Essential Ingredients for Your Broccoli Slaw

This delicious broccoli slaw comes together with a selection of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this fantastic salad. For exact measurements and detailed, printable instructions, make sure to jump to the recipe card below.

• Ramen Noodles: These are key for that signature crunch. You can use any brand of ramen noodles you prefer. Simply purchase the inexpensive packs from your local grocery store and discard the spice packet, as we’ll be making our own flavorful dressing. Toasting them properly is crucial for texture.
• Broccoli Slaw Mix: For ultimate convenience, I use a pre-packaged blend of broccoli slaw, which typically includes shredded carrots for added color and sweetness. If you can’t find this ready-prepared mix, don’t worry! You can easily prepare your own by shredding a head of broccoli yourself. Check out the “Recipe Tips” section below for detailed instructions on how to do this.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds are ideal for this salad. When toasted alongside the ramen, they contribute a wonderful nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch that complements the other textures perfectly.
• Green Onion: Thinly sliced green onions are preferred in this slaw because of their mild, fresh flavor which doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. They add a delicate oniony bite and a beautiful splash of green. While green onions are best, a finely minced shallot or a small amount of thinly sliced red onion could be used as a substitute if absolutely necessary, though they will have a stronger flavor.
• Oil (for Dressing): The dressing utilizes two distinct oils. Start with a neutral base like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. This provides a healthy foundation for the vinaigrette. Then, add a touch of toasted sesame oil for that unmistakable, aromatic Asian flavor that truly elevates the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is indispensable for adding a deep, umami-rich salty element to the dressing. It brings a complexity that plain salt cannot. I highly recommend using a low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness and allow other flavors to shine.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the sour and salty notes, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the Asian flavor profile beautifully. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is essential for providing the bright, sharp, and sour notes that define an authentic Asian vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness and balances the sweet and salty elements perfectly.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger root offers the most vibrant and pungent flavor, giving the dressing a zesty kick. If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can substitute it with ginger powder, but be aware that the flavor will be milder.
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory depth that blends seamlessly into the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Broccoli Slaw

This Broccoli Slaw Recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tweak and tailor to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious modification ideas:

• Add Protein with Beans: Boost the protein content and make this salad even more filling by adding your favorite beans. White beans, black beans, or chickpeas would all be excellent choices, adding both texture and nutritional value. For an even more unique twist, try edamame beans for an authentic Asian flair.
• Increase the Cabbage Factor: If you’re a fan of cabbage, feel free to incorporate more! Shredded red cabbage will add a beautiful pop of color and a slightly peppery crunch, while green cabbage will blend seamlessly with the broccoli slaw. This is a great way to bulk up the salad.
• Boost with More Vegetables: The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding other fresh vegetables. Consider finely sliced radishes for a peppery kick, crisp celery for extra texture, thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color!), or even some juicy cherry tomatoes halved for a burst of freshness. Shredded carrots are already usually in the pre-made slaw, but you can add more if you like.
• Sweeten with Fruit: For a delightful contrast of flavors, add some fruit. Diced apples provide a sweet-tart crunch, dried cranberries or apricots offer a chewy sweetness, and fresh grapes or berries can introduce a juicy, refreshing element. Mango cubes would also be a fantastic addition for a tropical twist.
• Explore Different Dressings: While our Asian vinaigrette is fantastic, you can certainly experiment with other dressing styles. For a tangy, fruity alternative, create an apple cider vinegar dressing by simply swapping the rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a creamier slaw, you can always go back to basics with a traditional mayonnaise-based dressing, perhaps with a touch of Dijon mustard and honey for flavor.
• Other Exciting Additions: Elevate your slaw with unique ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), fresh diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. For a tangy twist, try adding some quick pickled red onions or a mix of pickled vegetables to introduce a delightful zing. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews can also enhance the Asian theme.
• Make it a Meal: Turn this delicious side into a main course by adding grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even pan-fried tofu.

How to Make This Easy Broccoli Slaw: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful and crunchy broccoli slaw is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect salad every time:

Step 1: Toast Your Ramen Noodles and Almonds.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is vital for achieving that desirable crunch. Carefully break the dry ramen noodles into smaller, bite-sized chunks – roughly 1/2 to 1-inch pieces. Spread these pieces evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 minutes. After this initial bake, gently stir in the sliced or slivered almonds, distributing them evenly with the ramen. Continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until both the ramen noodles and almonds are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as nuts and noodles can toast quickly. Once perfectly toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet while you prepare the rest of the salad. Cooling ensures they stay crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire package of pre-shredded broccoli slaw. To this, add your freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbaceous flavor and thinly sliced green onions, which provide a mild oniony bite and a beautiful color. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure they are well combined. This forms the vibrant base of your salad.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Asian Dressing.
This homemade Asian vinaigrette is incredibly easy to prepare and truly makes the salad. Gather all the dressing ingredients (olive/avocado oil, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder/fresh ginger, salt, and pepper). You have two options for mixing: for a perfectly smooth and emulsified dressing, pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend for about 10 seconds until well combined. Alternatively, if you don’t have a blender or prefer a more rustic approach, you can simply add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined. Pour the prepared dressing into a jar or bottle and set it aside until you are ready to dress the salad. This allows the flavors to mingle.

Step 4: Dress and Chill the Slaw.
Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve the salad, pour your desired amount of the Asian dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece of broccoli slaw, cilantro, and green onion is evenly coated. The amount of dressing is up to your preference – some like it lightly dressed, others prefer it richer. Once dressed, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is highly recommended as it allows the vibrant flavors of the dressing to meld beautifully with the vegetables, enhancing the overall taste experience. While you can skip this step, the short wait is well worth it for a more flavorful slaw.

Step 5: Serve with Toasted Crunch.
Once you’re ready to enjoy your delicious broccoli slaw, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Give the salad a final good stir to redistribute the dressing and ensure all the flavors are evenly spread. Then, and this is important for maintaining maximum crunch, top the salad generously with the cooled, toasted ramen noodles and almonds just before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!