Creamy Broccoli Slaw

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.

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

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.

How To Make Creamy 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.

So easy a kid could do it—and indeed, this recipe is so simple, we recommend getting little ones involved. If a grown-up does the toasting and chopping, kids can do the measuring, stirring, and, of course, the taste testing.

How To Serve Creamy 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 Creamy 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.

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.