I made this really good and really easy broccoli coleslaw today. I know I could have made the dressing from scratch and grated all the veggies but sometimes using store bought ingredients saves a lot of time on a busy day like today.
It’s Mother’s Day and I went along with my inlaws for a picnic at a nearby lake where there’s a lovely playground for children. Joan loves to watch children play. She taught kindergarten and elementary school children for many many years and I suppose that love of children never leaves you — even when you’re 90 and have dementia.
She really enjoyed getting out in the sunshine and eating her picnic lunch. First we had some lovely Turkish bread with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dukkah to dip the bread in. It’s Joan’s favorite thing and it’s not something you find in nursing homes. We always take some on our picnics. Joan’s not really able to do restaurants very well any more as it’s more stress than fun for her.
When I brought out the broccoli coleslaw she wasn’t too sure about the green but one bite and she was a happy eater. She told me she wanted some more of that and she pointed out she still had some on her plate. That wasn’t enough so I put more on her plate and she ate it all.
We fed some magpies, watched the little ones playing and ate until we were full. That’s what Mother’s Day should be – just chilling out with mum.
- 1 package coleslaw mix
- ½ head of fresh broccoli
- ¼ medium onion grated
- 1 bottle of store bought coleslaw dressing (I used ZoOsh)
- Grate onion
- Put the broccoli in a food processor and pulse until it's small pieces
- Add the coleslaw mix and pulse 1 time just to break up any large pieces of cabbage
- Pour it all into a large bowl and add the coleslaw dressing. My salad took about ½ cup but everyone is different as to how much dressing they like.
Even at 90 and 94, you never lose your need for love. I did say SMILE!!
I did NOT encourage this public display of affection! 🙂 It was very sweet.
Lizzy (Good Things) says
Awwwwwwwwwwww, so sweet. Treasured moments.. and a great recipe!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Maureen, I so love reading about your outings with your in-laws! And what a lovely spot for your perfect picnic!
April J Harris says
What a lovely post! I’m so glad you had a happy day – looks like your inlaws really enjoyed themselves! Love the broccoli coleslaw recipe too – it sounds scrumptious!
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says
Oh, what a lovely way to spend Mother’s Day – a treat for you all. And that slaw looks great too and a great way to dress up store bought coleslaw mix.
Glamorous Glutton says
How wonderful to be able to give that much joy. GG
A_Boleyn says
What a wonderful way to spend Mother’s Day … fresh air, view of children playing and the lack of stress of a picnic with great food. You’re a great daughter-in-law, Maureen. The sweet kiss made for a perfect end to the day.
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
That is so kind of you, the way you look after and are so thoughtful of your inlaws. I’ve never tried broccoli coleslaw and I love the idea, so unique!! Happy Mother’s Day to YOU too! N x
minnie@thelady8home says
This is the sweetest post ever! So so sweet! Happy Mother’s Day Maureen!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Aw, such nice pictures! Sounds like a fun day. 🙂
Nancy | Plus Ate Six says
What beautiful photos of your in-laws. Lovely looking coleslaw – never thought of using broccoli before but I’m a big fan of raw broccoli.
Eha says
Methinks the last two beautiful photos kind’of ‘push’ the broccoli slaw into second place. Heart-warming . . . Make a lot of slaw, admittedly from scratch with own version of dressing but have never added broccoli which actually is one of my fave vegetables. Shall certainly try 🙂 !!
Maureen says
You’re right, they are cuter than the slaw.
Joanne T Ferguson says
I love your broccoli slaw Maureen! And Rob and Joan…well, the photos are absolutely adorable and demonstrate unconditional love!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
I’m glad you had a good time with your in-laws today. They are too cute and look pretty darn good for being in their 90s! I think I would have followed in Joan’s footsteps and asked for more of this broccoli slaw. Pile up my plate, please! 🙂
Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons says
I LOVE coleslaw, Maureen. And I love your version with the addition of the broccoli. So creamy and crunchy and perfect for a picnic! What a nice idea for Mother’s Day. Your inlaws are so cute! I hope I’m so spry at 90! : )
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
What sweet pictures at the end. What a relief that it all went well on Mother’s Day! 😀
Marilyn Lesniak says
I love cole slaw, as well as broccoli. I never thought of putting them together! Yum.
Hotly Spiced says
It looks like you had perfect weather for Mother’s Day. I think it’s really sweet that you were able to take Joan and Rob out for the day and that Joan was able to relax and enjoy herself and watch the children play. And clearly she was enjoying Rob’s company as well! I love the sound of your simple coleslaw – no need to be a slave of the kitchen on Mother’s Day. I hope you had a good Mother’s Day, Maureen xx
Veronica (Roni) says
And what an exquisite day it was for all of us to relax :)) (hopefully) Mother Nature presented us all with her gift….
What treasured memories of special love to witness & capture. Gorgeous as always Maureen xx
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Oh Maureen those last two photos are just gorgeous. How lovely for them to have a day out together in the beautiful weather. I hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day.
Lisa Goldfinger says
Lovely post and delicious-looking slaw!
Mary Frances says
So glad you got to celebrate such a wonderful Mother’s Day, Maureen. The photos are heartwarming, and the coleslaw looks delicious!
jo@jocooks.com says
Your broccoli coleslaw looks so delicious! I too love the last couple pictures, so sweet! 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Maureen – oh my – your inlaws are just so adorable! After all this time and all their health concerns – they still manage to indulge in some PDA and lots of broccoli slaw! Happy belated Mother’s day to you!! xx
Ciao Florentina says
Just when I was looking for some broccoli inspiration. The Universe is funny like that. And major awwwwwwwww factor to those loving photos. I wanna be that couple when I’m old ..
Carol Preibis says
Hi Maureen,
This looks good! I like the idea of including both broccoli and cabbage.
Do you have any good recipes for homemade coleslaw dressing?
If so, perhaps you could post it sometime.
Wishing you well,
Carol
Maureen says
Yes and will do 🙂
Liz says
Aw, what sweet photos of your in-laws!!! They remind me of my parents. And your coleslaw looks marvelous—I’d be asking for seconds, too! xoxo
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
That really is sweet Maureen and the slaw looks great. Just like mother’s day should be. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Krista says
How I love the beautiful pictures you captured. 🙂 Such a tender moment. Your salad sounds lovely and nourishing.
Eva says
Love is in the air ! They are so sweet !
Today I make a picnic with may daughter and all her classe, I wish I would have this coleslaw salad !!
The Ninja Baker says
Next time I make cole slaw (a favorite), I’ll include broccoli and onion. Your mother-in-law does indeed look very happy…Bet the beaming smile was prompted by that full plate of cole slaw!
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Oh my goodness what a cute couple! So glad you had a nice Mother’s Day. I love coleslaw and the brocc is a nice touch. Nothing wrong with bottled dressing to make things easy!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
Those pictures are just priceless – so very sweet. And you coleslaw turned out wonderfully – I love the idea of adding broccoli!
Kate @ Babaganosh.org says
Very very sweet.. I love seeing elderly people hugging and kissing. 🙂
What a great idea to add some green to your coleslaw. Coleslaw is actually one of my favorite ways to eat salad – I love eating crunchy vegetables instead of leafy vegetables. Plus it’s so easy to make!
cquek says
Can’t wait to make them and share with friends!
In their 90’s – they are a wonderful loving couple.
“Cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey.”
Tara Noland says
Gorgeous pictures of those young love birds!! The coleslaw is a perfect addition to any picnic. So easy and delicious!!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
I was thinking of making a broccoli slaw today, too. It’s always been my favourite kind of coleslaw.
Love the pics of your mom and dad!!
Elizabeth says
I love broccoli in coleslaw…. but I put heaps more in its so good…. this looks like a great recipe! 🙂 Liz xx