Move over pasta salad, this Raw Broccoli Slaw with Chia Balsamic Vinaigrette is light and healthy for all of your summer barbecues. Chopped apples, dried cranberries and fresh broccoli slaw with a nutritious tangy dressing!
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!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Love the uniqueness of both the salad & the dressing!
lauren.kelly says
Thanks Colleen!! 🙂
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
What a lovely salad! Crunchy with a little sweetness. Perfect for summer.
Jeanine says
This looks great, Lauren! I think I will add this to dinner tonight, since I have everything.
lauren.kelly says
Thanks Jeanine! I hope you like it 🙂
Angela @ Mind Over Batter says
Such a terrific combination! And I love this dressing! Just LOVE it!
lauren.kelly says
Thank you Angela 🙂
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Great recipe...and yet another great way to use the powerhouse chia seeds!
lauren.kelly says
Thank you Marjory! I LOVE chia 🙂
Paula - bell'alimento says
You had me at balsamic. And Chia. Okay you just had me.
lauren.kelly says
LOL!! You made me smile Paula, thank you!!
Liz says
What a terrific combo of fruits and veggies! A must make salad!!!
lauren.kelly says
Thanks so much Liz 🙂
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I love broccoli slaw! The addition of a chia balsamic vinaigrette is just genius!
Carolyn says
I heart this recipe so much, Lauren!
lauren.kelly says
Thanks Carolyn! Me too 🙂
Amy @Very Culinary says
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!
lauren.kelly says
I LOVE my chia Amy! You are not alone 🙂
Ginny McMeans says
What a fantastic slaw!!! The Fuji apples are perfect and I love all the fruit. Very nice dressing too.
lauren.kelly says
Thank you Ginny! It's my favorite!
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
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!
lauren.kelly says
Thank you Brenda! I love anything that saves time 😉
Regina says
I am having this tonight for dinner.
lauren.kelly says
Thats wonderful Regina, I hope you like it!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
We have a bag of chia seeds in our cabinet and are always looking for new ways to use them! Great salad and vinaigrette!
lauren.kelly says
Thanks so much Martha! I love my chia 🙂
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
This sounds like such a great summer salad - love the chia seeds in the dressing! So great meeting you at BlogHer Food!
lauren.kelly says
Thanks so much Jeanette!! XO