Description: This Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet apple, tangy red onion, chewy cranberries, and nutty seeds, all tossed in a creamy, subtly sweet dressing, makes it a delightful and satisfying salad. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional coleslaw and offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s also easily customizable to suit your dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (about 1 large head) broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup (120g) shredded carrots
- 1 large crisp apple (like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
- 1/2 cup (80g) red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup (70g) sunflower seeds or chopped pecans/walnuts
Creamy Dressing:
- 3/4 cup (170g) vegan mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by thoroughly washing the broccoli florets. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, carefully chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Uniformity in size will ensure even distribution and a pleasant texture in the final slaw. If the broccoli stems are tender, you can peel away the tough outer layer and finely chop the inner, more tender part to add to the slaw.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots: If you are using whole carrots, peel them and then shred them using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Pre-shredded carrots can be used as a convenient alternative. However, shredding your own carrots will generally result in a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple: Choose a crisp apple variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and sweetness. Wash the apple thoroughly. Core it to remove the seeds and stem. Dice the apple into small, uniform pieces. Consider tossing the diced apple with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning, especially if you are preparing the slaw ahead of time.
Step 4: Prepare the Red Onion: Peel the red onion and finely chop it into small pieces. Red onion provides a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the slaw. If you find the red onion too pungent, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry, to mellow its flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, diced apple, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds (or chopped pecans/walnuts). Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the bowl.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (vegan or regular), apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup/honey and adjust to taste based on your desired level of sweetness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Dress the Slaw: Pour the creamy dressing over the combined ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the broccoli and apple to become soggy.
Step 8: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the slaw to an airtight container. Refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also helps the slaw become more refreshing. For the best flavor, let the slaw sit for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. Taste the slaw again before serving and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors creates a delightful explosion in every bite. The sweetness of the apple and cranberries balances the slight bitterness of the broccoli and the sharpness of the red onion. The creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
- Texture Variety: This slaw offers a fantastic mix of textures, from the crunchy broccoli and apple to the tender carrots and chewy cranberries. The addition of sunflower seeds or nuts provides an extra layer of crunch that makes it irresistible.
- Nutrient-Packed: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Apples provide antioxidants and fiber, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene. The addition of nuts or seeds contributes healthy fats and protein.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to put together, requiring minimal cooking and simple preparation steps. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy side dish for a potluck or barbecue.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this slaw to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Use vegan mayonnaise to make it vegan-friendly, or swap out the apples for pears or grapes. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, to create your own unique variation.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The slaw can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prepping. The flavors actually improve as the slaw sits, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Picnics and Barbecues: This slaw is the perfect addition to any picnic or barbecue. It pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
- Side Dish for Weeknight Meals: Serve it alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or tofu scramble.
- Sandwich Topping: Add a scoop of the slaw to your sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor and crunch. It’s especially delicious with pulled pork, grilled chicken, or turkey sandwiches.
- Salad Base: Use the slaw as a base for a more substantial salad. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Taco Filling: Get creative and use it as a filling for fish tacos or veggie tacos.
Tips:
- Chop Broccoli Small: Ensure the broccoli florets are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for a better texture and eating experience.
- Prevent Apple Browning: To prevent the apple from browning, toss the diced apple with a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar immediately after cutting.
- Mellow Red Onion: If you find the red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the slaw.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your slaw.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy.
- Make Ahead: For the best flavor, make the slaw a few hours ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes (+30 minutes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 5-8g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. It’s a vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-make recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing salad to bring to a potluck or a healthy addition to your weeknight meals, this slaw is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations by adding your favorite vegetables, fruits, or nuts. So, gather your ingredients, get chopping, and enjoy this delicious and versatile slaw!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this slaw ahead of time? A: Absolutely! In fact, making the slaw a few hours ahead of time (or even a day before) is recommended. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q2: I don’t like red onion. Can I substitute it with something else? A: Yes, you can definitely substitute the red onion. A good alternative would be green onions (scallions), which have a milder flavor. You could also use shallots, which offer a slightly sweet and savory taste. If you’re looking for something completely different, consider adding finely chopped celery for a bit of crunch and freshness.
Q3: I’m vegan. Can I still make this slaw? A: Absolutely! To make this slaw vegan, simply use vegan mayonnaise in the dressing. There are many excellent vegan mayonnaise brands available in most grocery stores. Also, make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey for the sweetener.
Q4: What other types of nuts or seeds can I use besides sunflower seeds, pecans, or walnuts? A: The possibilities are endless! You can use almonds (slivered or chopped), pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or even toasted sesame seeds. For a nut-free option, consider using hemp seeds, which offer a nutty flavor and a boost of protein.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this slaw? A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to the slaw. Some great additions would be shredded cabbage (either green or purple), bell peppers (diced into small pieces), or even some thinly sliced radishes for a peppery kick. Just make sure not to add too many extra ingredients, as this could dilute the flavor of the slaw.
