FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• What Is Broccoli Slaw?
• Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Broccoli Slaw
• Recipe Variations
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Broccoli Slaw Recipes
• More Creamy Salad Recipes
• Recommended Tools
• Broccoli Slaw Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

I’ve been making broccoli slaw since I can remember in my adult life. Even in college when I didn’t do much cooking (survived on stir fry meals and frozen pizza ), I’d buy pre-cut bags and make my own creamy broccoli slaw salad dressing. These days I’m still big on convenience (2 kids and all…), but I also like to make food from scratch when I can. It turns out, making this easy broccoli slaw recipe using fresh broccoli and carrots makes it even better!

What Is Broccoli Slaw?

Broccoli slaw is a lot like cabbage coleslaw , but uses shredded broccoli stems and florets instead of cabbage. It combines crisp broccoli and fresh carrots with an irresistible, lightly sweet creamy broccoli slaw dressing, then finishes with sliced almonds for added crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

• Fresh, crunchy veggies
• Sweet, tangy, and creamy dressing
• No cooking — just cut and mix
• Ready in 15 minutes
• Naturally gluten-free, low carb, and dairy-free
• Perfect for any picnic, barbecue, or cookout

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best broccoli slaw ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Broccoli Slaw:

• Broccoli & Carrots – Use a small bunch of broccoli with stems included and one carrot. Alternatively, you can use about 4 cups of pre-made broccoli slaw mix in a bag from the grocery store.
• Sliced Almonds – Although optional, I recommend adding these for the perfect flavor and crunch. You could also use walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, or pecans. For a nut free option, use sunflower seeds instead.

Broccoli Slaw Dressing:

• Mayonnaise – I make my own avocado oil mayonnaise for this, but store-bought or even plain Greek yogurt would work as well.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives that tangy coleslaw flavor. You could also use lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
• Honey – I usually use sugar-free honey to avoid added sugar, but any kind works.
• Dijon Mustard – Although it adds additional flavor and tang, Dijon mustard is not essential to the dressing. You could use yellow mustard, honey mustard , or brown mustard instead, or omit the mustard altogether.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – To taste.

How To Make Broccoli Slaw

This section shows how to make broccoli slaw salad, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Cut off the florets. Wash and dry broccoli. Cut broccoli florets away from broccoli stalks.
2. Chop finely. Chop florets into small pieces, as this will prevent them from overpowering the shredded stems in the broccoli slaw. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

1. Peel the stem. Use a vegetable peeler (recommended) or sharp knife to peel broccoli stem.
2. Shred the stem. Julienne broccoli stems into thin matchstick pieces. Add to bowl with the chopped florets.

TIP: Use a food processor for less effort.

You can slice the stems thinly by hand using a knife, but I recommend using a food processor with grating attachment. A box grater would also work.

1. Shred the carrots. Wash, dry, and peel carrots. Julienne them the same way as the broccoli stem. Add to bowl with broccoli.
2. Mix the broccoli slaw dressing. Whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.

1. Combine. Pour broccoli slaw dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
2. Add crunch. Add almonds and toss again.

TIP: Let the flavors develop if you have time.

You can enjoy this salad right away, but if you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days) to let the flavors develop. Stir right before serving.

Recipe Variations

This dish makes the perfect healthy salad as is, but here are some optional additions if you want to change it up:

• Dried fruit – Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries (regular or sugar-free), raisins, or golden raisins to make it sweeter. You can also try my broccoli cranberry salad for a similar twist.
• Apples – Shred 1 red or green apple into the broccoli coleslaw salad for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
• Onion – Adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of diced or thinly sliced red onion to broccoli slaw provides a hint of spice and sweetness, adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Make a meal – Top with pan seared chicken breast , grilled chicken, or juicy baked chicken breast to make it a meal.

Storage Instructions

Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

What To Serve With Broccoli Slaw Recipes

This slaw is so versatile that it can be used as a side salad at picnics or potlucks, a side dish at home, or even as a topping! Here are some delicious ideas:

• Chicken – I like to serve this salad with simple fried chicken thighs , but I also serve it with coconut chicken tenders for a sweet and savory combo. It also does a great job of balancing out the heat of buffalo flavors, like baked buffalo wings , zesty buffalo chicken breasts , or for a vegetarian option, buffalo cauliflower .
• Fish – Slaw is a classic combo for crunchy fish recipes like fish sticks , crispy parmesan crusted tilapia , or elegant baked haddock with a toasted almond topping.
• Grilled Mains – Broccoli salad with coleslaw dressing pairs well with barbecue mains like smoky grilled shrimp skewers , BBQ ribs, juicy grilled steak , flaky grilled cod , or even BBQ lobster tails .
• Topping – Add it to your favorite tacos, make supreme nachos (or cauliflower nachos for a lighter option), or add it to hot dogs or juicy burgers for fresh crunch.

More Creamy Salad Recipes

Say bye to bland salads! Try these easy ones instead — perfect for all occasions.

Recommended Tools

• Vegetable Peeler – This 3-in-1 peeler has a julienne peeler blade that would make this recipe a breeze.
• Food Processor – Make meal prep faster with two slicing discs, a grating disc, a chopping/mixing blade, and two pushers.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Broccoli Slaw:

• 1 lb Broccoli with stems (~1 small bunch of 2-3 stalks) ▢
• 1 medium Carrot ▢
• 1/3 cup Sliced almonds (optional; for a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seeds or omit altogether) ▢

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar ▢
• 3 tbsp Honey (I used this sugar-free honey , but any kind works) ▢
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Wash and dry the broccoli.
2. Cut the broccoli florets away from the stem. Chop into very small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size. Place into a large bowl and set aside.
3. Use a knife or vegetable peeler to peel the broccoli stem. (If the bottom inch of the stem is very woody, just cut it off and discard.) Julienne the broccoli stem into thin matchstick pieces. You can do this by hand using a knife, but I recommend using a food processor with grating attachment. A box grater should also work. Add the stems to the bowl with the chopped florets.
4. Wash, dry, and peel the carrots. Julienne them the same way as the broccoli stem, using a knife, food processor with grating attachment, or box grater. Add the carrots to the large bowl with the broccoli.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the broccoli slaw dressing: mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the broccoli slaw and toss to coat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
7. Add the almonds and toss again.
8. Enjoy right away, or if you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days) to let the flavors develop. Stir right before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Broccoli Slaw

This broccoli slaw recipe has a sweet, creamy dressing that coats fresh broccoli, carrots, and almonds. A perfect salad for summer meals!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/broccoli-slaw/

Ingredients

Broccoli Slaw:

• 1 lb Broccoli with stems (~1 small bunch of 2-3 stalks)
• 1 medium Carrot
• 1/3 cup Sliced almonds (optional; for a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seeds or omit altogether)

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp Honey (I used this sugar-free honey , but any kind works)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the broccoli.
2. Cut the broccoli florets away from the stem. Chop into very small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size. Place into a large bowl and set aside.
3. Use a knife or vegetable peeler to peel the broccoli stem. (If the bottom inch of the stem is very woody, just cut it off and discard.) Julienne the broccoli stem into thin matchstick pieces. You can do this by hand using a knife, but I recommend using a food processor with grating attachment. A box grater should also work. Add the stems to the bowl with the chopped florets.
4. Wash, dry, and peel the carrots. Julienne them the same way as the broccoli stem, using a knife, food processor with grating attachment, or box grater. Add the carrots to the large bowl with the broccoli.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the broccoli slaw dressing: mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the broccoli slaw and toss to coat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
7. Add the almonds and toss again.
8. Enjoy right away, or if you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days) to let the flavors develop. Stir right before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)