Broccoli Stem Slaw

My Broccoli Stem Slaw is crisp, colourful and totally delicious. I make it from simple, everyday ingredients and yet every bite of this salad is full of texture and bright flavours, all of which complement each other. It is the perfect side dish to serve with a barbecue, alongside a family dinner or to take on a picnic. It is also ideal to serve alongside a burger or in a sandwich.

Jump to:

• Why we love this recipe:
• Ingredients in this recipe:
• Step by Step Instructions:
• Tips for Success and FAQs:
• More delicious recipes for you to try:
• Broccoli Stem Slaw

Why we love this recipe:

Firstly – I must implore you – please do not throw your broccoli stems away! They are delicious and there are so many ways and recipes in which to use them.  Add them to home-made stock or use them in a stir-fry.

You can cut them into strips as you would carrot or celery, to serve as crudites on a dip platter. Or, as I am suggesting today, use them in a delicious Broccoli Stem Slaw.

Broccoli stems do have a tough, fibrous outer layer which is best to remove. Once this is removed, you will find that the stems have a lovely sweet flavour and their crunchiness adds great texture.

Broccoli has long been touted as a superfood due to its high nutritional content and anti-cancer properties. It is high in fibre, Vitamins C, A and K, Folate and Calcium. In fact, health professionals recommend that we eat it at least twice a week. Therefore, to avoid repetitive dishes, it is important to have a number of ways in which to use it.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Dressing:

• Mayonnaise – use good quality, whole egg mayonnaise, either a commercial variety or your own.
• Greek yoghurt – adds a delicious tang to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard – adds depth of flavour.
• Honey – balances out the flavours. You could also use maple syrup.
• Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt – add to your taste.

Salad:

• Broccoli Stems – when purchasing broccoli, ensure the stems are firm. 
• Carrot and Apple – aside from being delicious, add great colour and texture to the dish.
• Lemon Juice – stops the apple from discolouring.
• Dried cranberries – provide colour, great texture and a tangy flavour.

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Peel the tough exterior from the broccoli stems with a knife or vegetable peeler and discard.
2. Cut the broccoli stalks into matchsticks (julienne). First, slice the stem into thin planks. Then stack them together and slice again to make matchsticks
3. Cut the apple into matchsticks, add to a separate small bowl and toss with the lemon juice.
4. Peel the carrot and cut into matchsticks using the same method as for the broccoli stem. Add the broccoli stem, carrot and apple to a bowl.
5. Mix up your dressing.
6. Add your dressing to the vegetables.
7. Toss the salad well, and check your seasoning.
8. Serve with the dried cranberries sprinkled on top.

Tips for Success and FAQs:

Our Broccoli Stem Slaw is perfect to make after enjoying dishes such as our Broccoli and Bacon Salad or Broccoli and Potato Soup.

It makes a healthy, nutritious salad, with infinite possibilities for you to make it your own. You could add more crunch with the addition of some roasted almond slivers or cashews. Instead of the cranberries, you could use dried cherries, chopped fresh dates or pomegranate arils. Add some lemon zest or finely chopped mint to brighten the flavours. If you would like more spice add more Dijon mustard; if you like a sweeter dressing, add a little extra honey. Always check that the balance of flavours is the way you like it. Personalise this salad to make it your own.

Ensure that you wash and peel the broccoli stems first – remove the tough, fibrous layer, using either a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. The interior of the stem is beautiful; it varies from the exterior in that it is a soft, pale green. 

More delicious recipes for you to try:

There are no boring salads around here! Try some more of our favourite salad recipes which are full of flavour:

• Charred Corn and Black Bean Salad
• Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
• Thai Inspired Prawn Salad
• Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Salad
• Thai Vermicelli Noodle Salad
• Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
• Pumpkin, Cranberry and Almond Salad
• Sweet and Sour Carrot Salad
• Char-Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Potato Salad with Peas and Mint
• Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint
• Or view our entire collection of Delicious Salad Recipes here.

I hope you will enjoy this Broccoli Stem Slaw – I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Alex xx

This post was originally published in April 2019. It has been updated with new photos and more information. The recipe remains the same.