This Broccoli, Carrot, and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and colorful twist on the classic coleslaw. Packed with nutritious vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, this salad is tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing, making it the perfect side dish for any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner. It’s light, refreshing, and loaded with texture and flavor, making it a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional coleslaw.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli, Carrot, and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad Recipe
- Crunchy & Fresh: The combination of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower adds crunch and freshness to this salad, giving it a wonderful texture.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick homemade dressing, this salad comes together in just 20 minutes.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side to grilled meats, this coleslaw pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Key Ingredients for Broccoli, Carrot, and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad
1. Broccoli
- Use fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces. Broccoli adds crunch and a slightly bitter note that complements the creamy dressing.
2. Cauliflower
- Fresh cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces, add a mild, nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch to the salad.
3. Carrots
- Shredded carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the coleslaw.
4. Red Onion
- Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, tangy flavor that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
5. Sunflower Seeds (Optional)
- Sunflower seeds add a nice crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad, but they can be omitted if preferred.
How to Make Broccoli, Carrot, and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad
This easy salad is made with fresh, raw vegetables and a simple creamy dressing that brings everything together. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop 3 cups of broccoli florets and 3 cups of cauliflower florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Shred 2 large carrots using a box grater or food processor. Thinly slice 1/2 of a red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, shredded carrots, and sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup sunflower seeds on top (optional).
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli, Carrot, and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad
1. Chop the Vegetables Small
- Make sure the broccoli and cauliflower are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces so they mix evenly with the dressing and other ingredients.
2. Customize the Dressing
- Adjust the dressing to your taste. If you like a tangier dressing, add more vinegar. For a creamier, sweeter flavor, increase the honey or mayonnaise.
3. Add Some Crunch
- For extra crunch, add sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or even crispy bacon bits to the salad.
4. Make Ahead
- This salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the salad a few hours before serving and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop as it chills.
5. Serve Chilled
- For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. It’s great cold, especially on warm days.
Recipe Variations
1. Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw
- Add 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast to the tangy dressing.
2. Creamy Coleslaw with Yogurt
- Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
3. Spicy Coleslaw
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little heat.
4. Vegan Coleslaw
- Use vegan mayonnaise in the dressing and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave to make this salad vegan-friendly.
5. Cheesy Coleslaw
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs: Broccoli, Carrot, and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad
1. Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
- Yes! This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and toss it before serving.
2. How Long Does Coleslaw Last in the Fridge?
- This coleslaw will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will soften slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious.
3. Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
- It’s best to use fresh vegetables for this salad, as frozen broccoli and cauliflower will have a softer texture. However, you can blanch frozen vegetables briefly and use them if necessary.
4. What Can I Serve with Coleslaw?
- This coleslaw is a great side dish for grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or barbecued chicken. It’s also perfect for potlucks and picnics
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