A Picnic Classic

Its that time of year again!  It seems we are always looking for a good salad recipe for cookouts and picnics.  One of my favorites has always been broccoli slaw.  There's just something really pleasing about the contrast of textures and tastes.

There are no hard and fast rules about making these types of salads.  The recipe may call for raisins but you can successfully substitute dried cranberries if you have them or prefer them. 

The only ingredient in broccoli slaw thats really set in stone is the broccoli of course!  Beyond that, use what you have or what you like.  This recipe is made with a very simple dressing of honey, poppy seeds, apple cider vinegar and a vegan mayonnaise product called Vegannaise (available in most Publix Greenwise or healthfood stores).  You may of course use regular mayonnaise if you do not have dairy or egg allergies.

A word of caution about salads with mayonnaise is probably not necessary because I think everyone is aware that keeping mayo based salads cold is a priority.  Since mayonnaise contains raw eggs, Salmonella is always a concern.  Just take precautions about the length of time foods are unrefrigerated to avoid food bourne illness!

Sweet and Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

• 3 cups raw broccoli florets, chopped or broken very small
• 2 cups packaged broccoli slaw vegetable mix
• 1 cup matchstick carrots (julienned)
• 1/4 cup sweet vidalia onion, diced
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup dark raisins, cranberries or both
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup honey (I use Saw Palmetto from right here in Ft. M.)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• kosher salt to taste

1. In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients and toss well.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with honey, poppyseeds and vinegar.  Pour over salad and mix well.  Taste and season with salt as needed.  Chill until ready to serve.

This slaw goes particularly well with pulled pork, beef or chicken barbeque sandwiches.  I serve mine on soft whole wheat buns with slow cooked pulled chicken and my sweet, spicy sauce.  Its a party on a plate!

Today's Food Quote

"We are living in a world where furniture polish is made from real lemons and lemonade is made from artificial lemon flavor."  Alfred E. Newman