Broccoli Slaw

I like broccoli slaw.  It’s easy to make (especially if you cheat a little and get the slaw part from the prepackaged produce section) and I feel like it’s a good way to sneak in a few extra vitamins and minerals.  Add some dried cranberries, raisins, and almonds and you’ve easily elevated it to interesting as well.  It’s a simple and tasty side that you can effortlessly whip up in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

Dressing:

3/4 cup Mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Orange Zest

2 1/2 teaspoons Cider Vinegar

3 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice

3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (regular Paprika will work if that’s what you have)

1 1/4 teaspoons Salt

1/2 teaspoon Pepper

1/2 teaspoon Mustard Powder

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Slaw:

1 (12 ounce) package of Broccoli Slaw

1/2 cup Almonds, sliced or slivered

1/3 cup Golden Raisins

1/3 cup Craisins

2 tablespoons Chives, minced

Whisk all dressing ingredients together.  If you have the time, go ahead and do this a few hours before you plan on making dinner as dressings are usually better when the flavors have married for a little bit.  You could make the dressing as far in advance as 2 days.

Toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until they just begin to take on a little color and smell nutty.  Allow to cool about 5 minutes.

Toss together broccoli slaw, craisins, raisins, almonds and dressing about 5 minutes before you plan on serving dinner.  It really is that easy.  Sit back and enjoy the praise.

Tips and Tricks:

If you are feeling particularly ambitious and you want to make your own slaw mix the key is to use broccoli stems.  It’s a great way to eliminate waste when you buy a head of broccoli.  You can get two sides for the price of one!

Pecans or walnuts would be other great nuts to use if you don’t have almonds.

If you’d like more bite than chives can offer, substitute 1/2 cup of julienned red onion instead.

Serves 4 people.