Gluten FreeBroccoli Slaw Salad with Blueberries is tart and creamy, and packed with antioxidants and probiotics! The tang comes from using a kefir yogurt blend; no mayo needed! Which also makes it healthy and gut friendly. Super clean eating recipe with great flavor!
So I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the Kiwi is on the mend! His back is much better and he is able to walk and move and be human – yay! Lots of good healthy fats and grain free eating, helped. Or at least I like to think so, and take full credit for that nourishment. Haha, right?
The bad news, okay semi bad news, is that I’ve made this version of a recipe before. GASP! Don’t judge me, just hear me out. I made broccoli slaw salad before, but with a few different ingredients and herbs/spices. But the whole reason I made this simple broccoli slaw recipe AGAIN is because it’s so great for immunity and gut health. The kiwi definitely needs that after a few weeks of having to take pain meds (which can be a little harsh on your gut flora), and I need it because I was a complete stress ball, go figure! We all know what stress can do to the gut, and it ain’t pretty! Stress Reducing foods to the rescue!
So today we bring back the probiotics combined with prebiotics. The probiotics being the kefir yogurt (which is fermented) and the prebiotics being the broccoli cabbage slaw (the fibers in these vegetables). Together they make one MEGA HEALTHY vegetarian friendly SALAD that literally feeds the gut. Not to mention a great summer dish… just sayin.
Probiotics are a great supplement to feed our good gut bacteria. Those little guys keep our immune system going strong. There are a few good quality probiotics supplements out there, but most people often forget that cultured food contain a good source of probiotics as well.
Cultured food basically means it’s fermented—the chemical process of breaking a complicated substance down into simpler parts, usually with the help of bacteria, yeasts, or fungi. We see a lot of these foods in traditional dishes; such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha tea. Kefir is another fermented food that often gets forgotten, but shouldn’t! Oh how I love kefir and the deliciousness of creamy kefir yogurt! See, another reason why I am posting this recipe AGAIN today. I adore KEFIR!
Kefir’s tart and refreshing flavor is similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria found in yogurt.
You know what else I love about kefir? It’s basically lactose free, due to the abundance of beneficial yeast lactase. This type of yeast will eat the lactose during fermentation. YAHOO!
That being said, I’ll tame my enthusiasm and get to the recipe!
This broccoli slaw salad recipe is one of my favorite dishes to add kefir yogurt to. Serve it as a light lunch, side dish, or snack.
It’s even great to make for a potluck dinner. A creamy salad that keeps everyone nourished and satisfied!
And it you are looking for a VEGAN dairy free version, check out Taylor’s Vegan/Whole 30 Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad!
Creamy Blueberry Broccoli Slaw Salad
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Creamy Blueberry Broccoli Slaw Salad
Ingredients
- 12oz bag broccoli cabbage slaw salad mix (can also use small broccoli florets shredded with carrots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup cooked nitrate free bacon, crumbled (vegans can omit or use coconut bacon)
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or craisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (roasted)
- 2 tbsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup plain kefir yogurt (can use plain yogurt too)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes work too
- 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
Instructions
- Directions:
- Place broccoli slaw in mixing bowl. Add in your kefir yogurt and vinegar. Mix well. Then add seasonings. Mix again. Finally, add the remaining fixins, berries, seeds, bacon, onion, etc. Mix and chill in fridge until ready to serve. Also great to mix into wraps. Serves 3-4.
Well folks, I hope you stay healthy and energized this week! It’s the almost July, we have a lot of summer to enjoy, including a certain Holiday this weekend –> cue the fireworks! ***
Do you eat cultured foods? What’s your favorite?
Is that a nerdy question? Don’t answer that.
Happy Meatless Monday!
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OH there is nothing I hate more than MAYO.
this is perfect for me—and I can confess Ive never eaten or made the ‘slaw before either!
What a power packed recipe! Lindsay! This sounds amazing!!!! I love salads like this, especially with the crunch! This sounds amazing! Did I already say that? I dont care, cause it does!!! Thanks for linking up for meatless monday my friend 🙂
Yum! There are just so many nice things in this slaw. Blueberries and cranberries being two of my most favourite fruits. Plus I’m really intrigued by the combination of your paprika and mustard powder giving it a particularly distinctive flavour!
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you can use chili pepper and omit the mustard if you want. But i found a little mustard powder helps make it creamy!
I have yogurt of some variety every day a) protein b) I love it c) good old bacteria. I’m not as much into kefir but I bet it would be perfect in this application due to the viscosity. And I’ll take all the blueberries, thank you! Glad that Kiwi is improving!
any yogurt will work! just don’t try frozen yogurt. haha
Yum yum! I am a big fan of kefir yogurt and love the use of it here in a dressing. I have also had a recent obsession with kefir water and am experimenting with a batch right now.
This reminds me of my Bleu Cheese Apple Slaw (http://www.blondeshavemorerun.com/2015/06/03/wiaw-featuring-bleu-cheese-apple-slaw-recipe/). But the addition of bacon in yours….game changer! Interesting blend of flavors!
Kefir used to be my favorite go to for probiotics but now I’m obsessed with kombucha #nutritionnerd Glad the hubs is feeling better!
Lindsay this looks AH-mazing. I will definitely be making this for our weekend cookout! 😀
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Love the addition of the bluberries! This looks delicious.
I’m not mad at your for bringing this recipe back because I’ve never seen it before and it looks delicioussssss–and YAY for Kiwi on the mend! That’s great news 🙂
I adore kefir – but have only ever had it swooshed out of the bottle (I probably shouldn’t share that part) – I’ve never ever thought to have it in anything else – so this slaw/salad has me so intrigued! And WOA- You added in blueberries too! Talk about a partay – right in every mouthful!
Sweet Blueberries with a creamy crunchy broccoli slaw sounds delicious! Making this when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.
Pain meds are killer on the gut, I’m so glad he’s feeling better! And you know I definitely believe you helped him out with your healing meals. I’ve actually never tried kefir but have always wanted to, as you know I love my probiotics! Looks perfect and the addition of berries is awesome.
OMG Lindsay! This sounds incredible! Broccoli Slaw salad is my FAV and I love that you used kefir in place of mayo. I’m all about those probiotics and fermented foods!! (side note, I totally heard Yoshi’s voice when I read “YAHOO!” Thanks for the little chuckle on a Monday morning!)
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haha i love that. good chuckles indeed
I’m so glad he’s feeling better- he is so lucky to have you and your healing foods. I love sauerkraut- if I hadn’t grown up with it, I’d probably think it’s gross but I crave it!
I never would have thought to combine blueberries and broccoli but I am definitely intrigued now!!
What time is your 4th of July picnic, because I will be there if this salad is being served!! Already marked to make this weekend!
Yum! Love broccoli slaw. Adding in blueberries is a great idea.. I’ll have to try this!
Another great recipe Lindsay! I’ve never tried Kefir. I think it’s time. Have a wonderful Monday!
I so want this now!!!!! It looks amazing!!! I could put chicken breast on top & have a wonderful meal too! With or without is perfect!
I can’t wait for the day we get to party in the kitchen together. Soooooon!
Glad Kiwi is on the mend. I know that’s so frustrating.
This is just so pretty!!!
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I need this in my life…sans nuts of course but this looks amazing!
This looks fantastic! I haven’t made a slaw like this in ages – had one recipe that used greek yogurt, lemon, honey and some herbs. Glad to hear the Kiwi is on the mends!!
Beautiful photos! I am starting to foodie-geek-out over cultured foods like kefir and sauerkraut (I need to start making my own!) because they taste so good and are oh-so-good for the gut.
oh my gosh you will love making your own! so fun! keep me posted
I actually have some broccoli slaw in my fridge right now waiting to be used for something… This came at the perfect timing! Sounds refreshing and delicious!
Yum! This sounds wonderful! I love adding blueberries to savory foods. I put them in a salmon salad I make with goat milk yogurt + avocado. So tasty!
oh goats milk, yes! love it!
Blueberries and bacon sound amazing…but bacon goes with everything, almost like nut butter! Save me some please…xoxo
I have a “thing” for slaws…love the crunch and the different textures, the sweet and savory combo, and the way that they pair so well with other dishes. I usually use yogurt in lieu of mayo, but I love the idea to try kefir as well! The blueberries add such a great, fresh touch too. SO GREAT for summer! Pinned!
yes, you read my mind! we are so in sync with slaws! haha
I feel healthier just looking at this slaw, Lindsay! I’ve seen kefir before in the Baltic countries, but haven’t seen it in the supermarkets here. I hadn’t heard about prebiotics, too … so I’ve learnt quite a bit today!
Really great salad!
I know, right? Kefir is so tangy and perfect with this. YOu’ll love it helen! well, at least i hope so! haha. Keep me posted
I can’t wait to make this!!! I wish I could make it for dinner tonight!
Lindsay, this looks so healthy and absolutely delicious.
This would be perfect for the 4th of July BBQ I am going to!
Thanks for sharing friend (and your photos are always so beautiful!)
I love broccoli slaw salads..but the addition of blueberries?! Genius! Must add such a great sweet flavor along with the typical dried cranberries.
Xo,
Sarah Grace
totally! a sweet tart and tangy salad is a must during summer, yes?
Oh my gosh yum! We used to get a bagged salad like this at the store but I wanna try this!
love all of this different flavors in here! You def won’t get bored eating this 🙂
never! so fun too!
LOVE the idea of using kefir in a dressing. I never thought of doing that!
it’s so tangy! love it Dani! let me know if you try it
Not to get too technical (nerd alert) but fermentaiton is just the breakdown of sugar into lactic acid and ATP in the absence of oxygen. The bacteria catalyze this process by “eating” the sugar. If oxygen gets into the fermenting food, it oxydizes into CO2 and water, and there’s no lactic acid, aka, none of the “fermented” flavor.
Sceince lesson over. Carry on. 😉
i had a feeling you’d chime in. And i love it!
This salad is gorgeous! I love me some kefir and I’ve never thought to use it this way. Good to hear that everyone is feeling better – it’s never fun ot be out of commission in the summer.
Let me know if you try it! I think you’ll looooooove! 😉
How did you know that slaw/cabbage salad/salads of that sort are my absolutely favorite salads? I pinned this. 🙂 To make… very soon. :))
I love Kefir. This is such a creative recipe – would have never thought to combine slaw and blueberries!
What a delicious and unique recipe. I love the blueberries in it. I also try to eat plenty of yogurt or kefir to help my immune system.
Thanks for linking up with Meatless Monday! It’s been great connecting!
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Lindsay, this broccoli slaw looks delicious! LOVE the blueberries in here!
Believe it or not, I still haven’t tried Kefir! This may be the recipe to get me to try it though!!! Looks fabulous!
Why feeling bad?? Plus is good and healthy. Also in our daily life we often cook similar things …with a different twist 🙂
That blueberry salad looks so delicious. I’m a big fan of using kefir in my smoothies, but never thought to use it in a salad dressing. Great idea!
http://www.getfitandhealthyathome.com/what-is-kefir/
Where does the avocado and or olive oil come into play with this recipe?
Hi Ginny! Sorry this is an old
Recipe that I should probably update instructions. You just basically toss everything together. I have another version I’ll be posting soon that’s dairy free. Recipe is up on Facebook now. https://www.facebook.com/CotterCrunch/photos/a.667966863267627.1073741829.664259030305077/1737273543003615/