Keto Broccoli Slaw – Fresh, Crunchy, and Low-Carb

Keto Broccoli Slaw is the kind of side dish you’ll actually look forward to eating. It’s crisp, creamy, and full of flavor without weighing you down. Think classic coleslaw vibes, but lighter, greener, and more satisfying.

You can pair it with grilled meats, toss it on top of a burger, or enjoy it as a quick lunch. It keeps well, is easy to customize, and comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

• Low-carb and high-flavor: Broccoli stems and cabbage give you crunch without the carbs of sugary slaw dressings.
• Balanced dressing: A mix of mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of mustard adds tang and creaminess without being heavy.
• Texture that lasts: The slaw stays crisp for a day or two, which makes it perfect for meal prep or cookouts.
• Flexible ingredients: Swap in nuts, seeds, herbs, or even a little bacon to suit your taste and macros.
• Fast and reliable: Pre-shredded broccoli slaw mixes make prep a breeze, but you can also grate your own.

What You’ll Need

• Broccoli slaw mix (12–14 oz): Usually a blend of shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage.
• Green cabbage (2 cups, finely shredded): Adds volume and extra crunch.
• Red onion (2–3 tablespoons, very thinly sliced): For bite and color.
• Fresh herbs (2 tablespoons): Dill, parsley, or cilantro for freshness.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Use a clean-ingredient mayo, ideally avocado oil–based.
• Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and a velvety finish.
• Apple cider vinegar (1–1.5 tablespoons): Brightens and balances the creaminess.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Subtle heat and depth.
• Celery seed (1/2 teaspoon): Classic slaw flavor.
• Erythritol or allulose (1/2–1 teaspoon, optional): A gentle sweetness to round out the acidity.
• Salt (3/4 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adjust to taste.
• Toasted sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (2–3 tablespoons, optional): Extra crunch and healthy fats.
• Crisp bacon, crumbled (2–3 slices, optional): Smoky richness if you want it.

How to Make It

1. Prep the vegetables: If using a bagged broccoli slaw, pour it into a large bowl. Add finely shredded green cabbage and the thinly sliced red onion.
2. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, and sweetener if using.
   

   Season with salt and pepper.

3. Taste and adjust: Check the dressing. Add a pinch more salt, vinegar, or sweetener to balance creaminess and tang.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the slaw mix. Toss thoroughly with tongs until every strand is lightly coated.
5. Add herbs and crunch: Fold in chopped dill or parsley.
   

   Sprinkle in nuts, seeds, or bacon if you like.

6. Rest briefly: Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld and the vegetables soften slightly.
7. Serve: Give it a final toss and taste for seasoning before plating.

Keeping It Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s best on day 1 and 2.
• Keep crunchy add-ins separate: If you’re using nuts or bacon, store them separately and add just before serving.
• Prevent sogginess: If you know you’ll eat it over a few days, mix only the amount you need and keep the dressing and slaw separate.
• Revive leftovers: Add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt to brighten the flavor on day 2.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Keto-friendly macros: Low net carbs, moderate protein when paired with a main, and healthy fats from the dressing.
• Micronutrient boost: Broccoli and cabbage deliver fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
• Meal-prep ready: Easy to scale and keeps well, making it great for weekday lunches.
• Versatile pairing: Works with grilled chicken, steak, pulled pork, salmon, or bunless burgers.
• No cooking needed: Perfect for hot days or quick meals.

What Not to Do

• Don’t drown it in dressing: Too much will make it soggy and heavy. Aim for a light, even coat.
• Don’t skip salt and acid: Without proper seasoning, the slaw tastes flat.
  

  Salt and vinegar bring it to life.

• Don’t use sweet coleslaw dressing: Many store-bought dressings have sugar. Stick to keto-friendly sweeteners or skip sweetener altogether.
• Don’t add watery veggies: Tomatoes or cucumbers will dilute and soften the slaw.
• Don’t slice onions too thick: Thick slices overpower the dish. Keep them paper-thin.

Variations You Can Try

• Spicy Chipotle: Add 1–2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo (minced) or chipotle powder, plus a squeeze of lime.
• Ranch-Style: Swap sour cream for Greek-style full-fat yogurt and add ranch seasoning or dill and garlic powder.
• Asian-Inspired: Use rice vinegar, a little sesame oil, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
  

  Keep sweetener minimal.

• Blue Cheese and Bacon: Crumble blue cheese into the dressing and top with crisp bacon.
• Lemon-Herb: Replace ACV with lemon juice and zest. Add extra parsley and a touch of olive oil.
• Avocado Cream: Blend half an avocado into the dressing for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

FAQ

Is broccoli slaw keto?

Yes. Broccoli slaw is low in net carbs, especially when you use a dressing without sugar.

It’s a great base for keto sides and salads.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Skip the sour cream and use all mayonnaise, or replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt. Adjust vinegar and seasoning to taste.

What can I use instead of mayo?

Use full-fat Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a mix of olive oil and yogurt.

Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, so adjust salt and acid.

How do I keep it from getting watery?

Add dressing right before serving if possible, and avoid watery add-ins. If your cabbage is very moist, you can lightly salt it and blot with paper towels before mixing.

Can I use only broccoli stems?

Yes. Peel tough outer layers from the stems, then shred them.

Mix with a little cabbage or kale for variety if you like.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It’s best within 2–3 days. Store the dressing and slaw separately if you want maximum crunch beyond day 1.

Do I need a sweetener?

No. The recipe works without it, but a small amount of erythritol or allulose softens the vinegar’s edge and mimics classic slaw flavor.

What proteins pair well with this?

Grilled chicken, pork chops, brisket, smoked salmon, shrimp, and bunless burgers all work beautifully.

The slaw adds freshness to rich, savory mains.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes. Skip almonds and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or leave out the crunchy add-ins entirely.

Can I meal prep this for the week?

Yes, with a tweak. Keep the slaw and dressing separate until the day you plan to eat.

Toss and add crunchy toppings just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Keto Broccoli Slaw is simple, crisp, and consistently delicious. With a clean, creamy dressing and a satisfying crunch, it stands on its own or rounds out any protein. It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and friendly to your macros. Keep a bowl in the fridge, and you’ll always have a bright, fresh side ready to go.