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Broccoli slaw is a crunchy, refreshing salad made primarily from shredded broccoli stems, often combined with shredded carrots, cabbage, and sometimes dried cranberries or nuts. It's a modern, American twist on traditional coleslaw, using broccoli stems for a nutrient-dense, zero-waste approach. The dish is typically dressed with a creamy or vinaigrette-style dressing.
This dish is generally low in carbohydrates and fat, especially if using a light vinaigrette, and provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K from the broccoli. A typical 1-cup serving ranges from 100 to 150 calories, depending heavily on the dressing and added ingredients like nuts or dried fruit.
What makes broccoli slaw nutritionally unique is its high concentration of sulforaphane, a compound from broccoli linked to various health benefits, which is more abundant in the stems and florets. Culturally, it represents a popular trend in American cuisine to transform vegetable scraps—like broccoli stems—into a appealing, crunchy salad, promoting both sustainability and healthy eating.