Ingredients
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- Broccoli Slaw Mix: 1 bag (12-16 ounces). This is the foundation of your slaw and the key to its signature crunch. Broccoli slaw mix typically consists of shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage. You can find pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix in the produce section of most grocery stores, making this recipe incredibly convenient. Look for a mix that is fresh and vibrant in color, without any signs of wilting or dryness. If you prefer, you can also make your own broccoli slaw mix by shredding broccoli stalks (peeled and trimmed), carrots, and red cabbage using a food processor or a box grater.
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- Mayonnaise: ¾ cup. Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dressing and provides richness and body. Use good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can use full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and creamiest texture, or light mayonnaise to reduce the fat and calorie content. For a tangier slaw, consider using mayonnaise made with olive oil or avocado oil.
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- Sour Cream: ¼ cup. Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and adding a delightful depth of flavor. Full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream both work well. For a slightly lighter slaw, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, which will also add a protein boost and a similar tangy flavor.
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- Apple Cider Vinegar: 3 tablespoons. Apple cider vinegar is crucial for adding acidity and tanginess to the dressing, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream and brightening the overall flavor of the slaw. Apple cider vinegar has a slightly fruity and mellow flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar if needed, but apple cider vinegar is highly recommended for its distinctive taste.
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- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and the tanginess of the sour cream, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the slaw. Granulated sugar dissolves easily and provides a clean sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, depending on how sweet you like your slaw. For a less refined sugar option, you can use honey or maple syrup, but these will impart a slightly different flavor.
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- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy, savory, and slightly spicy kick to the dressing, enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor. Dijon mustard has a more pronounced flavor than yellow mustard and provides a sophisticated touch. You can substitute with yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon mustard is highly recommended for the best flavor.
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- Celery Seed: 1 teaspoon. Celery seed adds a distinctive warm, slightly bitter, and celery-like flavor that is classic in coleslaw dressings and complements broccoli and creamy dressings exceptionally well. Celery seed is a small but powerful ingredient that significantly enhances the overall flavor of the slaw. If you don’t have celery seed, you can omit it, but it is highly recommended for an authentic coleslaw flavor.
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- Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste). Salt is essential for seasoning the slaw and enhancing all the flavors. Use table salt or fine sea salt. Add salt gradually and taste as you go, as the amount needed can vary slightly depending on personal preference and the saltiness of other ingredients.
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- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (freshly ground, or to taste). Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic spice that complements the creamy dressing and vegetables beautifully. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
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- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper.
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- Whisk until all ingredients are smoothly combined and the dressing is creamy and well-emulsified.
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- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar to your preference. The dressing should be tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet.
Step 2: Combine Slaw Mix and Dressing
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- Add the bag of broccoli slaw mix to the bowl with the dressing.
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- If using any optional additions like diced red onion, dried cranberries or raisins, sunflower seeds or toasted almonds, and chopped fresh parsley, add them to the bowl now as well.
Step 3: Toss to Combine
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- Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the broccoli slaw mix and any added ingredients with the creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated. Ensure the dressing is distributed throughout the slaw without over-mixing, which can make the slaw soggy.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
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- For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl of Creamy Broccoli Slaw with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2-3 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the slaw to become even more refreshing and crisp. If you are short on time, you can serve it immediately, but chilling enhances the overall quality of the slaw.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
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- Before serving, give the slaw a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing if any liquid has settled at the bottom.
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- Serve chilled and enjoy!
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- Creamy Broccoli Slaw is best served fresh within a few hours of making it, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The texture may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Tips for Success:
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- Don’t Overdress: Start with the recommended amount of dressing and add more gradually if needed. You want the slaw to be coated, but not swimming in dressing. You can always add more dressing, but you can’t take it away.
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- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and the finished slaw and adjust seasoning to your preference. Balance the sweetness, tanginess, and saltiness to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
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- Chill Before Serving (If Possible): Chilling the slaw allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture. If you have time, chilling for at least 30 minutes is recommended.
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- Add Crunch Right Before Serving: If you are adding sunflower seeds or toasted almonds, you can add them just before serving to maintain their maximum crunch. If added too far in advance, they may soften slightly from the moisture in the slaw.
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- Don’t Make Too Far Ahead: While the slaw can be stored for a few days, it is best enjoyed fresh. The broccoli slaw mix will start to soften over time, so making it no more than a day or two in advance is recommended for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200-250
- Sugar: 5-7 grams
- Sodium: 200-300 mg
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-20 mg