This year, skip the tired coleslaw and make this refreshing broccoli slaw, the perfect summer side dish! Shredded broccoli and carrots are tossed in a creamy dressing with crunchy sunflower seeds and bacon (because bacon makes every salad better).
This broccoli slaw is the perfect counterpoint to rich BBQ flavors, offering a welcome burst of freshness with every bite. Coleslaw is fine, but it gets a little tedious when served at every barbecue all summer!
This slaw is ridiculously easy to make. Thanks to a pre-shredded slaw mix, it comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy summer days. Plus, its versatility is unmatched. Serve it alongside burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork. It will be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those like me who are bored with traditional coleslaw.
In this post, we’ll cover everything from the simple ingredients to step-by-step directions. Plus, I’ll share some tips and answer any burning questions.
Are you looking for more summer salads for your next cookout? Try chickpea salad, ramen noodle salad, or Amish potato salad.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- White vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works fine too.
- Broccoli slaw mix
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Sunflower seeds
🥣How to Make Broccoli Slaw
- Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the broccoli slaw mix, cheese, bacon bits, and sunflower kernels. Give it a good stir.
- Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl and stir.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Stir again until everything is nicely coated with the creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing.
- Cover the bowl and put it into the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors blend.
🍴Serving Ideas
Broccoli slaw is versatile and plays nicely with almost anything. Got some grilled chicken or steak on the menu? Scoop some slaw on the side and watch it disappear. It’s also a hit at potlucks—just be ready for the recipe requests!
You can also pile it high on top of a juicy burger or pulled pork sandwich for a delicious crunch. It also makes a fresh, crisp filling for tacos.
You can substitute broccoli slaw almost anywhere you’d serve coleslaw. I especially like it on a Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe, since it contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Try red cabbage slaw for another fun twist on classic coleslaw.
💭How to Store
Any leftover slaw should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay happy and delicious for 3-5 days. I find it keeps longer than regular coleslaw because broccoli holds up better than cabbage.
Just stir it quickly before serving it again to redistribute the dressing. The sunflower seeds and bacon will be less crisp after a day or so, but you can always throw a few more on top if you like.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- For the crispiest, most flavorful bacon bits, I like to cook them in the air fryer. It gets them perfectly crispy without all the grease splatter.
- When you first make this, I recommend tasting the dressing as you go. The sweetness can be a bit much for some, so start with less sugar and add more if desired.
- This salad needs an hour of chilling time for the best flavor.
- I suggest using a pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix. The mix usually includes a colorful array of shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage. It gives you a veggie rainbow and saves time shredding broccoli florets in your food processor.
📝Reader Questions
Absolutely! Experiment with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette if mayo isn’t your thing.
It’s packed with fiber from the veggies and protein from the bacon and sunflower kernels. Plus, you can always adjust the dressing to fit your dietary needs.
This slaw is like a blank canvas. For a sweet twist, add shredded carrots, red onion, or apple.
⭐Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 16 ounces broccoli slaw mix
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 5 strips bacon cooked and finely chopped
- ½ cup sunflower kernels
Instructions
- Add the broccoli slaw mix, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and sunflower kernels to a large bowl. Stir to mix.16 ounces broccoli slaw mix, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 5 strips bacon, ½ cup sunflower kernels
- Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a separate bowl.1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Pour the dressing over the top of the slaw ingredients and stir to coat.
- Cover the bowl and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
- When you first make this, I recommend tasting the dressing as you go. The sweetness can be a bit much for some, so start with less sugar and add more if you want it.
- This salad needs an hour of chilling time for the best flavor.
- I suggest using a pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix. The mix usually includes a colorful array of shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and red cabbage. It is a great time saver.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
