Mediterranean Broccoli Slaw
This Mediterranean Broccoli Slaw is a crisp, colorful, and nutritious salad that’s perfect as a side dish or light lunch. Packed with fresh veggies, chickpeas, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s a refreshing twist on traditional slaw. Plus, it’s quick to throw together, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
4 cups broccoli slaw mix (pre-shredded or shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli slaw mix, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, and olives.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.
Add Feta and Parsley:
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and parsley.
Chill or Serve:
You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Absolutely! Here are some helpful tips and variations to elevate your Mediterranean Broccoli Slaw:
Tips:
Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a bright, zesty flavor that bottled juice can’t match.
Make Ahead
This slaw actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it ahead of time for deeper flavor and convenience.
Drain Well
Be sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas and olives thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
Customize Texture
Like it creamier? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing.
Meal Prep Friendly
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep feta separate until ready to serve if storing long-term.
Variations:
Add Protein
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for a heartier main dish.
Use a Creamy Dressing
Swap the vinaigrette for a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing with dill and garlic.
Go Vegan
Omit feta or replace it with a vegan feta or tofu crumbles. Use maple syrup instead of honey (if used in dressing).
Switch Up the Veggies
Add shredded Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or baby spinach for more variety.
Add Whole Grains
Stir in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for a grain salad twist.
Nutty Crunch
Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Spice It Up
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of a slaw mix?
A: Yes! Just shred broccoli stems and finely chop the florets. Add shredded carrots and cabbage to recreate the slaw mix.
Q: How long does this slaw last in the fridge?
A: It stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavor improves after a few hours, but for best texture, add feta just before serving.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your Dijon mustard and feta cheese labels to be sure.
Q: Can I make this slaw dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Just omit the feta or substitute with a dairy-free cheese or extra olives for added flavor.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It’s perfect with grilled chicken, fish, pita bread, or falafel. It also works well as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
Q: Can I use bottled dressing instead?
A: Yes, but homemade lemon-olive oil dressing gives the freshest flavor. If using bottled, go for a light vinaigrette or Greek dressing.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 360mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on the specific brands and quantities used.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Broccoli Slaw is a delicious, vibrant, and healthy dish packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Whether you enjoy it as a side, main, or make-ahead lunch, it brings the bold, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort.