say hello to the new contender: sweet & sour broccoli slaw

Wednesday June 12, 2013

say hello to the new contender: sweet & sour broccoli slaw

When I was little, my idea of a refreshing quencher was drinking the cold pickle juice liquid out of the jar. I make no apologies. So I’m always drawn to recipes with “zesty”, “tangy” or “sweet & sour” in the title. This salad did not disappoint. In fact, it may just be my new broccoli slaw favorite. You see, I have a very popular broccoli slaw recipe on this site – if you’re not familiar, let me introduce you to the broccoli crunch slaw. It’s turned raw broccoli haters (me included) into broccoli crunch slaw lovers. Friends are always commenting that the broccoli crunch slaw is one of their most favorite recipes on this site and for good reason: it’s plain awesome.

But this slaw has me upping the ante. It has its similarities – there’s the raw green monster (broccoli, duh), red onions and dried cranberries. But there’s corn which has a nice sweetness of its own to lend to the balance. I used frozen here, but when corn on the cob season arrives, I’ll be slicing the raw kernels directly into this slaw for a better crunch. But the real distinction is that instead of a mayo/greek yogurt dressing, this one has a big ol’ punch of lemon (zest & juice!) along with the pow of red wine vinegar. A bit of olive oil to add some needed slickness and agave syrup comes along to sweeten the deal. This is a true sweet and sour slaw that delivers what it promises. I’m in love.

The recipe is adapted from a kosher cookbook that I received recently, The Modern Menu. The truth of the matter is that I didn’t have high expectations for the book. The photos didn’t draw me in and the that “new book smell” was a little overpowering. But, this salad caught my eye. The original version calls for the broccoli to be prepped not as a slaw, but as florets. But I wasn’t standing for that nonsense. When it comes to raw broccoli, I chop those trees up fine. I don’t know if there’s anything to it, but shards of broccoli just play nicer with my tastebuds that way. I subbed in agave syrup (though honey would be fab too) for the white sugar because I was out of white sugar. I also ditched the white vinegar for red wine vinegar because everyone knows winer is finer. The original also called for just lemon zest, but I decided to go ALL IN and add the juice as well. It was a good move because the slaw really serves up a good lemony pop. I should warn you that the longer this salad sits, the less lemony it tastes. Like the next day? Not so lemony, but still nice and tart. Just keeping it real.

I don’t know what more to say, but just make this already. I’d love to know what you think.

sweet & sour broccoli slaw
Adapted from The Modern Menu

If you like a tart-tingling sweet & sour slaw, then don’t change a thing. But if you don’t want too much of a vinegar-punch, then just add 1-2 tablespoons of the red wine vinegar instead of going whole hog. Let your tastebuds be your guide and taste before dressing the slaw.

2 heads of broccoli
2 c corn, frozen is fine
3/4 c dried cranberries
3 T minced red onion
zest & juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c agave syrup or honey
1/4 c red wine vinegar
2 T olive oil
generous pinch of kosher salt & a good grind of black pepper

Using a large knife, thinly slice through the broccoli heads and then again to produce slaw-like shards. Dump broccoli slaw into a large bowl, along with the corn (I used frozen corn – no need to thaw), cranberries, onion, and the lemon juice and zest.

In a small jar, combine the agave syrup, red wine vinegar and olive oil, along with the salt & pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings – keeping in mind that the slaw is already a little bit lemony! Pour dressing over the slaw and toss well. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. Toss again & serve.

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I received the cookbook from the publisher, but all the opinions are my own.

Filed in: gluten-free, low fat, salads, snacks & sides, vegan, vegetables, vegetarian
Tags: agave syrup, broccoli, corn, dried cranberries, honey, lemon, red onion, red wine vinegar, slaw

10 comments to “say hello to the new contender: sweet & sour broccoli slaw”

1

Joanne June 12, 2013 at 3:25 am

I’ve never really loved raw broccoli either but if this slaw turned your taste buds then it’s definitely something I should at least try!
2

Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar June 12, 2013 at 4:24 am

I dig it! I love the sound of this recipe and actually really like broccoli slaws!
3

Nicole June 12, 2013 at 9:10 am

I haven’t had a good broccoli slaw in quite some time and now I’m really craving it 🙂 This will be perfect for Marc because he can’t get enough vinegar in salads. I’ll be pinning both salads for summer!
4

Eileen June 12, 2013 at 11:24 am

The thing about raw brocoli is that I tend to picture it on one of those deadly-boring crudites platters, in chunks far too big to eat in one bite, surrounded by pallid cauliflower and the driest carrots imaginable. But! Raw broccoli in slaw form is one of my favorites! I definitely must try this version. 🙂
5

kickpleat June 12, 2013 at 11:58 am

Joanne, try it, it’s a good version – actually, try both versions. Yay for raw broccoli!

Thanks Katrina, broccoli slaws are great.

Nicole, well, Marc will love this one – it’s sharp & sweet and very well balanced (at least in my opinion!). Enjoy!

Eileen, so true – this slaw will erase those boring crudités platter memories 🙂
6

anything but me and my monkey June 13, 2013 at 8:47 am

I didn’t even know one can eat raw broccoli … but it looks great!
7

Joanne (Bijoux) June 16, 2013 at 6:12 am

Your broccoli crunch slaw is one of my favourites ways to eat raw broccoli! I’ve made it many many times! Super excited to try this version as well! Yum!
8

kickpleat June 17, 2013 at 8:28 pm

abmamm, yes, of course you can eat raw broc! It’s great….but only in slaw form (says me!)

Bijoux, I hope you try this one out too. Yeah, that original slaw is pretty fantastic.
9

Jinger June 26, 2013 at 10:21 am

I get crazy cravings for tangy stuff, and this looks awesome. Need a giant bowl of this for summer.
10

kickpleat June 27, 2013 at 4:51 pm

Me too Jinger!!! Enjoy, it’s a great summer salad 🙂

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