I’ve got a confession: I used to dread making side dishes for summer cookouts. Everything felt like it needed too much time or too many steps. Then I discovered this Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipe, and honestly? It changed my summer side dish game completely. Five minutes flat. No cooking required. Just pure crunchy, creamy, tangy goodness that works beautifully with whatever is coming off the grill.
This is not your average coleslaw, friends. Broccoli slaw uses shredded broccoli stalks and florets, often combined with red cabbage and carrots, giving you way more texture and a serious nutrient boost. One cup of raw broccoli provides roughly 2.4 grams of fiber and 135% of the daily value for vitamin C. That means you’re getting a side dish that supports immunity and digestion while tasting absolutely incredible. Plus, each serving contains about 5 to 7 grams of net carbs, making it a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional coleslaw. If you love this, you should also try my lemon roasted asparagus or green beans with bacon for more low-carb side inspiration. And if you’re curious about how other home cooks approach broccoli slaw, check out this Allrecipes version for even more ideas.
We are going to keep things ridiculously simple here. A bag of organic broccoli slaw, a handful of fresh parsley, good avocado oil mayo, apple cider vinegar, and celery seed. That’s pretty much it! Toss it all together, season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a showstopper side that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Need more low-carb side dish ideas? Check these out!
You know what I love most about this slaw? It plays nicely with everything. Seriously! The cool, creamy crunch cuts through rich meats and adds brightness to any plate. I’ve served this alongside so many mains and it never feels out of place.
Here are my absolute favorite pairings:
Blackened tilapiathe spicy crust against the cool slaw is pure magic
Grilled steak or air fried steak for that steakhouse-at-home vibe
Ranch chicken when you want something simple and satisfying
Lemon garlic shrimp for a bright, coastal-inspired dinner
Bacon wrapped scallops because everything is better with bacon
Low carb pulled pork wraps where the slaw adds the perfect crunchy layer
A low carb fried fish sandwich that needs a cool, tangy topping
And here’s a pro move: use this broccoli slaw as a topping for fish tacos or as a crunchy layer inside any low-carb wrap. It transforms a basic wrap into something that feels intentional and restaurant-worthy.
Tips for Making this Recipe
I’ve made this slaw more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Let me share my best tips so you nail it on the first try!
My number one tip: Let the dressed slaw rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better. This softens the raw broccoli just slightly and lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Now, if you want that perfect crunch every single time, here is what I do:
Serve it chilled. The flavor deepens after a couple hours in the refrigerator, and the texture stays crisp. You can even make it the night before!
Keep broccoli crisp before you start. Store unwashed broccoli in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer. This keeps moisture from building up and turning the stalks rubbery.
Use a bagged slaw mix for pure convenience. An 11.5-ounce bag of organic broccoli slaw makes this a true 5-minute side. No shredding, no fuss.
No bagged mix? No problem. Just combine thinly sliced fresh broccoli, carrots, and cabbage. A food processor with the shredding disc makes quick work of the stalks.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. The dressed slaw holds up surprisingly well!
Add crunchy toppings just before serving. Things like sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped pecans lose their snap if they sit in the dressing too long.
One more thing: to prevent a watery slaw, salt the shredded broccoli, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture in a clean kitchen towel. This step takes an extra minute but makes a noticeable difference. If you want a lighter dressing, swap half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt and adjust the vinegar and seasoning accordingly. For a different flavor profile, EatingWell’s take on broccoli slaw offers a lighter approach worth checking out.
Low Carb Broccoli Slaw Ingredients
Here is everything you need for this super simple recipe. I keep these staples on hand all summer long!
1 (11.5-ounce) bag organic broccoli slaw
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon whole celery seed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Want to customize? Try these easy add-ins:
Cooked crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory depth
Sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped pecans for extra crunch
A keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or allulose if you prefer a slightly sweeter slaw
For a dairy-free version, choose a compliant mayo; for egg-free, use vegan mayonnaise
How to Make Low Carb Broccoli Slaw
Ready for the easiest instructions ever? Here we go!
In a large non-reactive bowl, combine the broccoli slaw, chopped parsley, avocado oil mayo, apple cider vinegar, and celery seed.
Toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats every shred.
Season generously with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust.
Serve immediately for the crunchiest texture, or cover and refrigerate for a couple hours (or overnight) for the best flavor.
That’s it! Five minutes from start to finish. No cooking, no complicated steps, just a bowl of fresh, creamy, crunchy goodness.
Nutrition Per Serving
Amount
Calories
87 kcal
Total Carbs
5g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
1g
Protein
3g
Fat
7g
Potassium
286mg
Vitamin C
81mg
Flavor twist ideas! For an Asian-style variation, replace the apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, add a drizzle of sesame oil, some grated ginger, and tamari, then garnish with sesame seeds. For a Mexican twist, use lime juice instead of vinegar, and toss in chopped cilantro, minced jalapeno, and a pinch of cumin. Both are absolutely delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to make broccoli slaw?
The easiest way is to use a bagged broccoli slaw mix from the produce section, then toss with your favorite dressing. Ready in under 5 minutes.
Is broccoli slaw low carb and keto friendly?
Yes, broccoli slaw is naturally low in carbs and keto friendly. A typical serving has about 3-4 grams net carbs, making it a great choice for low carb diets.
How do I keep broccoli slaw from getting soggy?
To keep it crunchy, salt the shredded broccoli and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. Or dress the slaw just before serving and keep dressing on the side for leftovers.
What dressing goes best with broccoli slaw?
A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a touch of sweetener, salt, and pepper is classic. For a dairy free version, use vegan mayo or a vinaigrette.
How long does broccoli slaw last in the fridge?
Undressed broccoli slaw stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Once dressed, it is best eaten within 1-2 days for maximum crunch.
Can broccoli slaw be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture becomes watery and mushy after thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Low Carb Recipes with Broccoli
If you are as crazy about broccoli as I am, you are going to want these recipes in your rotation too! Broccoli is such a versatile low-carb vegetable, and it shines in so many dishes beyond just slaw.
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, so loading up your plate with these recipes supports your immune system and digestion while keeping meals interesting and delicious. I hope this easy broccoli slaw becomes a regular at your table the way it has at mine!
🥦 A creamy, crunchy low-carb side dish that comes together in just 5 minutes with no cooking required.
🥗 Perfect for summer cookouts, this tangy broccoli slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats and fish.
Total Time:2 hours 5 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 (11.5-ounce) bag organic broccoli slaw
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon whole celery seed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1-Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine broccoli slaw, chopped parsley, avocado oil mayo, apple cider vinegar, and celery seed.
2-Toss the slaw: Toss until the dressing evenly coats every shred.
3-Season to taste: Season generously with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust.
4-Serve or refrigerate: Serve immediately for the crunchiest texture, or refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Notes
💡 Let the dressed slaw rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is ideal) to soften the broccoli and meld the flavors.
🥄 To prevent watery slaw, salt the shredded broccoli, let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture before dressing.
🔔 Add crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds or sliced almonds just before serving so they keep their snap.
