Broccoli Coleslaw puts a twist on classic Coleslaw. It’s perfect for picnics, can be whipped up in 10 minutes and is so refreshing on a hot summer day.
It is creamy, healthy and so quick to make in the food processor.
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Why this Broccoli Slaw Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it’s a different side to have at a cookout! It’s a fun twist on regular coleslaw with a sweet and tangy dressing that’s sure to be a hit.
- 10 Minute Side: This broccoli Cole slaw recipe is super quick and easy to whip up for potlucks or dinners.
- Easy Ingredients: You will need a handful of fresh ingredients to make this broccoli slaw mix and the creamy dressing for broccoli slaw.
- Family Friendly: This is a great new recipe to show off at cookouts or a healthy side dish that’s sure to be a hit for dinner. This along with my potato salad are family favorites.
- Best Coleslaw is Adaptable: Feel free to customize this broccoli slaw dressing recipe to make it your own! Add pasta and make it a pasta salad or other vegetables. You can even cut in matchstick sizes for a different texture.
- Makes Great Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, throw them in an airtight container and enjoy lunch the next day.
If you’re looking for more coleslaw recipes, try these Asian Coleslaw, Southern Coleslaw and Spicy Coleslaw.
How Do I Select the Freshest Broccoli?
When choosing the perfect head of broccoli there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for broccoli that has an even color, good beads on the florets while also being firm. Things to avoid when choosing broccoli are heads with discoloration or if the florets are soft.
Recipe Ingredient Notes to Make Broccoli Slaw

You will need just a few simple ingredients to make this broccoli salad. They’re all really easy to find at the store or around your kitchen. You may even have some in your vegetable garden!
- Raw Broccoli: For this recipe we’re actually using the whole head of broccoli; crunchy broccoli stems and all. Broccoli is so good for you, you might as well use all of it!
- All Purpose Seasoning: Rather than adding just salt and pepper to your dressing, make your own all purpose seasoning!
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make this Recipe
I always like to prep ahead. You can make the salad ahead of time and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Shred: Make the base for the slaw. Shred the vegetables and keep them in an airtight container.
- Dressing: Mix together the ingredients for the coleslaw dressing and have in a small jar.
- Broccoli: Use a bag of pre-cut broccoli or coleslaw mix to save time.
Special Equipment Needed
- Food processor: Instead of chopping all of the vegetables by hand with a knife, throw them in a food processor to quickly shred everything.
Pro Tip to Love this Recipe
A common mistake when making broccoli slaw is overdressing it. Too much dressing over the broccoli can make the slaw soggy and unpleasant.
How to Make Broccoli Coleslaw Salad
This recipe comes together in just 3 easy steps. Once you make this twist on coleslaw, you’ll never make traditional coleslaw again.
These are the basic steps for making Broccoli Coleslaw. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Shred the Veggies
Use a vegetable peeler to peel the vegetables and a knife to chop. You can also use a food processor to shred the sweet onion, broccoli and carrots. Set aside.
2. Mix the Slaw Dressing Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, a big pinch of salt, pepper, mayo, sour cream, mustard and horseradish. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
3. Add the Broccoli and Coleslaw Veggies
Add the shredded broccoli florets, carrots, and onion. Mix well. Let chill in the fridge for 1 hour to let the fresh flavors meld together.
How to Store and Use Creamy Slaw Leftovers
This tasty side dish is easy to prepare and store.
- Storing: Keep your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerated for up to five days.
- Using Leftovers: While you can use the broccoli coleslaw mix as an incredible side, you can also use it as a topper for sandwiches such as pulled pork.
Variations and Substitutions for Broccoli Slaw Salad
There are so many ways you can customize this easy broccoli slaw recipe. Feel free to make substitutions and add other ingredients in this simple to make slaw.
- Greek Yogurt: Instead of using sour cream, plain greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute.
- Other Spices: Use other spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, dill weed or any other of your favorite spices.
Creamy Broccoli Slaw Side Dish Recipe FAQs
Crunchy broccoli slaw is like normal coleslaw that can be made in advance and will last up to 4 days.
Yes! When you make this recipe, try this creamy coleslaw with bbq chicken, roasted chicken or pulled pork to add more to taste.
Yes. If you let refrigerate for the recommended hour, it will allow the flavors to meld together. The dressing softens the crisp broccoli stalks making them the perfect side dish.
Expert Tips for Making This Tangy Slaw Recipe
- Double This Recipe: This is a great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately.
- Other Mix-Ins: Add other ingredients like dried fruit, almonds and cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, celery seed, walnuts, crumbled bacon or raisins tossed in.
- Short Cut: Purchase a pre-cut mix with dried cranberries at the grocery store.
- Add Heat: Add a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes to add some kick.
- Alternate Ingredient: Brussel Sprouts shaved, cabbage or cauliflower can be added to this salad along with chewy cranberries. Cooked ramen noodles and top with some diced green onion to make a meal.
- Dietary Consideration: Vegan or vegetarian options can be used to make this broccoli coleslaw recipe.
- Vinegar: Instead of apple cider vinegar try it with white wine or balsamic vinegar.
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Broccoli Coleslaw
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Ingredients
- 6 cups Shredded broccoli, use the entire stalk, including stem
- 2 cups Shredded carrots
- ¼ cup Sweet onion, finely sliced
- 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
- ½ cup Apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
- 1 ½ teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Coarse-grained mustard
- 3 tablespoons Horseradish
Instructions
- Shred the vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and horseradish.
- Add broccoli, carrots, and onion.
- Mix well.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Christina’s Notes
-
- Double This Recipe: This is a great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately.
-
- Other Mix-Ins: Add other ingredients like dried fruit, almonds and cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, celery seed, walnuts, crumbled bacon or raisins tossed in.
-
- Short Cut: Purchase a pre-cut mix with dried cranberries at the grocery store.
-
- Add Heat: Add a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes to add some kick.
-
- Alternate Ingredient: Brussel Sprouts shaved, cabbage or cauliflower can be added to this salad along with chewy cranberries. Cooked ramen noodles and top with some diced green onion to make a meal.
-
- Dietary Consideration: Vegan or vegetarian options can be used to make this broccoli coleslaw recipe.
-
- Vinegar: Instead of apple cider vinegar try it with white wine or balsamic vinegar.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Thanks for your perfect recipe. Will make again!
This was such a fun way to mix things up. Thanks for sharing.
This is perfect for a bbq side dish. Easy to make too!
I love broccoli and this recipe of yours looks absolutely yummy!
One question – Can I skip horseradish and yet get the same taste? Thanks!
-DV
http://www.tastyvegcooking.blogspot.com
Of course! The horseradish just adds a nice little kick. It would still be a great dish if you omitted it. Good luck! 🙂
This version of broccoli slaw sounds delicious – I’m sure it will be a keeper in my kitchen too! Bookmarking for later.
Thanks so much for linking up with the Feed Me Friday hop. I’m so glad that you did.
I look forward to reading more from you!
Best,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time
SUCH a great way to use the broccoli stalk! Even though I know it feeds the compost pile, I hate throwing out such a big part of a healthy food. Thanks for the great recipe!
Mmm looks tasty new follow from blog hop
http://melblackwell.blogspot.com/
I just added this to the menu next week! I’ve never had horseradish before, should be interesting! I LOVE broccoli slaw though, thanks!
It really adds a nice zing! Enjoy! 🙂
Sounds tasty! I am your newest follower from Wobble Over Wednesday. Would love for you to stop by and say hi!
Love broccoli and this slaw looks fab and I will be trying it very soon. Thanks for the great recipe!
Hello! I am your newest follower from the Blog Hop! Love your site…Hope you can come follow my page at http://www.ksquaredglamour.org/
Have a wonderful day!!!
This looks and sounds absolutely delicious.. I love broccoli, and I love slaw 🙂
Anywho,
I just wanted to stop by to tell you thanks for joining in last week for Wobble Over Wednesday, You were chosen as the featured blog for this week, and you got the #2 spot, as well as a week of ad space on my blog :)!!
How awesome!!! Thanks so much! I feel very honored! 🙂
Now I know what I will be making for a bbq this weekend. Thank you! You never let me down!
So happy I could help, Laura! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Horseradish! Hadn’t thought of that. What a great idea.