Vibrant Vegan Broccoli Slaw Recipe – A Crunchy Side Dish For Any Meal!

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Finding a delicious and nutritious dish can often feel like a tall order, especially when dietary preferences, like veganism, come into play. Enter the vegan broccoli slaw recipe, a game-changer in the world of healthy eats.

Initially, I struggled to make my meals appealing and aligned with my vegan lifestyle. The monotony of salads and the lack of exciting flavors were disheartening. That’s until I discovered this recipe.

It revolutionized my meal prep with its vibrant colors, tantalizing textures, and a dressing that dances on the taste buds. It wasn’t just another dish; it became a testament to how creativity in the kitchen could transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Is Vegan Broccoli Slaw?

Vegan broccoli slaw is a refreshing, colorful salad that reimagines traditional coleslaw with a plant-based twist. Made from finely shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage, it offers a crisp texture and a medley of flavors.

A rich, creamy dressing, typically based on vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, and spices, coats the vegetables, adding depth and zest. This slaw stands out for its nutritional value, providing vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses, embodying a fusion of health and taste.

Fact: Broccoli slaw is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It is an excellent choice for boosting immunity and promoting gut health.

Recipe Directions

• Begin by placing the cashews in a bowl. Cover them with water and allow to soak for 2 hours or overnight for the best results. If you’re short on time and have a Nutribullet or high-speed blender, soaking the cashews in hot water for 10 minutes will suffice.
• Once soaked, drain the cashews thoroughly. Add them to your blender with the water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Blend these ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your dressing. Adjust the consistency with water as needed.
• Combine the shredded broccoli stems, halved red grapes, sliced almonds, finely chopped red onion, and dried cranberries in a medium or large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy cashew dressing over the salad.
• Toss the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well-coated with the dressing. Season the slaw with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
• For the best flavor, chill the slaw before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Asian-Inspired: Use a dressing made from tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of maple syrup. For extra flavor, add sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
• Spicy Slaw: Incorporate a spicy dressing with vegan mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and cilantro. Add jalapeños to the slaw mix for an extra kick.
• Mediterranean Twist: Mix in chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.

Add-Ons

• Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, black beans, or edamame to make the slaw a hearty meal.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or cabbage to increase the variety of vegetables.
• Fruit Variations: Replace grapes with diced apples, pears, or mandarin oranges for a different sweet element.

Toppings

• Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle roasted sunflower, pumpkin, or hemp seeds on top for extra texture and nutrients.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill can boost fresh flavor.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the slaw even more satisfying.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Cauliflower for Chicken: Its hearty texture makes cauliflower perfect for vegan wings or bite-sized treats.
• Mushrooms for Beef: Portobello or cremini mushrooms offer a meaty texture and rich flavor, ideal for burgers or stews.
• Jackfruit for Pulled Pork: Young green jackfruit has a shreddable texture, absorbing flavors well for savory dishes.
• Lentils for Ground Meat: Cooked lentils mimic the texture of ground meat, suitable for tacos, bolognese, or shepherd’s pie.
• Butternut Squash for Noodles: Thinly sliced, it becomes a nutritious, gluten-free pasta alternative.
• Zucchini for Lasagna Sheets: Sliced zucchini layers well in lasagnas, offering a lighter, veggie-packed version.
• Chickpeas for Tuna: Mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayo and seasonings create a flavorful ‘tuna‘ salad.
• Eggplant for Bacon: Thinly sliced and seasoned, eggplant crisps up, mimicking bacon’s smokiness and crunch.

Quick Tip: Try roasting your vegetables before adding them to recipes for a richer flavor in vegan dishes. This technique caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing the taste and depth.

Best Side Dishes

1. Quinoa Salad A protein-packed addition that’s both filling and flavorful.
2. Sweet Potato Fries Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the slaw’s tanginess.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob Adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the slaw’s freshness.
4. Vegan Baked Beans A hearty, comforting side that complements the crunch of the slaw.
5. Cucumber Tomato Salad Offers a light, hydrating element with a different texture.
6. Avocado Toast Simple yet satisfying, adding a creamy texture to accompany the slaw.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers Filled with grains and vegetables, they make a colorful, nutritious side.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Their earthiness balances the slaw’s bright flavors.
9. Vegan Mac and Cheese A creamy, comforting dish that contrasts nicely with the crisp slaw.

How To Serve?

• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside your main course for a refreshing, crunchy contrast to vegan burgers, grilled tofu, or stuffed peppers.
• In Wraps or Tacos: This ingredient adds a healthy, flavorful crunch to vegan wraps or tacos, complementing fillings like spiced beans, avocado, and salsa.
• Over a Bed of Greens: Layer the slaw over mixed greens for a salad with extra texture and flavor, drizzled with your favorite dressing.
• As a Sandwich Filling: Use it to fill pita pockets or as a sandwich topping, adding depth to simple vegan deli slices or grilled vegetables.
• In Grain Bowls: Spoon it over a base of quinoa, rice, or farro for a nourishing, hearty bowl paired with other vegetables and a protein source.
• As a Picnic Staple: Perfect for picnics, it’s easily transportable and can be served cold, offering a refreshing option on warm days.
• Topped with Nuts or Seeds: For an extra crunch and a boost of nutrition, add a garnish of toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds.
• With a Protein Boost: Incorporate chickpeas, lentils, or tofu directly into the slaw for a one-dish, satisfying, and complete meal.

Quick Tip: Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or parsley, to salads or slaws for an extra flavor. These herbs can transform a simple dish into something special.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store the vegan broccoli slaw in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Dressing: Keep the dressing separate for optimal texture until ready to serve. When refrigerated in a sealed container, the dressing can last up to 5 days.
• Make Ahead: Prep the slaw ingredients and dressing separately the night before. This saves time and allows the dressing’s flavors to meld and intensify.
• Avoid Sogginess: Mix the dressing no more than an hour before serving to maintain the slaw’s crunch.
• Revitalize: If the slaw loses its vibrancy, a quick toss with fresh lemon juice can brighten its flavor and appearance.

Fact: Broccoli stems, often discarded, are the star of broccoli slaw. They’re rich in fiber and nutrients, making the slaw delicious and a zero-waste dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make The Vegan Broccoli Slaw Nut-Free?

Yes, you can make the slaw nut-free by substituting the cashews in the dressing with sunflower seeds or tahini (sesame seed paste) for a similar creamy texture without using nuts. For the salad, simply omit the almonds or replace them with roasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for that crunch.

How Long Does Vegan Broccoli Slaw Last In The Fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, vegan broccoli slaw can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The dressing should be kept separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s freshness and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Is This Slaw Recipe Gluten-Free?

This vegan broccoli slaw recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check labels on store-bought items like vegan mayonnaise to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

How Can I Make The Slaw Dressing Creamier?

To make the dressing creamier, add more soaked cashews or a bit of avocado to the blend. Adjusting the amount of water can also help achieve your desired consistency. Using a high-speed blender, blend until the mixture is completely smooth for the creamiest texture.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Slaw?

Absolutely! Vegan broccoli slaw is versatile, and you can add a variety of vegetables to suit your taste preferences or use up what you have in your fridge.

Good additions include shredded kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or thinly sliced bell peppers. These can add color, texture, and nutritional variety to your slaw.