This classic Broccoli Coleslaw recipe is a retro favorite that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s for potlucks, family gatherings, and barbecues. Crunchy ramen noodles and slivered almonds are toasted in butter for texture, then tossed with a sweet and tangy dressing made from canola oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ramen seasoning. The mixture is combined with fresh broccoli slaw, green onions, and sunflower seeds to create a refreshing side dish with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 pkgs ramen noodles (crushed, seasoning packets reserved)
- ¾ stick unsalted butter (6 tbsp)
- ¼ cup almonds (slivered )
- ¾ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Oriental ramen seasoning packet
- 28 oz broccoli slaw mix (2 packages)
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 4 tbsp green onions (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Noodles & Almonds
- Crush ramen noodles with a rolling pin.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add crushed noodles and slivered almonds.
- Stir until lightly browned, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together canola oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ramen seasoning packet until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Coleslaw
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli slaw mix, toasted ramen mixture, sunflower seeds, and green onions.
- Pour dressing over the top and toss until fully coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Tips
- Toast noodles and almonds carefully; remove from heat as soon as lightly browned to avoid bitterness.
- Substitute sesame oil for part of the canola oil for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Add mandarin orange segments for a sweet, fruity variation.
- Use two seasoning packets for a stronger savory profile (adjust sodium to taste).
- For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar to 2 to 3 Tbsp.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a main-dish salad.
- Make ahead: toss dressing with slaw only, and add ramen just before serving for crunch.
- Swap almonds for sunflower seeds or peanuts if preferred.
- Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a lighter acidity.
- Add extra vegetables such as red cabbage or shredded carrots for color.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.1mg
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