Name: Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz broccoli slaw mixture; 1 granny smith apple; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 cup dried cranberries; ½ cup sunflower seeds; For Dressing:; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp celery seed; salt and pepper

This creamy broccoli slaw recipe is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. Combining crisp broccoli slaw mixture, tart granny smith apple, and sweet dried cranberries, it's perfect for any occasion. The rich and tangy dressing brings everything together beautifully, making it a refreshing addition to your meal.

Photos of Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Some of the ingredients you might not have at home include the broccoli slaw mixture and celery seed. Broccoli slaw mixture is a pre-shredded mix of broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage. Celery seed adds a unique flavor to the dressing and can typically be found in the spice aisle.

Ingredients For Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

broccoli slaw mixture: A pre-shredded mix of broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage.

granny smith apple: A tart green apple that adds a crisp texture and tangy flavor.

lemon juice: Adds a bit of acidity to prevent the apple from browning and enhances flavor.

dried cranberries: Sweet and slightly tart, these add a chewy texture.

sunflower seeds: Provide a nutty crunch and added texture.

mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing, balancing out the creaminess.

sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.

celery seed: Adds a unique flavor to the dressing.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

pepper: Adds a bit of spice and balances the flavors.

One reader, Carrissa Lively says:

This creamy broccoli slaw recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The tangy dressing perfectly complements the crisp slaw, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds. It's a refreshing and satisfying side dish that's easy to make and sure to impress!

Carrissa Lively

Mastering the Techniques for Perfect Creamy Broccoli Slaw

How to cut the granny smith apple: Cut the apple in half, remove the seeds, and then cut it into fine julienne slices. How to toss apples with lemon juice: After cutting the apples, mix them with lemon juice to prevent browning. How to mix dressing: Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix until smooth. How to combine ingredients: Mix the broccoli slaw mixture, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a bowl before adding the dressing. How to refrigerate properly: Place the combined slaw in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

How To Make Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Serve up a tasteful broccoli slaw for dinner! It has a creamy and tangy dressing that’s best paired with your favorite chicken meals.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Refrigerate Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

32ozbroccoli slaw mixture
1granny smith apple
1tsplemon juice
1cupdried cranberries
½cupsunflower seeds

For Dressing:

½cupmayonnaise
2tbspvinegar
1tbspsugar
1tspcelery seed
salt and pepperto taste

Instructions

Cut the granny smith apple in half, then remove seeds.
Cut the apples into fine julienne slices.
Toss the apples with lemon juice.

Dressing:

Mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper, then set aside.
Combine the broccoli slaw mixture, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.
Add the dressing and toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 149.15kcal
Fat: 8.90g
Saturated Fat: 1.24g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.00g
Carbohydrates: 17.07g
Fiber: 3.22g
Sugar: 10.35g
Protein: 2.67g
Cholesterol: 3.75mg
Sodium: 270.35mg
Calcium: 43.55mg
Potassium: 280.26mg
Iron: 0.84mg
Vitamin A: 24.32µg
Vitamin C: 67.67mg

Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Creamy Broccoli Slaw

To ensure the broccoli slaw mixture stays crisp and doesn't become soggy, make sure to thoroughly dry it before combining it with the other ingredients. You can use a salad spinner or pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps maintain the crunchiness of the slaw, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing This Slaw Recipe

Pre-cut ingredients: Buy pre-cut broccoli slaw mixture and pre-sliced granny smith apple to save chopping time.

Use a food processor: Quickly julienne the apple using a food processor with a julienne blade.

Pre-mix dressing: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of broccoli slaw and store it for multiple meals.

Quick chill: Place the slaw in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of refrigerating for an hour.

Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

broccoli slaw mixture - Substitute with shredded cabbage and carrots: Shredded cabbage and carrots provide a similar crunchy texture and can be easily found in most grocery stores.
granny smith apple - Substitute with honeycrisp apple: Honeycrisp apples offer a similar tartness and crisp texture, making them a great alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tanginess that complements the flavors in the slaw.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins offer a similar chewy texture and sweetness, making them a suitable replacement.
sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, and they are often used interchangeably in salads and slaws.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture with less fat and more protein, making it a healthier alternative.
vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dressing.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of depth to the dressing, making it a great substitute for sugar.
celery seed - Substitute with caraway seed: Caraway seeds offer a similar earthy flavor and can be used in similar quantities.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste of the slaw.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a bit more heat, so use it sparingly.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Broccoli Slaw

Use a chilled plate: Ensure the plate is chilled before serving to keep the creamy broccoli slaw fresh and crisp.
Create a base layer: Spread a thin layer of the dressing on the plate to act as a flavorful base.
Arrange the slaw artfully: Place a generous mound of the broccoli slaw mixture in the center of the plate, allowing some of the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds to be visible for a pop of color and texture.
Add apple slices decoratively: Fan out the julienned apple slices around the slaw, ensuring they are evenly spaced and slightly overlapping for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the slaw for a touch of freshness and a burst of color.
Drizzle with extra dressing: Lightly drizzle some extra dressing over the top of the slaw and around the plate for added flavor and visual appeal.
Finish with a sprinkle of seeds: Sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds and dried cranberries around the plate for texture and a refined look.
Serve with a lemon wedge: Place a small lemon wedge on the side of the plate for an optional burst of citrus that complements the flavors of the slaw.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and slice the apple.
Chef's knife: Essential for cutting the apple into fine julienne slices.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the broccoli slaw mixture, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the mayonnaise and vinegar.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
Lemon squeezer: Handy for extracting lemon juice to toss with the apple slices.
Spatula: Useful for mixing the dressing and tossing the slaw mixture.
Refrigerator: Needed to chill the slaw for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving bowl: Ideal for presenting the creamy broccoli slaw when ready to serve.

Storing and Freezing Creamy Broccoli Slaw for Later

This broccoli slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to make this slaw ahead of time for a party or gathering, it's best to store the dressing separately from the slaw mixture. Combine them together just before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming too soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the broccoli slaw mixture (without the dressing) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding the dressing and serving.
If you have leftover slaw that has already been mixed with the dressing, you can still freeze it, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It will still be safe to eat, but the broccoli may be a bit softer and the dressing may separate slightly.
To refresh leftover slaw that has been stored in the refrigerator, you can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors before serving.

Fascinating Trivia About Creamy Broccoli Slaw

A fun fact about this creamy broccoli slaw recipe is that the granny smith apple adds a refreshing tartness, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the dried cranberries.

Budget-Friendly: Is Homemade Creamy Broccoli Slaw Cost-Effective?

This creamy broccoli slaw recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like broccoli slaw mixture, granny smith apple, and dried cranberries are relatively affordable. The dressing components such as mayonnaise, vinegar, and celery seed are pantry staples. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Creamy Slaw Recipe Healthy or Not?

The creamy broccoli slaw recipe is a nutritious dish with some room for improvement. Here's a breakdown of its health aspects:

Broccoli slaw mixture: Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber. It's an excellent base for a healthy salad.
Granny Smith apple: Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They add a nice crunch and subtle sweetness to the slaw.
Dried cranberries: While they provide some antioxidants, dried cranberries are high in sugar. Moderation is key.
Sunflower seeds: These seeds offer healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. They're a nutritious addition to the slaw.
Dressing: The mayonnaise-based dressing is high in fat and calories. The sugar and vinegar add extra calories and carbs.

Overall, this slaw has a good balance of vegetables, fruits, and seeds, but the dressing could be lighter and healthier.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider these suggestions:

Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and avocado for a creamy, protein-rich dressing with healthy fats
Reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or use a natural sweetener like honey
Add more colorful vegetables like grated carrots or red cabbage for extra nutrients and fiber
Use fresh cranberries instead of dried to reduce sugar content
Toast the sunflower seeds for added crunch and flavor
Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness and extra vitamins

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

This creamy broccoli slaw recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crispness of the broccoli slaw and julienned apple pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of sunflower seeds. The dressing, with its tangy vinegar and subtle hint of celery seed, ties everything together perfectly. Refrigerating the slaw allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste. It's a refreshing and nutritious side dish that's both easy to prepare and visually appealing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch option.

Enhance Your Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Imagine the zesty tang of lemon and the aromatic infusion of herbs perfectly complementing the creamy crunch of your broccoli slaw. This pairing creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes are roasted to perfection with a generous sprinkle of garlic and parmesan. They add a savory depth that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of the slaw.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with a luscious honey coating bring a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the granny smith apple in the slaw. This side dish adds a vibrant splash of color and flavor to your plate.

Spicy Black Bean Soup: Spicy Black Bean Soup: A warm, hearty bowl of black bean soup with a kick of spice provides a comforting contrast to the cool, creamy slaw. The robust flavors of the soup enhance the overall dining experience, making it a perfect companion.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Mango Avocado Salsa: Fresh, juicy mango and creamy avocado come together in a vibrant salsa that adds a tropical twist to your meal. The bright, refreshing flavors of this salsa elevate the broccoli slaw to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Apple Walnut Salad: Imagine the crunch of apples and walnuts mingling with a tangy yogurt dressing. This salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Asian Cabbage Slaw: A vibrant mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, tossed in a zesty sesame and ginger dressing. This slaw is a burst of color and flavor, ideal for pairing with grilled meats or as a standalone dish.

Quinoa and Kale Salad: Packed with protein and nutrients, this salad combines quinoa, kale, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzled with a lemon-tahini dressing, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A hearty mix of chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, all tossed in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. This salad is a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Carrot Raisin Salad: Sweet and savory come together in this classic salad. Shredded carrots and plump raisins are mixed with a creamy honey and lemon dressing, making it a delightful side dish for any occasion.

Why trust this Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe:

This creamy broccoli slaw recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. The granny smith apple adds a refreshing tartness, while the dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast. The sunflower seeds offer a satisfying crunch, and the creamy dressing ties everything together perfectly. With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is both reliable and delicious. Trust in the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients to deliver a dish that will impress your family and friends.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of apple instead of a Granny Smith?

Absolutely! You can use any apple you like. Just keep in mind that Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the dressing and cranberries.

How long can I store the broccoli slaw in the refrigerator?

You can store the broccoli slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely over time, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the dressing ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using it.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. It will still be creamy and delicious.

Can I add other ingredients to the slaw?

Of course! Feel free to get creative. You can add shredded carrots, chopped nuts, or even some diced red onion for extra crunch and flavor.