15-Minute Broccoli Slaw with Mango and Avocado

This easy 15-minute broccoli slaw with mango and avocado is one of my favorite, easy salads to throw together for a weeknight dinner side dish. I’ve been revamping this salad over the years, and I think I finally have it perfected – right down to the timing! Pre-packaged broccoli slaw and homemade dressing make this a weeknight win.

 

When you’re cooking dinner for your family or friends, quick and easy side dishes are always a win. You can whip up this salad while chicken chili cooks in the slow cooker, or chicken drumsticks are sizzling away on the grill. It’s so versatile, and even people who don’t love broccoli seem to enjoy it, probably because of the sweet mango chunks that help balance out the broccoli.

It’s truly a great dish to serve at a cookout or for a picnic because there’s no mayo, it does not have a creamy dressing like some salads. It’s light and fresh, and gives you those happy vibes of summer, no matter the season. If you’re not a fan of mango, it’s easy to replace it with chunks of peaches.

It’s the perfect supporting character next to pork tenderloin, BBQ’d chicken, or a juicy burger. It also provides a sweet and pleasant flavor and a welcomed crunch on a pulled pork sandwich. Pro Tip: Serve them on Hawaiian rolls!

Going to a potluck and want to bring something other than potato salad, homemade broccoli slaw is the perfect side dish. It has an extra crunch that you won’t find in a classic coleslaw. If you’re looking for a more traditional coleslaw, then try a red cabbage slaw with the creamiest dressing.

Are mangos good in a salad?

I love fruit in my salad, and in my opinion, you just can’t go wrong with mangos. The hardest part about mangos is cutting them. Since the fruit is so slippery, it’s easier to cut it with the skin on.

How to Cut a Mango

1. Hold the mango vertically on a cutting board, with the stem end facing upward.
   
2. Cut down each side so that you have four pieces.
   
3. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit in each piece into cubes leaving the skin intact.
   
4. Hold each slice in your hand and use a spoon to scoop out the cubes of fruit. Slice any extra fruit off of the seed.

Now, you’ve got mango chunks ready to stir into your speedy broccoli slaw.

Why You’ll Love This Mango Broccoli Slaw

• Quick and Easy: It takes very little time to make this recipe, so you can enjoy a yummy and nutritious dish in just 15 minutes.
• Vibrant and Refreshing: The combination of crispy broccoli slaw, juicy mango cubes, and creamy avocado is surprisingly tasty!
• Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe can be served as a side dish, added to sandwiches or wraps, or enjoyed as a light and wholesome lunch.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber, and mango adds a dose of antioxidants and natural sweetness. Avocado has plenty of vitamins and healthy fats, so this salad is really well-balanced and nutritious.
• Perfect for Sharing: Everyone always loves this dish. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, so you can feel confident making it for holidays, picnics, and potlucks.

What is Broccoli Coleslaw?

Broccoli slaw is made from shredded broccoli stems and creates a colorful base for the salad. You can find it in the produce section of the grocery store.

For extra color and different textures, shred in some carrots (or use matchstick cut carrots from your produce section) and a bit of chopped red cabbage or some green onions. For a bit more sweetness you could add some dried cranberries

Ingredients for Easy Broccoli Slaw with Mangoes and Avocado

For the Salad

• Shredded Broccoli : This shredded bag of broccoli mix can come with just broccoli or as a broccoli slaw mix, either are great. If it’s unavailable, you can use coleslaw mix as a substitute. This is not the same as broccoli florets. If you want to make your own, try using a spiralizer or you can use a vegetable peeler.
  
• Fresh mango: The juicy and tropical flavor of mango complements the slaw beautifully. Substitute with peaches, papaya, or even pineapple for a different twist.
  
• Avocado: Creamy and buttery, avocado adds a rich, buttery flavor to the slaw.
  
• Slivered almonds: These crunchy nuts add a delightful texture without giving the salad an overly ‘nutty’ taste. If you have allergies or prefer a different taste, try substituting with crunchy sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Broccoli Slaw Dressing

• Rice vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Honey: This dressing needs a bit of sweetness, and the honey provides the perfect amount. You can also use a bit of brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a beautiful and distinct flavor to the dressing, but you can substitute it with olive oil or another light-tasting oil of your choice.
• Sesame seeds: If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can omit them or replace them with sunflower seeds.
• Fresh cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley.

How to Make this 15-Minute Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Don’t blink or you’ll miss it! That’s how easy this is to make. Here we go!

Step 1. Mix together the salad.

Cut the avocado and mango into bite size chunks.

Place the broccoli slaw, mango chunks, avocado chunks, and sliced almonds in a large bowl. Gently stir it together.

Step 2. Make the dressing.

Place all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or glass jar with a lid. Shake or whisk it all together.

Step 3. Stir it all together.

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss.

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Slaw Salad

• Use ripe fruit. Choose ripe mangoes and avocados and cut them fresh for your salad.
• Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences. You can add a touch more honey for extra sweetness or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.
• You can allow the slaw to marinate in the dressing for 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. Just combine the dressing ingredients in a jar or airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Give it a good shake before pouring it over the slaw when you’re ready to serve.

Can I pre-cut the fruit?

Yes, you can, but I do recommend making this fresh, no more than about 45 minutes to an hour before serving. Here’s what you can do in advance if you need to:

• Chop the mango and store it in an airtight container in the fridge up to 12 hours before serving. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top to help keep it from browning.
• Slice the avocado as close to serving time as possible. If you must cut it early, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, so it’s exposed to as little air as possible.

What to Serve with Broccoli Slaw

Due to the crunchy texture and tangy flavor, broccoli slaw is great served with almost any protein. You can serve it inside tacos, or alongside a burger. It stays fresh for several days making it great to take on a picnic or serve at an outdoor meal or potluck.

It’s light and refreshing flavors can lighten up a heavier meal and since you can get sweet mangos all year long, you can enjoy it with a hearty bowl of chili or spaghetti casserole.

Salad FAQs

What is the difference between broccoli slaw and regular coleslaw?

Broccoli slaw is a spin on regular slaw that is made with shredded cabbage. Instead of cabbage the base is shredded broccoli stalks that are sometimes mixes with carrots and cabbage.

Can I serve this broccoli slaw as a main dish?

This slaw is usually served as a side dish, but you can make it a complete meal by adding chicken or another protein.

More Salad Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.