Broccoli Slaw
Recipe by Steven Weitzman, founder & head chef of Grilly CheesePublished 2026-10-26Updated 2026-10-26
Broccoli slaw with creamy cider dressing, dried cranberries, and toasted sunflower seeds. An easy crunchy side for grilled cheese with 19 minutes of active work.

Broccoli slaw is a crunchy salad of shredded broccoli stems tossed with dressing, making a fresh, crisp side for grilled cheese. This version uses a creamy cider dressing, dried cranberries, and skillet-toasted sunflower seeds for a balance of tang, sweetness, and crunch. A bag of broccoli slaw mix keeps the preparation short. Mix the dressing right in the serving bowl, give the slaw a brief chill, and add the seeds at the end so they stay crisp. Makes: about 4 1/2 cups, or 4 side-dish servings. Time: 15 minutes prep, 4 minutes toasting, and 20 minutes chilling, for about 39 minutes total and 19 minutes of active work. The seeds cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
How to make Broccoli Slaw
Makes About 4 1/2 cups; 4 side-dish servings. Listed times are estimates; visual and temperature cues control doneness.
15 minCook
4 minRest
0 minTotal
19 minYield
About 4 1/2 cups; 4 side-dish servings
Equipment
- Small skillet
- Plate for cooling seeds
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and serving spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- •1/4 cup raw unsalted hulled sunflower kernels
- •1/4 cup mayonnaise
- •1/4 cup sour cream
- •1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- •2 teaspoons honey
- •1/4 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
- •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- •1 bag broccoli slaw mix, 12 ounces, about 4 cups
- •1/4 cup dried cranberries
- •2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
Instructions
- 1
Toast and cool the sunflower seeds
Put the sunflower kernels in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer immediately to a plate and let cool while you prepare the dressing and onion. Keep the seeds separate until serving.

- 2
Whisk the creamy cider dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. The dressing should be creamy and loose enough to coat the slaw.

- 3
Toss, chill, and add crunch
Prepare the broccoli slaw mix according to its package directions and pat away excess moisture if needed. Add it to the dressing with the dried cranberries and red onion. Toss thoroughly until the shreds are lightly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Toss again, taste, and adjust the salt if needed. Fold in the cooled sunflower seeds just before serving.

Variation
- Sour cream: Use the same amount of plain whole-milk Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing. - Cranberries: Raisins work at the same volume. - Honey: Substitute 2 teaspoons maple syrup or granulated sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves. - Fresh broccoli stems: Replace the bag with 12 ounces of very thinly shredded peeled broccoli stems and carrot. Peel away the tough outer layer before shredding; this option adds preparation time.
Questions and answers
What is broccoli slaw made of?
Broccoli slaw is usually made from thinly shredded broccoli stems. Packaged mixes often include carrot and purple cabbage as well.
Do you cook broccoli slaw before making a salad?
No cooking is needed for this salad. Prepare the packaged vegetables according to their label, then toss them with the dressing.
What dressing goes with broccoli slaw?
A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, and a little honey coats the firm shreds well. This recipe uses about 1/2 cup of the creamy ingredients for a 12-ounce bag of vegetables.
Can you make broccoli slaw ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the slaw, dressing, cranberries, and onion earlier in the day and refrigerate them covered. Keep the toasted sunflower seeds separate until serving.
Why is my broccoli slaw watery?
Wet vegetables or extended storage can thin the dressing. Dry the mix before dressing, and toss it again before serving.
What goes well with broccoli slaw?
Grilled cheese, patty melts, and other warm sandwiches pair well with its cool crunch. The cranberries and cider dressing also balance rich cheese fillings.
Storage and reheating
Grilled cheese is best eaten right away. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered, shallow container at 40°F (4°C) or below, within 2 hours of cooking—or within 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Use within 3–4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C), checking the center with a food thermometer. A skillet over low heat, briefly covered and then uncovered, can warm the center and help restore the crust. If using previously cooked chicken or other leftovers, count storage time from when that ingredient was first cooked. See USDA leftovers guidance and FoodSafety.gov minimum temperatures.
Dietary note: This recipe is labeled VegetarianDiet.
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