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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CARLA says
June 29, 2015 at 4:36 AMOH 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!
Tina Muir says
June 29, 2015 at 5:13 AMWhat 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 🙂
neil@neilshealthymeals.com says
June 29, 2015 at 5:21 AMYum! 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!
★★★★★
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 6:59 AMyou can use chili pepper and omit the mustard if you want. But i found a little mustard powder helps make it creamy!
SuzLyfe (@suzlyfe) says
June 29, 2015 at 5:32 AMI 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!
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 6:46 AMany yogurt will work! just don’t try frozen yogurt. haha
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
June 29, 2015 at 6:45 AMYum 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.
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
June 29, 2015 at 6:51 AMThis 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!
Dietitian Jess says
June 29, 2015 at 7:04 AMKefir used to be my favorite go to for probiotics but now I’m obsessed with kombucha #nutritionnerd Glad the hubs is feeling better!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
June 29, 2015 at 7:11 AMLindsay this looks AH-mazing. I will definitely be making this for our weekend cookout! 😀
★★★★★
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
June 29, 2015 at 7:52 AMLove the addition of the bluberries! This looks delicious.
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
June 29, 2015 at 7:53 AMI’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 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
June 29, 2015 at 7:59 AMI 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!
Lisa @ RunWikApricot i says
June 29, 2015 at 8:12 AMSweet Blueberries with a creamy crunchy broccoli slaw sounds delicious! Making this when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
June 29, 2015 at 8:12 AMPain 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.
Leah @ Grain Changer says
June 29, 2015 at 8:18 AMOMG 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!)
★★★★★
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 1:20 PMhaha i love that. good chuckles indeed
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
June 29, 2015 at 8:46 AMI’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!
Livi @ Eat, pray, work it out says
June 29, 2015 at 9:02 AMI never would have thought to combine blueberries and broccoli but I am definitely intrigued now!!
Sarah says
June 29, 2015 at 9:14 AMWhat time is your 4th of July picnic, because I will be there if this salad is being served!! Already marked to make this weekend!
Liz says
June 29, 2015 at 9:16 AMYum! Love broccoli slaw. Adding in blueberries is a great idea.. I’ll have to try this!
jill conyers says
June 29, 2015 at 9:18 AMAnother great recipe Lindsay! I’ve never tried Kefir. I think it’s time. Have a wonderful Monday!
Jody - Fit at 57 says
June 29, 2015 at 9:53 AMI so want this now!!!!! It looks amazing!!! I could put chicken breast on top & have a wonderful meal too! With or without is perfect!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
June 29, 2015 at 9:54 AMI 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.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed says
June 29, 2015 at 9:54 AMThis is just so pretty!!!
★★★★★
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
June 29, 2015 at 10:02 AMI need this in my life…sans nuts of course but this looks amazing!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
June 29, 2015 at 12:12 PMThis 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!!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
June 29, 2015 at 12:52 PMBeautiful 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.
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 1:38 PMoh my gosh you will love making your own! so fun! keep me posted
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
June 29, 2015 at 1:27 PMI 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!
Jen says
June 29, 2015 at 1:43 PMYum! 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!
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 6:58 PMoh goats milk, yes! love it!
She Rocks Fitness says
June 29, 2015 at 2:23 PMBlueberries and bacon sound amazing…but bacon goes with everything, almost like nut butter! Save me some please…xoxo
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
June 29, 2015 at 2:28 PMI 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!
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 6:59 PMyes, you read my mind! we are so in sync with slaws! haha
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
June 29, 2015 at 3:09 PMI 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!
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 6:58 PMI 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
Natalie says
June 29, 2015 at 4:08 PMI 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!)
Sarah grace says
June 29, 2015 at 4:12 PMI 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
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 9:45 PMtotally! a sweet tart and tangy salad is a must during summer, yes?
Hayley says
June 29, 2015 at 8:57 PMOh my gosh yum! We used to get a bagged salad like this at the store but I wanna try this!
Bethany says
June 29, 2015 at 9:04 PMlove all of this different flavors in here! You def won’t get bored eating this 🙂
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 9:44 PMnever! so fun too!
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says
June 29, 2015 at 9:14 PMLOVE the idea of using kefir in a dressing. I never thought of doing that!
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 9:44 PMit’s so tangy! love it Dani! let me know if you try it
Katie says
June 29, 2015 at 9:35 PMNot 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. 😉
Cotter Crunch says
June 29, 2015 at 9:42 PMi had a feeling you’d chime in. And i love it!
Georgie Morley says
June 30, 2015 at 7:40 AMThis 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.
Cotter Crunch says
June 30, 2015 at 1:25 PMLet me know if you try it! I think you’ll looooooove! 😉
Emily says
June 30, 2015 at 4:50 PMHow did you know that slaw/cabbage salad/salads of that sort are my absolutely favorite salads? I pinned this. 🙂 To make… very soon. :))
Jess @hellotofit says
June 30, 2015 at 5:27 PMI love Kefir. This is such a creative recipe – would have never thought to combine slaw and blueberries!
Julie @ Running in a skirt says
June 30, 2015 at 6:05 PMWhat 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!
★★★★★
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
June 30, 2015 at 6:39 PMLindsay, this broccoli slaw looks delicious! LOVE the blueberries in here!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
June 30, 2015 at 7:21 PMBelieve it or not, I still haven’t tried Kefir! This may be the recipe to get me to try it though!!! Looks fabulous!
Emanuele @ guyslovecooking says
July 1, 2015 at 3:06 AMWhy feeling bad?? Plus is good and healthy. Also in our daily life we often cook similar things …with a different twist 🙂
Melinda Curle says
March 29, 2017 at 8:07 AMThat 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/
Ginny says
March 25, 2018 at 5:44 PMWhere does the avocado and or olive oil come into play with this recipe?
Cotter Crunch says
March 25, 2018 at 5:58 PMHi 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/