Easy Broccoli Slaw Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Grab a bag of broccoli slaw and skip the coleslaw dressing! This Broccoli Slaw Salad is crunchy, colorful, and delightfully tangy and refreshing. Serve up this easy crowd-pleaser as a side dish with all your summer favorites!

I’m back with yet another recipe for #SaladsThatDontSuck!

I think most of us picture leafy greens and piled up lettuce when we imagine a salad. But the salad category includes that and so much more! This recipe is a perfect example of how broccoli slaw mix can become the base for a satisfying, nourishing salad. Plus, it’s the perfect side dish for summer cookouts!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Slaw Salad Recipe

This easy broccoli slaw recipe ranks up there among the best summer salads. It’s my favorite broccoli salad to bring to picnics or cookouts, and here’s why!

• It’s plant-based and dairy-free, so you don’t have to worry as much about food safety as you do with a mayonnaise-based dressing.
• It’s a great way to use leftover broccoli stems if you have them, or keep it simple by using packaged shredded broccoli.
• The different textures and colors are the perfect combination for a delicious side dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• A bag of broccoli slaw. Look for this in the produce section of your grocery store, near the other bagged salads and salad mixes. You can also make your own version with fresh broccoli by thinly slicing the broccoli stalks, julienne-style.
• Red cabbage (which can easily be swapped for green cabbage if that’s what you have).
• Carrots, either shredded or cut into thin matchsticks. Use a box grater or food processor if it’s easier than prepping by hand, or simply buy a bagged version of matchstick carrots.
• Red onion, which I love for the crisp texture and strong flavor. You can also try a sweet onion variety, such a Vidialia 
• Apple. Use any variety that fits your personal preferences, or go with a sweet, crispy variety like Honeycrisp or Sugar Bee. 
• Walnuts. This is one crunchy element you should not skip! Walnuts add so much flavor, texture, and nutrition but you can easily swap for another nut like almonds, pistachios, or pecans.

If you’re a fan of broccoli slaw, grab an extra bag next time you’re shopping and check out this recipe for my Skirt Steak Salad with Miso-Ginger Dressing!

The tangy dressing couldn’t be easier to make, with just five ingredients: olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. A classic broccoli slaw uses a creamy dressing, similar to homemade coleslaw, but this version features an olive oil-based dressing to lightly coat all the ingredients.

Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Walnuts are best stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to use. This protects the heart-healthy fats and preserves a fresh flavor. 

Swaps and Variations

My Broccoli Slaw Salad recipe is basic by design, allowing you to make it your own. If you want to customize your version, I think these ingredients will really complement the flavors without creating too much extra work:

• Try adding some dijon mustard or whole grain mustard to the dressing.
• Swap the lemon juice for apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar.
• Toss in some shredded cheddar cheese – this really works well with the diced apple!
• Throw some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped prunes in the mix for a little added sweetness with a chewy texture.
• For extra crunch, crumble a package of ramen noodles and add just before serving. 
• Mix in green onions, crunchy sunflower seeds, or raw broccoli florets for a version more similar to a traditional broccoli salad. 

This Broccoli Slaw Salad is fairly allergen-friendly, with no dairy or gluten in the recipe as written. However, it does contain nuts. To make a nut-free variation, skip the walnuts or any other type of tree nut and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

How to Make Broccoli Slaw Salad

There are just a few easy steps to make this fresh slaw. You’ll be done in less than ten minutes!

1. To mix the dressing, add all ingredients to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, or until well combined. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk for 20-30 seconds or until well combined.
2. Open the bag of broccoli slaw and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Finish any prep work for the shredded cabbage, carrots (if not using pre-cut), and red onion and add to the bowl. 
3. Core and dice the apple. You can peel if you’d like, but I personally prefer the texture of the skin when mixed with everything else. Add the chopped apples to the mixing bowl.
4. Roughly chop or crush the walnut pieces, then add to the mixing bowl as well. 
5. Drizzle the mixed dressing over the top, then use salad tongs to mix and toss the salad until everything is lightly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately as a side dish or side salad. 

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Although I’m a big fan of meal prep, I think this Broccoli Slaw Salad recipe is best served and enjoyed fresh. However, it can still work for leftovers or meal prep with a few minor adjustments. Here’s what I recommend:

If you have leftovers:

• Transfer the Broccoli Slaw Salad from its serving bowl to an airtight container with a tight seal. 
• Refrigerate and eat the next day for best results. The longer it sits, the more likely you’ll have soggy leftovers, so try to eat leftovers quickly if you can!
• To reserve, simply shake the container to re-mix the ingredients, or toss to refresh the salad. You can serve it chilled with zero need to reheat!

If you’re using this Broccoli Slaw Salad recipe for meal prep:

• Mix up the dressing ingredients and store in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Prep the salad components except for the apple and walnuts (broccoli slaw, carrots, cabbage, onion). If you slice the apple now, it will brown and absorb the other flavors, especially the onion. Likewise, keep the walnuts stored separately for best flavor and texture.
• Store the prepped ingredients in an airtight container, undressed to keep them as crunchy as possible. 
• Dice the apple and add the walnuts when you’re ready to serve.
• Eat within 2-4 days for best results. 

Ready to dig in? Here’s the full recipe for this super simple broccoli slaw salad!

I hope it’s love at first bite when you taste this Broccoli Slaw Salad! If you try it out, let me know what you think by leaving a rating or comment. You can also show support by sharing with friends or family!

As always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!