Use the entire broccoli to make this addicting Broccoli Slaw Recipe. Easy to whip up and have on the ready for lunch, sides or picnics! vegan or vegetarian + gluten free
Before we get to this Broccoli Slaw recipe….
It started around 5:30 pm and didn’t stop until the wee hours of the morning.
I get it. People want to celebrate the 4th, and I’m all for it. But… I’m not a fan of fireworks.
There. I said it.
Here’s why.
Why I’m Not a Fan of Fireworks:
Yes, they’re pretty, colorful, create anticipation and a few hours of entertainment. They elicit a sense of wonder, make us gasp with awe and excitement. I loved them as a kid, in my ignorant bliss, and I wish I could continue to love them, but there’s more to the story.
The noise wreaks havoc on wild and domestic animals, causing panic and life-threatening issues. The physical and chemical debris from fireworks ends up in our soil, waterways, and oceans, increasing toxic load and contribute to the ever growing pieces of plastic debris that end up in the stomachs of fish, birds, and marine mammals… and eventually us.
A recent study shows fireworks cause a spike in air pollution with suspended toxic compounds; i.e., the stuff that makes fireworks pretty and loud. These plumes contain lung choking particulate matter and are acutely hazardous to children, elderly, and those with compromised health conditions.
I can’t help but think of our veterans or anyone suffering from PTSD having to endure the sound of fireworks… or those that simply need to head to work early the next morning.
I haven’t even touched on specific examples of damage to animals, property, neighbor relations, life and limb due to firework use. There’s plenty in the news.
There are Alternatives!
I’m all for celebrating the 4th of July, but there are alternatives to fireworks that are more respectful to our neighbors, wildlife, and the environment, including light shows and live music, to name a few. Considering all the things I love about the long holiday weekend… family, friends, food, beach, being outdoors, cooking, grilling, time away from work… fireworks is the one thing I can do without.
Besides, this Broccoli Slaw Recipe was my antidote to the fireworks… okay, well, I must admit, Mango Sangria was on the ready too.
How to Make this Broccoli Slaw Recipe:
Make ahead easy and feeds a small crowd… this broccoli slaw is just a little addicting.
- First, toast the walnuts.
- Next, trim and slice the broccoli into small pieces. In a food processor with the grater attachment, process the stalks in batches and add to the mixing bowl. Add the raisins, onion and walnuts to the bowl.
- Third, whip up the easy mayo based dressing.
- Last, mix all the ingredients together.
Chill for at least an hour so the flavors marry.
Use the Freshest Ingredients:
Our CSA was brimming with broccoli, so when life gives you broccoli… We enjoyed this over the long weekend, with Smoky BBQ Baked Beans, Black Bean Walnut Burgers with Saucy Sweet Onions and this plum cake.
What I love about broccoli slaw is that the entire broccoli is used: leaves, stems and florets! It comes together quick, with a quick chop of the florets and leaves and using the grater blade in a food processor to break down the stems. It holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an easy make-ahead recipe for picnics, gatherings, parties, or weekday lunches.
The broccoli slaw dressing is lighter than many slaw recipes I’ve tried. I lightened it up a bit as too much tends to overpower the other ingredients. It’s tangy, flavorful, texture-rich with a bit of crunch, and nourishing with a creamy, not too heavy or sweet dressing.
A Few Broccoli Slaw Recipe Notes:
- Make ahead? Yes please! At least one day in advance!
- Depending on the mayo you choose, this recipe is vegan or vegetarian.
- Use the freshest broccoli you can get your hands on for sweet and tender broccoli with a good crunch!
- No walnuts? No problem! Use almonds or pecans in place of. They’re all fabulous!
- If the raisins are stiff and/or dry, place them into a small bowl and pour hot water over them. This will plump them up. Allow to rest for about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
More Side Salads for Sharing:
- Broccoli Slaw with Golden Raisins and Walnuts
- Baby Potatoes with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Caper Dressing – from Foolproof Living
- Shaved Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dijon Poppyseed Dressing
- Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad
- Texas Potato Salad
Broccoli Slaw with Golden Raisins and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 3/4 C Walnuts 80g
- 1 lb Fresh Broccoli 478g
- 1 C Golden Raisins 135g
- 1/3 C Purple Onion diced small, 45g
- 1/3 C High Quality Mayo I use Just Mayo 130g
- 1/3 C Nut Milk I use homemade Cashew Milk, 52g
- 2 Tbs Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven (or toaster oven) to 325F (162C). Toast walnuts for about 15 minutes, or until fragrant and a bit darker in color. Cool, then rough chop. Set Aside.
- Trim the broccoli florets and slice thin, into bite size pieces. Many of the little flowers will fall off, but you'll just add them to the salad. Add the pieces to a large mixing bowl. In a food processor with the grater attachment, process the stalks in batches and add to the mixing bowl. Add the raisins, onion and walnuts.
- In a small mixing bowl, make the dressing. Add the mayo, nut milk, lemon juice, maple syrup and sea salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Store in a covered container for at least an hour before serving (if you can keep your fork out of it!). Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
This is such a delicious coleslaw. I added the zest from a lemon and it was amazing.
I am allergic to all nuts except almonds. So no walnut and no cashew milk. Could I use toasted almonds and almond milk instead?
Hey Karen! You bet. Just be sure to use unsweetened almond milk! ??
We haven’t gone out to watch fireworks in almost 10 years. We tried taking our dogs the first year we lived together and it they stood underneath our legs shivering with fear. I had no idea that animals were so terrified but it makes sense, seeing how their hearing is so much more sensitive. Ever since then we’ve stayed home (or worked) on the 4th. I wouldn’t be disappointed if there were more regulations on them but it’s hard to imagine such a long-lived tradition going away. Hopefully the next generations will be more mindful (as you are) and realize that some thing just aren’t worth it.
On a lighter note, this salad looks like enough of a firework to keep me happy! :) All of the flavors and textures sound amazing together. Perfect summer picnic food!
Ohhh your poor babies! That’s awful, Tessa. Yeah, animals are afraid of them.. they can’t understand it’s for human fun. I hope the tide changes.. I get it! This salad IS the fireworks! LOL And picnic food – why yes!!
You are just bursting with information! How you do know so much about everything?! :) I learn so much from you, dear Traci. I’ve never given fireworks a thought until now, and although my kids do love them, it’s something I will consider in the future. I haven’t made a broccoli salad in forever, but I’m hoping I get broccoli in this week’s csa box so I can make this salad. :) Looks wonderful!
LOL – Emily! I read… a lot! LOL ! I hear you about loving them (and the kiddos too).. I get it. It’s been a tradition for so long. I hope one day the traditions shift, as they already are in some states. I hope you get some broccoli too, Emily! xo
Great recipe! I found it through foodgawker. I didn’t have any maple syrup so I substituted honey. I also added about 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1/2 tsp lemon zest for some extra kick!
Hi Annie! Thank you for sharing your tips! I love your addition of lemon zest! :D
I am actually not a fan of fireworks either (though I do like sparklers). YEARS ago at Disney I got an amber from their firework display lodged into the inside of my upper eye lid. I had to go to the doctor and have it removed and it ended up scratching my retina. It was PAINFUL! Obviously I have the worst kind of luck. But since then I’ve never been a fan… and all the reasons you named just add to the reasons why you won’t see me jumping for joy over firework shows. #Overrated. Anyways, you will see me jumping for joy over this slaw!! Traci – AMAZING!!! I am a broccoli addict (for real, I eat it daily) and this slaw NEEDS to happen in my house. STAT! Love the salty crunch of the walnuts and the yummy pops of raisins! This is so gorgeous and I can taste the deliciousness through my screen! Pinned! Cheers, dear friend!
OMGeee if you love broccoli, you will love this slaw, Chey! Thank you for pinning! Sparklers are doable, in my book – they’re quiet and typically are pretty safe. I can’t get over how you got a firework lodged in your retina, Chey!! That is horrible! I can’t imagine the pain :( . xo
Oh wow, this slaw looks absolutely AH-Mazing… yum :)
Thank you MB!
I have never thought this side of fireworks. While we were living on the island, it was the most amazing thing to watch. A boat would go in the middle of the ocean and fire it from the middle of the ocean. It would look like they were coming out of the water. But now I read this, I am not sure if I like it that much anymore.
This salad sounds very interesting. I have never made a recipe using all parts of the broccoli. Such a great idea Traci.
I am going to give this a try very soon. Cheers!
They are so beautiful and mesmerizing… I hear you. The broccoli stems are quite delicious and more edible broken down into smaller pieces. I hope you enjoy it Aysegul! :D
So many great points about the effects of fireworks. Some, I hate to say, I hadn’t even thought of. They are illegal in our county but that seems to be a big joke because it looks and sounds quite the opposite!
I have always been huge fan of broccoli slaw and just love this version. I have been excited about making it. That light dressing sounds just perfect! xo
No doubt even though they’re illegal in some areas, they’re still shot off.. we get it here to before and after the curfew. I hope you enjoy the recipe, Tessa! It is sooo good. It’s all I think about when broccoli in season! I love it! xo
Just made the salad and is delicious!!! I’ve never had better. Love it! Sayin hi from the Czech republic :)
Ohhh so happy about this Lucie! Thank you for sharing and letting us know how it turned out from the Czech republic! So happy to have you here!
We heard fireworks up at our cabin BEFORE the 4th of July and the whole family got so irate – they are explicitly banned up there and it makes me so mad that people break the law for that! This slaw sounds perfect for a summer picnic – the sweet chewy raisins, the crunchy broccoli, and the nutty walnuts – so good!
At your cabin? The place you go for solace and rest? Oh noooooo Sarah! And they’re banned yet people still do it… augh! xo
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, Traci! I love the looks of this salad. Perfect picnic food! We don’t seem to have the same fireworks issues here in Canada…I”m not actually sure of the laws but there’s just one big display in the city and that’s it. Either it’s not popular here or might be illegal to set off your own (clearly I have no interest in them or I might actually know…ha ha!)
Thank you so much, Denise! Picnic food, why, yaassss! Well at least people don’t waste their money on them in CA or harass their neighborhood. One big display is better than thousands of little ones, IMHO. :D
I hate fireworks with a passion and always have- they have always been too loud and intrusive for me, even from a small age. Because I already had my person reason for disliking them, I didn’t realize how many other side effects on the environment, animals, and veterans they have. SO not about loud bangs through the night!
On the other hand, this slaw looks delicious. I love the walnuts especially and your broccoli looks amazing. Pinning!
Thank you so much, and for your pin! I hear you Medha! I don’t like those loud bangs either.
This salad is a stunner!! Need to make this recipe asap!
Fireworks are illegal in South Africa (for domestic use, I believe) and as far as I know you have to obtain a permit if you’d like to use them at an event, etc. but unfortunately that doesn’t stop people completely. However, it has gotten a lot better and on occasions such as NYE, we only hear a few going off in the distance which is such a relief for our pets.
This salad though, phwoar! It looks amazing. I’m having a big moment with broccoli at the moment and this has my name written all over it. Beautiful photos too!
Good to hear about them being illegal in SA. And I get it, it wont stop people completely, but it’s a start. I think if we could find and implement alternatives at public events, our traditions will start to shift… and it will take time. I hope you enjoy the recipe Alida! It’s a perfect time of year for broccoli! :D
Oh we have the same problem here in NZ and Australia around Guy Fawkes day in November. The sale of fireworks has even been restricted to the week prior to Guy Fawkes so people can’t let them off year-round, but everyone saves them up for new years! In Australia fireworks have been banned completely (except for big public displays) because of the huge fire risk in the heat.
And I have to say that this broccoli slaw looks incredible! I only just discovered how good raw broccoli is in salads with its crunchy freshness, and I love the sweet raisins you popped in there. Gorgeous photos of you holding the salad too! Hope your week goes well x
Augh… That’s great that they’ve banned them in Aus.. perhaps NZ will follow someday. I hope you enjoy this broccoli Claudia. If you get it really fresh, the stalks are extra sweet! The raisins are a nice pop of sweetness without being too overpowering. I hope you enjoy it my dear! xo
I DON’T LIKE RAISINS
SO CAN I PUT FRESH CRANBERRIES IN THE SALAD INSTEAD?
THE REASON I DON’T LIKE RAISINS IS BECAUSE I BOUGHT A BAG OF SUN MAID RAISINS I OPENED THE BAG IT SMELLED LIKE CHEMICALS TO THIS DAY I CAN’T EAT RAISINS EVEN IN COOKIES, SALADS.
Hey Lonalee! Have you tried organic raisins? That’s what I use. I buy them from the bulk bins and they never smell like chemicals. I’ve had dried cranberries in this salad and it was wonderful and although fresh are more tart than dried, I’m sure it would be delicious! Go for it! :D
Not a huge fan of fire works, fortunately we live in a part of Northern California with a very high risk of forest fires so it’s banned. The only place if we want to see fire works is conducted by the fire department Ina controlled fashion. I respect that! Now about this salad it looks absolutely stunning and I’m going to try it soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe Traci!
Hooray for the ban! Let’s hope the banning spreads! I hope you enjoy the salad Meera! xo
I have to say, my poor dog Tucker is scared half to death of fireworks! If I don’t get him out early on the 4th, there’s no way he’s going out once he hears the first firecracker! He hides under the bed and won’t come out at all…not even for a treat! It’s so sad. Now, onto this fabulous broccoli slaw salad! It happens to be one of my favorites! So healthy and I love your addition of the golden raisins Traci. Pinning this one for my next bbq!!
Oh Mary Ann… Dogs’ ears are way more sensitive than ours too. Fireworks are just not good all the way around. I hope you enjoy the recipe and thank you for your pin! xo
Right, it is becoming talked about more. This pre-holiday I was at the vet and people were pouring in, asking for tranquilizers for their pets! A few others noted that nearby towns had instituted “silent’ fireworks. So thank you for your voice in this Traci, it is being listened too!
Also, I love the idea of broccoli slaw! You have endless creativity my friend!
Dee xx.
Thank you, Dee! I’m going to start speaking that mantra… “I have endless creativity..” — because self doubt! I love it.. thank you for that! And thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve heard of those “silent” fireworks and although they’re not silent, they are much quieter. I wonder who coined the term “silent?” I hope you enjoy this slaw my dear! xo
HAVEN’T TRIED THIS YET
I DO HAVE A SULUTION TO YOUR FIREWORKS AND AND ANIMAL PROBLEM
MY CATS HATE FIREWORKS WHEN I LEAVE THE HOUSE TO GO WATCH FIREWORKS I LEAVE A RADIO ON LOUD
WHEN I AM HOME WE GO TO THE BASEMENT THEY CAN’T HEAR THEM THEN
IT WORKS TRY IT
Thank you for your suggestion, Lonalee!
YES finally someone said it. I am not a fan of fireworks either, mostly because my dogs are terrified of them. Seeing their panicked faces and panting mouths just fills me with sadness :( Thank you for speaking up, Traci!
Oh Sarah… your sweet doggies… I hear more and more people talking about it. I don’t know if we’re the majority yet, but perhaps some day? I’m glad to learn some elected officials are actually doing something about it. That’s the good news in all of this (focus on the positive :D ) .
This salad looks amazing – I can’t wait to try it! (I’m just getting over a stomach ‘flu, so it has to wait a few days for me). I hate to admit, but I still turn into a wee child with fireworks, and I love the colours, but I do sympathize with all the fur people who get scared. We had an AmStaff/Bull Terrier mix who was absolutely terrified of thunder, fireworks, or even loud construction! We did a lot of cuddling with her on any of those occasions. One perk about living in the Arctic is that we have 24 hours of sunshine at this time of year, so fireworks would be absolutely pointless, but this location does cause some necessity for ingredient substitutions. We do not get any kind of nut milk here, and if you saw the price of our cashews, you would faint. Would regular cow’s milk work instead? That’s the only ingredient that I know I have zero chance of getting.
Hey Chris… I know, I get it. It’s a love-hate relationship. And this is why I wish I could love them… I had such fond memories of going to the big show as a kid. They are so pretty…. but since I know now,… No doubt it’s a non issue in the Artic! Hooray for the Polar Bear, Snowy Owl, Artic Fox and the others … one less pressure for them! Thank you for sharing. :)
I don’t want to faint, Chris! Use cow milk and enjoy this slaw!
I agree with you 100% about the fireworks! I loved fireworks as a kid in India, but after a few years, and having pets, I saw how scared they were, and how much it affects the animals and I stopped being a part of it! My cats here in the bay area, get so scared of the fireworks, they hide deep under the bed for a good couple of hours. Its stupid, and I agree with you on how it affects our environment. Well said my friend!
As for this gorgeous broccoli salad, I love love the dressing, and the ingredients in it! It would be a great picnic gathering salad, and such a great idea to make it a day before! Love this post :)
I know.. I hear you! So much to love and get excited about. But unfortunately, not anymore.
Picnic salad…. my favorite, especially this time of year! Thank you, Amisha!
You are most welcome!
First, this broccoli salad looks SO SO good. I love these photos — especially the action shot of the toppings being added. YUM! And I appreciate any recipe that uses all the goodness of a vegetable so huzzah to not wasting any of that pretty broccoli! As for the fireworks, I have never thought about the impact it has or might have on veterans and wildlife. Wow. I am grateful to you for bringing this to my attention and for taking the time to share in such detail about it with so many good links to credible sources. I have to say that I was surprised they do such a large fireworks display here in Sonoma, CA, given how dry it is and the risk of fire. What I learned is that the firefighters actually hose down the field and soak it all day with water to keep brush from catching fire. That seems even more extreme considering the drought situation. So I’m not sure that I’m as much of a fan as I once was – thanks again for a great recipe and food for thought! ;)
Oh those action shots are fun to capture.. thank you Katie! Huzzah!! (lol). I hope you enjoy the slaw! It IS so dry in CA.. I heard it was the same in LA.. dry as a bone, yet the show must go on :( Soaking the field with water in an already drought prone region? Extreme yes! My goodness! What is that?
I love that you used the broccoli stem in your slaw. Most broccoli salads are just florets, but the stem is good too! Pinned!
Hooray for the stem! It is SO sweet and tender… the demure part of the plant for sure! But oh it shines in this simple slaw! Thank you for your pin Alison! :D
I’m not a huge fan of fireworks either! This slaw looks colorful and delicious! Love that you used cashew milk! Pinned!
Thank you Mira… that cashew milk is mmmm… so versatile! :D
Our CSA bos had broccoli as well. I have been steaming it with a variety of other veggies. I am looking forward to trying this new recipe.
Private fireworks have not been banned in my neck of the woods and after this year I surely hope they do. There was one individual that began shooting off fireworks at about 9 and continued on for more than 2 hours. The noise was so unsettling. I was so relieved when they finally stopped.
Mmmmm, I love steamed broccoli too, Debbie and it tastes soo good when it’s as fresh as from a CSA box! I hope you enjoy this!
It IS a relief when the fireworks stopped. Luckily we wont have to hear them again until New Years Eve. Maybe we’ll see more bans?
I’m going to make this today. Thanks for the recipe. Only I’ll quickly cook the cut up broccoli to avoid tummy problems;)
Hooray! Thank you Susan… and for your suggestion to quick cook the broccoli to avoid tummy problems! :D
Hi Traci, what a great post! I agree with the Problem with the fireworks! Happy you share your opinion. I never made a salad made from broccolie because I am scared of getting Problems with my stomach. But I will try this one out next week, Great and simple idea. Enjoy your weekend. xoxo Janine
Hi Janine! Thank you Sunshine… Susan suggested quick cooking the broccoli to avoid tummy problems. I think it’s a great idea! I hope you enjoy it my dear! xo
Hi Traci, haven’t cooked it. And I got no Problems. My hubby felt totally in love with this salad. I will cook it more often from now on. Thank you for your Feedback and enjoy your week. xoxo Janine
Hooray for no tummy trouble, Janine! That makes me happy! I’m so happy, too, that your hubby loved it. Mine did too :D ! It’s the sweet, I am sure! Thank you for your love note! xo
I hate fireworks! My dog gets so scared – trembling and shaking – it’s just awful. She would climb onto my head if she could. I have to give her homeopathic anti anxiety drops – turn on a loud fan and music and wait it out. This year the fireworks went off every night for 9 nights!! Everyone in my neighborhood was complaining about them. And neighbors up the road decided to hold their own little firework display – not a good day at all for me or the dog. Uggh! Not even going to mention the fire risk here in Southern California.
Not that I’m done with my firework rant – lets about this salad, it looks delicious, Traci. I love any type of slaw and this one’s a winner! I’ve been trying to up my broccoli intake – so definitely trying this – love the addition of golden raisins and walnuts. Hope all’s well with you!
This comment is for Geraldine|Green Valley Kitchen….not sure if you were aware or not, but they have ear muffs for dogs? I have seen knitting patterns for them online and they are for drowning out loud noises that scare them. I also just did a search and there are actual “real” earmuffs you can buy for dogs ..here is a link…I see they have them in large or small depending on the size of your dog. I remember years ago we had a black lab that was terrified of thunder and lightening. He would lie on the floor and shiver and shake until the storm was over…Anyways…just an idea for you! https://www.amazon.com/Mutt-Muffs-DDR337-Hearing-Protection/dp/B002CZQ1TA
Thank you for this link, Colleen! What a great way to help our sweet friends. I’d never heard of this! xo
Thank you, Colleen! I don’t think I could get my dog to wear that – but the picture of the lab with it on at the airport gave me a good laugh – he looks so cute!
Oh that is terrible, Geraldine! And goes along with what I hear from friends and family about their dogs. When we had Kittle and Claire, they were incredibly stressed every single year. It was awful. I hope the homeopathic anti anxiety drops helped. I know it’s probably hard to tell. The hard thing is to watch them suffer, knowing there’s so little you can do. I like Colleen’s suggestion. I hope it helps. Nine nights? Oh that’s awful. Just awful.
The Slaw? It’s a keeper! You’ll love this, Geraldine! It’s a delicious way to get your ruffage! :D
Hi Traci – In case any one else is in the same boat, the homeopathic drops really work (homeopet – anxiety TFLN) but you have to know ahead of time when the fireworks are going to start – which wasn’t the case this year cause they started so darn early. xo