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

sweet & sour broccoli slaw - everybody likes sandwiches

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.

sweet & sour broccoli slaw - everybody likes sandwiches

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.

sweet & sour broccoli slaw - everybody likes sandwiches

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.

sweet & sour broccoli slaw - everybody likes sandwiches

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

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

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

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 10
    kickpleat   June 27, 2013 at 4:51 pm

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

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