Broccoli might just be one of my favorite veggies—it’s like the unsung hero of the dinner plate. You know, the kind that quietly upstages the main course with its vibrant crunch and earthy sweetness. This broccoli slaw recipe? Well, it’s a game of textures and flavors that I can’t seem to get enough of.
Steps
- Begin by cutting the broccoli florets from the stalk, trimming them into small pieces. Aim for around 2 cups of these mini florets.
- Remove any tough outer layers from the broccoli stalk by trimming the bottom and peeling away thick skin. Once cleaned, slice the stalk into thin planks and then into matchstick-sized pieces to yield 3 cups.
- Prepare the remaining vegetables: slice cabbage and julienne carrots for vibrant color, and thinly slice red onion for added flavor.
- Mix together the dressing using mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Remember to exclude celery seeds for this recipe.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli stems, florets, carrots, cabbage, and onion. Add toasted almonds and dried cranberries, reserving some for garnish.
- Drizzle about ¾ of the prepared dressing over the mixed ingredients and toss until everything is well coated. Add more dressing if needed.
- Let the slaw marinate in the fridge for a few hours to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with reserved almonds and cranberries for added texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups julienned broccoli stems (from 1 very large or 2 medium heads of broccoli)
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup sliced red cabbage
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup toasted sliced almonds (reserve some for garnish)
- ? cup dried cranberries (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 recipe of homemade coleslaw dressing (without celery seed)
FAQ
- Can I prepare broccoli slaw in advance?
- Yes, preparing broccoli slaw ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors improve as they meld together in the fridge, so try to make it a few hours or up to a day before serving. Just remember to add some reserved almonds and cranberries right before eating to maintain their texture.
- How can I make this broccoli slaw recipe vegan?
- To make the broccoli slaw vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing with a plant-based alternative. Popular choices include brands like Sir Kensington’s or homemade vegan mayo.
- What can I use instead of almonds if I have a nut allergy?
- If you have a nut allergy, you can replace the sliced almonds with toasted sunflower seeds, which will still provide a nice crunch to the slaw.
- Is there a quick way to prepare the vegetables for broccoli slaw?
- Yes, for a faster preparation, you can use a store-bought bag of broccoli slaw mix. For a 12-ounce bag, start with half of the homemade dressing, and for a 1-pound bag, start with three-quarters of the dressing, adjusting to taste.
- What are some main dishes that pair well with broccoli slaw?
- Broccoli slaw is a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses like veggie burgers, BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, or crispy cauliflower po’ boys. It’s also a great accompaniment to grilled proteins or packed for a picnic alongside sandwiches such as Caprese or chickpea salad.
Tips
- Marinate for Enhanced Flavor: Allow the slaw to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This marination helps the flavors blend together more effectively, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: To maintain a crunchy texture, reserve some almonds and cranberries to sprinkle on top right before serving. This also adds a visually appealing finish.
- Vegan and Nut-Free Options: For a vegan version, substitute the mayo with a vegan alternative. If you need a nut-free dish, replace almonds with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Quick Preparation Shortcut: Use a pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix to save time. Adjust the dressing quantity based on the size of the mix, starting with half for a 12-ounce bag and 3/4 for a 1-pound bag, then add more to taste.
Equipment
- Julienne Peeler – If you don’t have a julienne peeler, it can be useful for slicing the broccoli stalk into thin strips.
- Vegetable Peeler – While many people have this, if you don’t, it’s essential for peeling the broccoli stalk.
- Large Mixing Bowl – A large bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients. If you don’t have one, it might be necessary to purchase.
