Creamy Broccoli Slaw

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This easy-to-prepare broccoli slaw recipe is made with a mix that you can pick up in the produce aisle at the supermarket.

Creamy Broccoli Slaw
Photo:

Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
10

This broccoli slaw recipe is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a new play on coleslaw that’s just as easy to make as the classic and may be even more delicious. Affording the ideal blend of savory and sweet, crisp and creamy, this broccoli slaw is the ideal side dish, sandwich topper, or base for a lunchtime salad to enjoy all year long.

Learn how to make broccoli slaw. Whether you're prepping for a potluck or planning a casual backyard luncheon, this recipe, which serves 10, is sure to please.

Broccoli Slaw Ingredients

The base of this easy broccoli slaw is a store-bought slaw mix, which you can find in the produce department of your local supermarket. Everything else is easy to find, too.

  • Broccoli slaw mix: This is what our Test Kitchen suggests. It usually includes shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and cabbage, with a few little florets thrown in for good measure. A more verdant version of a traditional coleslaw mix, it can also be traded out for the cabbage-and-carrot version you grew up with, in a pinch.
  • Toasted pecans: For a lovely crunch.
  • Scallions: Add richness and depth of flavor.
  • Golden raisins: Add an unexpected hint of sweetness.
  • Mayonnaise: Is the base of the slaw dressing.
  • Cider vinegar: Is zippy without being too tart.
  • Lemon juice: Adds citrus freshness.
  • Lemon zest: Makes the final dish more fresh and invigorating.
  • Salt and pepper: No recipe is complete without.
Southern Living Creamy Broccoli Slaw ingredients

Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

How To Make Broccoli Slaw

Making this creamy broccoli slaw couldn’t be easier.

  • Step 1. Stir together the mayo, pecans, raisins, scallions, vinegar, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper, and add the slaw. Toss to combine.
  • Step 2. Chill 30 minutes.
  • Step 3. Toss once more before serving.

Ways To Serve Broccoli Slaw

Once you’ve made this creamy broccoli slaw, it can be used in a host of different ways. Let it stand in for classic coleslaw on any potluck table, or smother your favorite burger recipe with the creamy mixture.

With the addition of grilled chicken, this creamy broccoli slaw also becomes a filling, tasty main meal, and unlike other salads, it improves slightly with time, making it a great thing to throw together in the morning and tote to work to enjoy come your lunch break.

How To Store Broccoli Slaw

Any leftover broccoli slaw can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for two to three days, but be forewarned: It may render a bit of liquid, and the pecans are likely to go a bit soft over time.

Best to eat it fresh, or, if you’re making a big batch, leave the pecans on the side for folks to sprinkle over their portion to keep them nice and crunchy.

Creamy Broccoli Slaw
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Can I Make My Own Broccoli Slaw Mix?

Store-bought broccoli slaw is a no-brainer for the sake of simplicity, but if you want to make your own mix, that’s fine too. In fact, this broccoli slaw recipe can be a great way to reduce food waste, especially if your family are fans of broccoli florets but eschew the stalks.

Simply shred them using the julienne attachment of a food processor, and add some shredded carrots and red or white cabbage. Use about five cups of broccoli for every two cups of other vegetables for the ideal balance.

Editorial contributions by Emily Monaco.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

  • 1 cup golden raisins

  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions

  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

  • 2 Tbsp. grated lemon zest, plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 3 lemons)

  • 1 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

  • 2 (12-oz.) pkg. broccoli slaw mix

Directions

  1. Make dressing:

    Stir together mayonnaise, pecans, raisins, scallions, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined.

    Southern Living Broccoli Slaw adding dressing to the broccoli slaw

    Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  2. Add slaw mix:

    Add slaw mix; toss gently until thoroughly coated. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Toss gently, and serve.

    Southern Living Broccoli Slaw tossing the slaw together

    Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does broccoli slaw last in the fridge?

    Broccoli slaw can stay in the fridge up to 3 days. But it may get a bit watery while it sits, so it's best eaten soon after it's made.

  • Can you freeze a bag of broccoli slaw?

    Yes, you can freeze broccoli slaw mix, but we'd recommend freezing it before you add any dressing. And go ahead and protect the broccoli slaw by storing it in a freezer bag before it goes into the deep freeze. The slaw will last in the fridge up to 6 months.

  • What's the difference between broccoli slaw and coleslaw?

    These two slaws are close cousins. Broccoli slaw is made with shredded pieces of broccoli, and coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage. The dressings for both are usually mayonnaise-based and tangy with a hint of sweetness.

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