Move over pasta salad, this broccoli salad is light and healthy for all of your summer barbecues.
I just love summer. I crave salads and lighter dishes but many of the macaroni and pasta salads have mayonnaise based dressings. Besides the fact that I despise mayo (like I seriously loathe it) but those type of dressings don't exactly survive in the warm weather. They spoil quickly since they are made with eggs so I always try to make salads with light dressings. Did I mention how much I hate those creamy dressings?
This salad is vegan and packed with lots of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Most of you know how much I love chia seeds and besides have tons of antioxidants in the dressing, they also add an extra crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of broccoli slaw it’s just raw shredded broccoli and carrots
- 1 cup fuji apple cord and chopped
- 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries unsweetened
- 1 kiwi peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded & chopped
- FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oil of your choice I used olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Chia seed ground
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves diced
- extra chia seeds for topping
Instructions
- Take a clean, empty jar or tupperware with a lid and add the mustard, balsamic vinegar, oil, salt, chia seed and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add a the chopped garlic along with the fresh basil leaves.
- Cover the jar and shake well to blend. Set aside.
- Place broccoli slaw in large bowl. Add chopped apple, kiwi and pepper. Mix it all together. Top with cranberries. Mix again. Add dressing just before serving.
This salad is so easy to make. I cheated and bought the bag of pre-sliced broccoli and carrot slaw from Trader Joe's It saves a ton of time. Why not? With three little kids at home, I am always trying to find ways to simplify.
I bet sliced almonds would be really delicious in here too. Maybe next time. 😉 I make this A LOT in the summer. My 4 year old calls it "The Crunchy Salad" and LOVES when he finds those cranberries! Now if only my oldest would just TRY it...
I hope you enjoy this! Happy Summer!
Toni
Such an easy but full of flavor side dish!!
Toni
Such an easy but full of flavor side dish!!
Allyson Zea
I always order something like this from a local restaurant, and the recipe looks exactly like how they make their's! I can't wait to try this out and see how it goes!
Beth
My hubby is going to love this recipe! Looks so tasty and so amazing! So excited!
steve
this was delicious and your pictures look amazing!!
lauren.kelly
Aw thank you!!
Cindy
I made this the other night and it was a big hit! I love that TJ has the bagged broccoli salad, healthy and easy.
Connie | URBAN BAKES
I think you saved my life! I'm not the biggest fan of broccoli and the fact that I don't see that bush, makes me want to give this a try. This looks really good!
lauren.kelly
Oh that's awesome Connie! I really hope you like it 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny
I love broccoli slaw. I honestly think it's even better than cabbage slaw.
lauren.kelly
I think it is, hands down!! 🙂
kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox
I love broccoli slaw and you made it better with chia seeds!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Kellie 🙂
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
I'm with you--I loathe mayo and most creamy dressings. Just, ick! I'm a huge fan of broccoli slaw and chia seeds though, so your salad is a super winner with me!
lauren.kelly
Thanks so much Kirsten! 🙂
Sarah Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
I love vinaigrette based salads (I also am not a big mayo fan). This looks great!
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
I've heard so much about chia seeds, but have yet to try them. You've inspired me!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
What a lovely salad! Crunchy with a little sweetness. Perfect for summer.