This broccoli slaw with crème fraîche dressing is a fresh and crunchy side dish made with grated broccoli, leek, celery stalk, and sweet onion. Tossed in a light, tangy dressing with white balsamic vinegar and garlic, it’s simple to prepare and works well alongside many different main courses.
I really like slaws and make them often as a side dish. I tend to vary the ingredients depending on what I have in the fridge and what I’m serving for the main course. This particular slaw came together the other evening when we had Finnish Wiener-style sausages (nakki) for dinner. I didn’t have any cabbage on hand, but I did have broccoli and celery stalks, so I decided to work with that instead. The result was fresh, creamy, and full of flavor, and definitely something I’ll be making again.
A Flexible Slaw for Everyday Cooking
What I love most about slaws like this one is how adaptable they are. Broccoli adds crunch and structure, while leek, celery, and sweet onion bring mild sharpness and freshness. The crème fraîche dressing ties everything together without feeling heavy, making this a side dish that works year-round.
This kind of salad fits perfectly into everyday cooking, especially when you’re building a meal around simple mains like sausages, fish, or roasted vegetables. It’s the sort of recipe that doesn’t require much planning, yet still feels thoughtful and complete on the plate.
Creamy, Tangy, and Well Balanced
The dressing is intentionally simple. Crème fraîche gives it body and gentle acidity, while white balsamic vinegar adds brightness without overpowering the vegetables. A small amount of garlic rounds out the flavor, and just a touch of sugar balances everything nicely.
Because the vegetables are finely sliced and grated, the slaw softens slightly as it sits, making it even better after a short rest. A sprinkle of flat-leaf parsley at the end adds freshness and a bit of color.
How to Serve This Broccoli Slaw
This broccoli slaw works well as a side dish for casual dinners as well as slightly more composed meals. It pairs especially nicely with sausages, grilled meats, fish, or simple grain-based dishes. You can make it a little ahead of time and keep it chilled until serving, which makes it practical for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
If you enjoy fresh, vegetable-forward sides like this one, you might also like other crisp, colorful salads such as the traditional Finnish rosolli salad, a simple and creamy beet salad, or the classic Waldorf salad . All great sides for meat, chicken, or fish.
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Broccoli Slaw with Crème Fraîche Dressing
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Box grater or food processor with grating attachment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
Broccoli Slaw
- 4,5 dl (2 cups) grated broccoli about 50% of the slaw
- 1 dl (½ cup) finely sliced leek
- 1 dl (½ cup) finely sliced celery stalk
- 1 dl (½ cup) finely chopped sweet onion
Crème Fraîche Dressing
- 0,75 dl (¾ cup) crème fraîche
- ½ clove garlic finely grated
- 1½ tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½-1 tsp sugar to taste
To Garnish
- Flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Grate the broccoli using a box grater or food processor and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced leek, celery, and sweet onion to the bowl and mix gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the crème fraîche, grated garlic, white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley before serving.
