Broccoli Slaw with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

Name: Broccoli Slaw with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) bag broccoli slaw mix; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Author: Tessa

Published: August 5, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This broccoli slaw has been my go-to for years because it truly transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. There’s just something so incredibly satisfying about a side dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, an irresistible crunch, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that wakes up your taste buds! I remember the first time I tried a pre-made version from the grocery store, and while it was good, I knew I could make something even better right here in my own kitchen.

That’s when my journey with homemade broccoli slaw began. I experimented with different dressings and add-ins, searching for that perfect balance of textures and flavors. What I landed on is this incredibly easy, yet utterly delicious recipe. It’s become my secret weapon for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and even a quick, healthy lunch. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring – in fact, it can be downright delightful!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Slaw

This broccoli slaw isn’t just another side dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that truly brightens any meal. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something fresh and homemade. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients, so you can feel great about serving it to your family and friends. You’ll especially appreciate how easily it comes together and the satisfying crunch in every single bite!

The Crunchy Appeal of Broccoli Slaw

The star of this broccoli slaw is, without a doubt, its incredible texture. The pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix provides that fantastic, crisp base, and when you add the hearty sunflower seeds, you get a delightful double dose of crunch that makes every forkful exciting. It’s a texture lover’s dream!

A Quick and Easy Broccoli Slaw Solution

Life gets busy, and that’s exactly why this broccoli slaw is a lifesaver. There’s virtually no cooking involved, and the prep time is minimal – just a quick chop here, a whisk there, and you’re good to go. It’s the perfect no-fuss, no-muss side dish for when you need something delicious on the table fast.

Essential Ingredients for Your Broccoli Slaw

Creating this amazing broccoli slaw starts with gathering a few simple ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, just fresh, quality components that will build layers of flavor and texture. Precision in measurements, especially for the dressing, ensures that perfect balance we’re aiming for.

Broccoli Slaw - detail 1

Fresh Produce for the Best Broccoli Slaw

For the base of your broccoli slaw, you’ll need one (12 ounce) bag of pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix and 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion. The ready-to-use mix is a huge time-saver!

Pantry Staples for a Flavorful Broccoli Slaw Dressing

The dressing for this broccoli slaw is what truly ties everything together! You’ll need 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to create that irresistible tangy-sweet balance.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Broccoli Slaw

Making this delightful broccoli slaw is incredibly straightforward, almost as easy as tossing a garden salad! I’ve broken down the process into simple, intuitive steps so you can achieve perfect results every time. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful dish ready to impress in no time. The key is to ensure everything is well combined and then, importantly, to give it a little time to chill and let those flavors truly meld together.

Combining Your Broccoli Slaw Base

First things first, grab your largest mixing bowl. You’ll want plenty of room to toss everything without making a mess! Carefully empty the entire 12-ounce bag of broccoli slaw mix into the bowl. Add your 1/2 cup of chopped red onion, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds. Give these dry ingredients a good stir with a large spoon or your clean hands to ensure they’re evenly distributed. You want a little bit of everything in each bite!

Whisking the Tangy Broccoli Slaw Dressing

Now for the magic-maker: the dressing! In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Take a whisk and go to town! You want to whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all the sugar and salt have dissolved. There shouldn’t be any lumps, just a creamy, perfectly seasoned dressing ready to coat your slaw.

Tossing and Chilling Your Broccoli Slaw

Once your dressing is silky smooth, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli slaw mixture in your large bowl. Now, gently but thoroughly toss everything. Use tongs or two large spoons to ensure every strand of slaw, every cranberry, and every sunflower seed is beautifully coated with that delicious dressing. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution. After tossing, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time isn’t just to make it cold; it allows all those wonderful flavors to truly meld and deepen, transforming your slaw from good to absolutely fabulous!

Broccoli Slaw - detail 2

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Broccoli Slaw

While this broccoli slaw recipe is pretty foolproof, there are a couple of little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that can elevate it from simply delicious to truly unforgettable. These small adjustments can make a big difference in both texture and flavor, allowing you to customize it perfectly to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

Enhancing the Crunch in Your Broccoli Slaw

If you’re a true crunch enthusiast like me, here’s a pro tip for your broccoli slaw: lightly toast your sunflower seeds! Just pop them into a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding them to the slaw; this adds an incredible depth of flavor and an extra layer of irresistible crunch.

Customizing the Sweetness of Your Broccoli Slaw

The beauty of homemade dressing for your broccoli slaw is that you can totally tailor it to your taste. The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar, which provides a lovely balance to the tang of the apple cider vinegar. However, if you prefer a less sweet slaw, start with just 2 teaspoons and taste before adding more. Likewise, if you have a sweeter tooth, feel free to add another half tablespoon of sugar until it’s just right for you!

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Slaw

One of the best things about this versatile broccoli slaw is how beautifully it pairs with so many different main courses. Its fresh, tangy profile and satisfying crunch make it an ideal counterpoint to richer dishes, but it also shines alongside lighter fare. It’s the kind of side that effortlessly elevates a simple meal into something special.

Complementary Dishes for Your Broccoli Slaw

This vibrant broccoli slaw is absolutely perfect alongside grilled chicken or beef burgers, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors. It also makes a fantastic side for pulled beef sandwiches, fish tacos, or even a simple roast chicken. For a lighter meal, try it with seared salmon or as a zesty addition to a packed lunch. It truly goes with almost anything!

Storing and Reheating Your Broccoli Slaw

One of the many perks of this delightful broccoli slaw is that it keeps quite well, making it an excellent make-ahead option or a fantastic dish for enjoying leftovers. Proper storage is key to maintaining its fresh taste and crunchy texture. You’ll find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

Keeping Your Broccoli Slaw Fresh

To keep your broccoli slaw at its best, always store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the dressing can start to soften the vegetables, and while still edible, the crunch won’t be quite as vibrant. There’s no need to reheat; this slaw is meant to be enjoyed chilled!

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Slaw

I get a lot of questions about this broccoli slaw recipe, and I love hearing how you’re making it your own! Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more; I’m always happy to help you get the most out of your cooking experience!

Can I make this broccoli slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! This broccoli slaw is actually fantastic when made ahead. I recommend preparing it at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld, but you can certainly make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries in broccoli slaw?

You’ve got options! If dried cranberries aren’t your thing, you could easily swap them for other dried fruits like raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even some finely diced dates for a different kind of sweetness in your broccoli slaw. For a savory twist, try toasted chopped walnuts or pecans instead!

Is this broccoli slaw healthy?

Yes, this broccoli slaw is definitely a healthy choice! It’s packed with nutrient-rich broccoli and other fresh ingredients. While the dressing does contain some mayonnaise and sugar, the overall dish is balanced and offers a good source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from the sunflower seeds. You can also lighten the dressing further by using a light mayonnaise or reducing the sugar slightly.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Broccoli Slaw

I understand that nutritional information is important for many of you! While I’ve provided an estimate for this broccoli slaw recipe, please remember that these figures are approximate. The exact nutritional values can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, how precisely you measure, and any substitutions you might make. This information is intended as a general guide, not a precise dietary calculation.

Share Your Broccoli Slaw Creation

I absolutely adore hearing from you! If you whip up this fantastic broccoli slaw, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! And if you share your culinary masterpiece on social media, be sure to tag me – I’d love to see your beautiful creations!