broccoli slaw. It provides an incredible crunch, freshness, and a boost of nutrients that elevate any filling, whether it’s grilled chicken, seasoned beef, or black beans.
• Quick Stir-Fry Base: The shredded vegetables are perfectly prepped for a lightning-fast stir-fry. Simply heat a wok or large skillet with a little oil, add the slaw mix, your favorite protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp), and a delicious stir-fry sauce. It cooks quickly and makes a wonderfully healthy meal.
• Add to Soups: Stir a handful of the raw slaw into hot soups or stews just before serving. It adds a fresh, crisp element and extra nutrients without becoming overly mushy.
• Boost Your Green Smoothies: For an extra nutrient kick, add a small amount of the broccoli slaw mix to your morning green smoothie. The mild flavors blend seamlessly, providing vitamins and fiber.
• Crunchy Sandwich Topper: Use it as a vibrant and crunchy addition to sandwiches or burgers. It offers a fresh alternative to lettuce and adds more texture and flavor.
• Grain Bowl Enhancer: Integrate the slaw into your favorite grain bowls. Combine it with cooked quinoa or brown rice, roasted vegetables, a protein source, and a flavorful dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.

Important Considerations for Special Diets

This broccoli slaw recipe is naturally accommodating to several dietary needs, but a few considerations are helpful for specific conditions:

If you have histamine intolerance, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the core vegetables in this slaw, including broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, are generally considered safe. However, dried cranberries can be questionable depending on your individual level of sensitivity, as dried fruits can sometimes trigger reactions. For the dressing, it’s vital to choose your mayonnaise carefully. I often recommend refrigerated brands like Vegenaise, which is both egg-free and vegan, and also comes in a soy-free version, making it a safer bet for many with sensitivities.

Regarding citrus, while the amount of orange zest in the dressing is small, citrus fruits are known histamine liberators. If you are highly reactive to citrus, you might consider omitting the orange zest from the dressing or substituting it with a different aromatic, such as a pinch of ground ginger or a very small amount of white pepper for warmth. Similarly, if apple cider vinegar (ACV) poses a problem for your histamine tolerance, organic white vinegar is a suitable and often better-tolerated alternative that will still provide the necessary tang and acidity to the dressing.

For those making a vegan or dairy-free version, the primary ingredient to watch is mayonnaise. Simply swap traditional mayonnaise for an egg-free or plant-based alternative like Vegenaise. Some slaw recipes occasionally include cheese, so be sure to exclude any such additions to ensure your slaw remains completely dairy-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Slaw

More Refreshing Summer Side Dish Recipe Ideas

When the weather warms up, effortless, flavorful, and cool side dishes become the stars of any meal. They are perfect for complementing grilled entrees, enhancing family dinners, and making holiday get-togethers even more enjoyable. If you loved this broccoli slaw, you’ll surely appreciate these other fantastic options:

⭐️ Share Your Experience: Did You Make This Recipe?

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this vibrant and delicious creamy broccoli slaw recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable to us and helps our community of home cooks. If you truly loved it and found it to be a fantastic addition to your meal rotation, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could give it a 5-star rating! Your ratings and comments significantly help other readers discover and enjoy this wonderful dish.

📖 Recipe: Creamy Apple Cider Broccoli Slaw

Broccoli Slaw

Sally Cameron

This fresh and crunchy vegetable slaw is perfectly designed to serve a large family or a gathering of friends. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture make it an instant hit. For optimal freshness and longevity, we recommend dressing only the portion of slaw you intend to consume for a single meal. The remaining undressed slaw can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days, offering you the flexibility to enjoy it a second time as a side dish or get creative by incorporating it into tacos, wraps, or salads for a healthy twist.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 135 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  Food Processor

Ingredients

  

Broccoli Slaw

• ▢ 2 heads broccoli about 1 ¼ pounds
• ▢ 2 carrots
• ▢ ¼ large head green cabbage 13 ounces
• ▢ ½ small head purple cabbage 10 ounces
• ▢ ⅓ cup chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsley leaves
• ▢ 4-6 scallions green part, chopped crosswise
• ▢ ⅓ cup dried cranberries optional
• ▢ ⅓ cup slivered almonds optional

Creamy Apple Cider Dressing

• ▢ ⅔ cup mayonnaise I use Vegenise or homemade
• ▢ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar regular or apple balsamic
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Begin by thoroughly washing all your produce. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the broccoli stems away from the florets. Next, take a vegetable peeler and peel the tough outer layer of the broccoli stems. For the carrots, you can either peel them for a smoother texture or simply scrub them well with a vegetable brush, as the skin is edible and nutritious. Finally, finely chop the fresh cilantro and scallions.
• Prepare your food processor by fitting its work bowl with either a large-hole grating blade or a julienne slicing blade, depending on your preferred slaw texture. First, push the peeled broccoli stems through the narrowest feed tube to slice them finely. Then, feed the carrots through the same tube. Next, using the largest feed tube, slice the broccoli florets. As the food processor’s work bowl begins to fill up, transfer the shredded vegetables into a large mixing bowl to make space. Continue this process with the cabbages, slicing them through the largest feed tube. Once all vegetables are processed, add them to the large bowl with the other shredded produce and toss gently to combine evenly. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro, scallions, dried cranberries (if using), and slivered almonds (if using).
• When ready to serve, portion out the amount of slaw you need for a single meal. A good guideline is approximately 1 cup per person if serving as a side salad, or about 1 ½ cups per person if you plan to use it as a base for an entree salad, perhaps topped with leftover grilled chicken or your favorite protein.
• To prepare the dressing, either whisk all the dressing ingredients together thoroughly in a bowl, shake them vigorously in a tightly sealed jar, or use a blender on low speed until smooth and well combined. When dressing the slaw, always start with a small amount of dressing, toss gently to coat, and then add more incrementally if needed. It’s much easier to add more dressing if the slaw seems too dry than it is to rectify an over-dressed salad.

Notes

Nutritional Calculation Note: The provided nutritional calculation in the recipe card includes the entire amount of dressing. However, it’s common that not all of the dressing will be used for the full batch of slaw, so the actual nutritional intake per serving might be slightly lower than indicated. The raw vegetables themselves are very low in calories and packed with nutrients.