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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.
Raw Broccoli Slaw with Chia Balsamic Vinaigrette
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.
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Add a the chopped garlic along with the fresh basil leaves.
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Cover the jar and shake well to blend. Set aside.
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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!
This sounds like such a great summer salad – love the chia seeds in the dressing! So great meeting you at BlogHer Food!
Thanks so much Jeanette!! XO
So, I’m completely obsessed with chia seeds. I discovered them a couple months ago and use them in pudding and smoothies every day – love that I now have another recipe to use them in!
I LOVE my chia Amy! You are not alone 🙂
I heart this recipe so much, Lauren!
Thanks Carolyn! Me too 🙂
I love broccoli slaw! The addition of a chia balsamic vinaigrette is just genius!
What a terrific combo of fruits and veggies! A must make salad!!!
Thanks so much Liz 🙂
We have a bag of chia seeds in our cabinet and are always looking for new ways to use them! Great salad and vinaigrette!
Thanks so much Martha! I love my chia 🙂
I am having this tonight for dinner.
Thats wonderful Regina, I hope you like it!
I love the pre-cut slaw from Trader Joes and love it saves me time too! I never tried chia seed in my dressing but wow I love it Lauren!
Thank you Brenda! I love anything that saves time 😉
Such a terrific combination! And I love this dressing! Just LOVE it!
Thank you Angela 🙂
What a fantastic slaw!!! The Fuji apples are perfect and I love all the fruit. Very nice dressing too.
Thank you Ginny! It’s my favorite!
This looks great, Lauren! I think I will add this to dinner tonight, since I have everything.
Thanks Jeanine! I hope you like it 🙂
You had me at balsamic. And Chia. Okay you just had me.
LOL!! You made me smile Paula, thank you!!
Love the uniqueness of both the salad & the dressing!
Thanks Colleen!! 🙂
Great recipe…and yet another great way to use the powerhouse chia seeds!
Thank you Marjory! I LOVE chia 🙂
I’m with you, I’m a mayo hater too! Love the dressing on this and using broccoli instead of the usual cabbage.
Thanks Susan! 🙂
What a lovely salad! Crunchy with a little sweetness. Perfect for summer.
I’ve heard so much about chia seeds, but have yet to try them. You’ve inspired me!
I love vinaigrette based salads (I also am not a big mayo fan). This looks great!
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!
Thanks so much Kirsten! 🙂
I love broccoli slaw and you made it better with chia seeds!
Thanks Kellie 🙂
I love broccoli slaw. I honestly think it’s even better than cabbage slaw.
I think it is, hands down!! 🙂
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!
Oh that’s awesome Connie! I really hope you like it 🙂
I made this the other night and it was a big hit! I love that TJ has the bagged broccoli salad, healthy and easy.
this was delicious and your pictures look amazing!!
Aw thank you!!
My hubby is going to love this recipe! Looks so tasty and so amazing! So excited!
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!
Such an easy but full of flavor side dish!!
Such an easy but full of flavor side dish!!