Creamy Broccoli Slaw

The combination of crisp broccoli, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy toasted pecans makes this creamy broccoli slaw a standout among side dishes. With a tangy mayonnaise and lemon-based dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying take on traditional coleslaw. Whether you’re preparing for a casual lunch, an outdoor picnic, or a Southern-inspired potluck, this slaw delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s quick to make and even better after chilling, allowing the zesty dressing to soak into every bite. This dish will easily become your go-to salad for any gathering.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-oz.) bag of broccoli slaw mix (with shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and cabbage)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1/2 cup golden raisins

• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Add golden raisins, toasted pecans, and scallions to the dressing. Stir gently to combine.

3. Add the broccoli slaw mix to the bowl and toss everything together until evenly coated.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Toss again before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes (including chill time)

Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

The Delicious Story Behind Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Creamy broccoli slaw is a vibrant, crunchy twist on traditional coleslaw. While coleslaw has long been a staple at barbecues, picnics, and Southern gatherings, broccoli slaw emerged as a fresher, more nutrient-dense variation. The star ingredient? Shredded broccoli stalks – an often overlooked part of the vegetable that turns out to be tender, flavorful, and the perfect slaw base.

This dish takes humble ingredients—pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix, golden raisins, toasted pecans, and a creamy citrusy dressing—and transforms them into a delightful medley of textures and flavors. It’s no surprise this dish has become increasingly popular not only in Southern kitchens but among health-conscious foodies and creative home cooks looking to reinvent their side dish game.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this creamy broccoli slaw so special is its balance of flavors and simplicity. The crispness of the broccoli mix contrasts beautifully with the chewiness of the golden raisins and the buttery crunch of toasted pecans. The dressing, a creamy blend of mayonnaise, cider vinegar, lemon juice, and zest, is tangy yet slightly sweet—bringing everything together without overpowering the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Compared to traditional coleslaw made with just cabbage, this version offers a more complex bite and a richer nutrient profile. It also stores better and even improves after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep, potlucks, and outdoor events.

A Healthier Take on a Southern Classic

While mayonnaise-based dressings aren’t typically considered “light,” this broccoli slaw still boasts several health benefits. Broccoli stalks are packed with fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Unlike the florets, which can be more intense in flavor and texture, the stalks are mild and blend seamlessly with other ingredients when shredded finely.

Golden raisins contribute natural sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugar, and they’re rich in iron and antioxidants. Pecans are a Southern favorite, loaded with heart-healthy fats and plant-based protein. Altogether, this slaw is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense.

Quick, Easy, and Foolproof

One of the best features of this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With most ingredients readily available and minimal prep involved, it’s a dish you can whip up in under 15 minutes. Using a pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix means you don’t have to shred vegetables by hand, and if you’re in a rush, store-bought toasted pecans and pre-sliced scallions can further cut down on time.

Once tossed together, a short chill in the fridge helps the flavors meld beautifully. Unlike leafy salads that wilt quickly, broccoli slaw remains crisp for hours, even days, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Flavor Profile and Texture

This dish hits every flavor and texture note you want in a great side dish. It’s:

• Creamy from the mayonnaise-based dressing
• Crunchy from the broccoli stems and toasted pecans
• Tangy from cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice
• Sweet from golden raisins
• Herby and aromatic from scallions and lemon zest

The combination is both refreshing and hearty—fitting for warm summer evenings or cozy holiday spreads alike. It’s a wonderful way to introduce more veggies into your day without sacrificing flavor.

Versatile Ways to Serve It

Creamy broccoli slaw is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of creative ways. Here are some ideas to keep your meals exciting:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with barbecue chicken, ribs, grilled tofu, or pulled pork sandwiches. It holds up beautifully next to smoky, savory main courses.
• In Sandwiches or Wraps: Use it as a crunchy topping in veggie wraps, burgers, or turkey sandwiches. The creamy texture adds moisture and flavor to every bite.
• On its Own: Toss in some grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas and make it the star of a protein-packed salad bowl.
• As a Topping for Tacos: Try it on fish or shrimp tacos for a burst of crunch and creaminess.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This recipe is excellent for advance preparation. You can make it the night before a party or prep it in the morning for a no-stress lunch later in the day. While it’s best eaten within a couple of days for peak crunch, it actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to marry.

If you’re planning to serve it at a gathering, consider keeping the pecans separate and letting guests sprinkle them on just before eating. This keeps them toasty and prevents sogginess.

Customizing the Slaw

One of the joys of a recipe like this is how easily it can be adapted based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo or a creamy cashew dressing.
• Lower the fat: Swap out part of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
• Add protein: Stir in some cooked lentils, grilled chicken, or edamame.
• Boost the veggies: Include shredded red cabbage, kale, or apples for extra texture and color.
• Add spice: A dash of cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños can give it a nice kick.

Sustainability and Food Waste Reduction

Another fantastic feature of this dish is its role in reducing food waste. Broccoli stalks are often discarded, but in this recipe, they’re the main event. If you’re making your own slaw mix from scratch, you can use stalks left over from other meals—turning what many consider scraps into something both nutritious and delicious.

It’s a great way to practice sustainability in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

Perfect for All Occasions

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, hosting a backyard BBQ, or contributing to a potluck, this creamy broccoli slaw is always a hit. Its colors are vibrant, its flavor is unexpected yet familiar, and it appeals to both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.

Since it doesn’t wilt or get soggy quickly, it travels well—perfect for work lunches or picnics at the park. And because it’s so easy to make, it’s a go-to recipe you can return to again and again.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Slaw

• Toast your pecans: Don’t skip this step. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a deeper nuttiness.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright punch of fresh citrus, and zest adds a fragrant touch that elevates the dressing.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the slaw to rest in the fridge gives time for the flavors to blend and the dressing to coat each shred of vegetable perfectly.
• Taste and adjust: Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning. Add more lemon for brightness, extra salt if needed, or even a touch of honey if you like it sweeter.

What Readers and Home Cooks Are Saying

Many home cooks rave about this recipe for being both family-friendly and dinner-party worthy. One recurring comment is how pleasantly surprising the flavor combination is—the sweetness of the raisins contrasts wonderfully with the tangy dressing and crunchy slaw base.

Others appreciate that it’s a “clean out the fridge” kind of dish—perfect for using up leftover veggies or pantry staples like nuts and dried fruit.

Conclusion

Creamy broccoli slaw is so much more than just a side dish. It’s a celebration of fresh produce, smart cooking, and bold flavors. With its easy preparation, nutritional benefits, and incredible versatility, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking and revisiting throughout the year.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something special to enjoy on a busy weeknight, this slaw delivers big flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into something memorable—and that’s what great food is all about.