Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw
Let’s talk about a side dish that’s anything but boring. Imagine a bowl full of vibrant greens, crisp apples, and a creamy dressing that’s so good you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. That’s what you get with this Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw. It’s fresh, zesty, and brings the perfect combo of sweet and savory to your table. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks and has everyone asking for the recipe. Ready to fall in love with slaw?
Why You’ll Love Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a crunchy topping on grilled meats or sandwiches.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients here—just wholesome, affordable veggies and fruits.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in minutes, no cooking required. Perfect for busy days.
Customizable: Add nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, or switch up the dressing—make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw
Here’s the magic of this slaw—it’s made with just a handful of ingredients, but the textures and flavors are incredible. Let’s break it down:
Broccoli Florets: The base of this slaw, they add a fresh crunch and tons of color. Chop them small so they soak up all that dressing.
Apples: Sweet, tart, and juicy—apples bring brightness and a lovely contrast to the savory elements.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for just the right touch of bite and sharpness.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and extra crunch, tying everything together.
Sunflower Seeds: For that nutty, toasty crunch that makes this slaw irresistibly snackable.
Raisins or Dried Cranberries: A pop of sweetness that balances out the creamy dressing perfectly.
Creamy Dressing: Usually made with mayo, vinegar, a touch of honey, and some seasoning—simple but so good.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Veggies: Wash and finely chop your broccoli, dice the apples, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This is the flavor backbone of your slaw.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the chopped veggies, apples, dried fruit, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat. Every ingredient should be beautifully dressed and glistening.
Chill and Let It Rest: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mingle and the veggies to soften just slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled and get ready for compliments—this slaw is anything but average.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 210
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a fresh, vibrant contrast
- Add it to pulled pork sandwiches or burgers for extra crunch
- Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or snack
- Scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use a mix of red and green apples for extra color and flavor
- Toast your sunflower seeds for a deeper nutty taste
- If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne or Dijon mustard to the dressing
- Make it dairy-free by using a vegan mayo alternative
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and mix just before eating to maintain crunch
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
2. What kind of apples work best?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are perfect.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Absolutely! It adds tang and cuts down on fat—just make sure it’s thick.
4. How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days.
5. Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa would be great additions.
6. What if I don’t have sunflower seeds?
No problem—use chopped almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds instead.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mayo and vinegar.
8. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, just use vegan mayo and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
9. Can I shred the broccoli instead of chopping it?
You sure can! Shredded broccoli or even a store-bought slaw mix saves time.
10. Is it okay to skip the raisins or cranberries?
Of course—if you’re not into dried fruit, leave it out or swap with diced grapes.
Conclusion
This Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw is a total game-changer—bright, fresh, and loaded with texture in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re whipping it up for a picnic, a weeknight dinner, or just because you want something delicious, this slaw delivers. Try it once and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen—promise!
Print
Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Apple Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy broccoli apple slaw with a delightful crunch, combining crisp apples, shredded broccoli, and carrots in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli slaw mix
- 1 large apple, julienned (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli slaw mix, julienned apple, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt.
- Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- This slaw is perfect as a side for BBQ, sandwiches, or on its own as a light lunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: broccoli slaw, apple slaw, creamy slaw, healthy salad, no cook salad, vegetarian slaw