Summer Slaw

Introducing your go-to summer salad recipe—a vibrant fusion of flavors that screams aloha! This Summer Slaw brings together crunchy macadamia nuts, vibrant broccoli slaw, sweet pineapple, bright and fresh kiwi, all embraced by a delightful tangy dressing. It's the perfect addition to your summer barbecues and, as an added bonus, tastes even better when prepared ahead— very ideal for those make-ahead occasions!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salad is a burst of summer in every bite, offering a refreshing medley of textures and tastes. The blend of crisp broccoli slaw, juicy pineapple, and the unique twist of a golden yellow kiwi, all coated in the tangy dressing, creates an irresistible combination that's sure to become a seasonal favorite. Think of it as your fresh summer coleslaw that deserves a spotlight at your next summer barbecue next to your potato salad or pasta salad.

Ingredients You Will Need

Broccoli Slaw: A crisp and crunchy salad that comes prepackaged, made from shredded broccoli stems and often includes shredded carrots and some variation of red cabbage or green cabbage too. You can also make your own.

Pineapple: The addition of pineapple in a summer slaw brings a sweet tropical twist, infusing the dish with a delightful burst of juicy flavor.

Celery: Celery, when diced finely, adds a refreshing crunch to a summer slaw.

Orange Bell Pepper: This pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch, complementing the celery. For added variety, consider incorporating red bell peppers, either as a replacement for the orange ones or as an additional colorful addition to the mix!

Kiwi: The Sun Gold yellow kiwi is one of my favorites, with its vibrant yellow flesh. It brings a tangy sweetness to the summer slaw, offering a refreshing twist on traditional green kiwis.

Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are rich, buttery nuts derived from the macadamia tree, prized for their creamy texture and flavor.

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: This mayo is made from avocado oil, unlike many common mayos crafted with other oils and offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.

Forager Project Dairy-Free Sour Cream Alternative: This is a plant-based option with a creamy texture and tangy taste, providing a delicious substitute for traditional sour cream.

Dijon Mustard: This Noble Made mustard is my preferred mustard brand and imparts a subtle tanginess and a vinegary note.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice, adds a tangy acidity and fruity undertones to dishes like a summer slaw, enhancing its flavor with a refreshing kick.

Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Instructions

Make the dressing: Combine dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk well.

Make the salad: In a separate large mixing bowl, add all of the salad ingredients.

Combine everything: Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose seasonally: Opt for fruits that are in season for the freshest and most vibrant flavors in your Summer Slaw. Seasonal fruits not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the salad's overall freshness.

Let it marinate: Allow the slaw to chill in the fridge for some time before serving. Allowing it to rest enables the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious combination when served.

Recipe Variations

Play with seasonal fruits or other mix-ins: You can experiment by adding sliced strawberries or diced mango to the slaw mix. You could even sprinkle chopped green onions generously over the slaw.

Make it a full meal: Elevate this Summer Slaw into an entree by adding grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu over the slaw mix. You could also use this summer slaw alongside pulled pork sandwiches!

Storage Tips

This Summer Slaw can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Summer Slaw

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw?

Coleslaw typically features a creamier coleslaw dressing, often made with vinegar, and incorporates shredded vegetables like cabbage and carrots. In contrast, slaw, especially this Summer Slaw recipe, opts for an easy and lighter dressing, steering clear of dairy, and highlights fresh, diced fruits and broccoli slaw for a refreshing twist on traditional recipes.

What is Dixie slaw?

Dixie slaw, a regional take on coleslaw, often includes a tangy dressing with vinegar, alongside vegetables like shredded cabbage and carrots. Unlike this Summer Slaw variation, Dixie slaw recipes might lean toward a creamier coleslaw dressing, and doesn't typically include any fruits.

Is coleslaw good or bad for you?

Coleslaw, with a vinegar-based dressing, can lean toward a healthier option, especially when the coleslaw dressing is light on the mayo. A mayo coleslaw tends to be a heavier side dish. This Summer Slaw recipe offers a dairy-free, simple twist on traditional coleslaw recipes, spotlighting fresh vegetables and fruits for a healthier approach. Remember, perceptions of what constitutes a healthier choice can differ from one individual to another.