Let me tell you about the slaw that changed my picnic game forever. Picture this: It’s a sweltering summer afternoon, the grill’s fired up, and someone hands you a bowl of the usual mayo-laden coleslaw. Then—*plot twist*—you take a bite of this Apple Slaw instead. Crisp, juicy apples tangled with ribbons of cabbage, all dressed in a tangy-sweet yogurt sauce that’s light enough to let every ingredient sing. Suddenly, that heavy, gloppy stuff from the deli aisle seems like a distant memory.

This isn’t just coleslaw with fruit tossed in—it’s a masterclass in texture and balance. The apples bring a natural sweetness that plays off the peppery bite of red onion, while the dressing (a clever mix of Greek yogurt and Apple Cider vinegar) keeps everything refreshingly bright. It’s the kind of dish that makes you sneak forkfuls straight from the fridge at midnight, pretending you’re “just checking if it’s still good.” (Spoiler: It’s always good.)

Why This Recipe Works

• The Crunch Factor: That satisfying snap of fresh cabbage and apples? It’s all in the cut. Julienne the apples thin enough to meld with the slaw but thick enough to hold their structure—like matchsticks with dignity.
• Dressing Wisdom: Unlike traditional slaw dressings that can feel like a weighted blanket, this one uses Greek yogurt for creaminess without the slog. A dash of Dijon mustard isn’t just for flavor; it’s the glue that holds the dressing together.
• Prep Smarter: Soaking the onions in cold water tames their sharpness (no one wants onion breath stealing the spotlight), and a quick lemon juice bath keeps the apples from turning brown—like a spa day for your fruit.

Essential Ingredients & Tools

Ingredients for the Slaw Base

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage (or red cabbage for color)
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, julienned
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)

Ingredients for the Dressing

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp celery seed (or caraway seeds)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools

• Chef’s knife (or a box grater for shredding)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork

How to Make Apple Slaw

1. Salt Your Cabbage: Toss 4 cups shredded cabbage with 1 tsp salt, let sit 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This draws out excess water, keeping the slaw crisp.
2. Prep Apples: Julienne 2 medium apples and toss with 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Soak Onions: Soak ¼ cup red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite.
4. Make Dressing: Whisk ½ cup yogurt, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp mustard, ½ tsp celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Combine: Gently toss cabbage, 2 cups carrots, apples, and onions with dressing. Start with half, add more as needed.
6. Rest: Let sit 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Perfect Pairings

Complementary Dishes

• Grilled Pork Chops: The slaw’s sweetness cuts through the richness of pork, while its crunch contrasts the meat’s tenderness.
• Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: The slaw’s acidity balances smoky BBQ sauce, and its crispness adds texture to soft buns.

Drinks

• Dry Riesling: The wine’s acidity mirrors the slaw’s tang, while its fruity notes echo the apples.
• Sparkling Lemonade: Bubbles cleanse the palate, and lemon highlights the dressing’s brightness.

Something Sweet

• Honey-Glazed Peach Slices: Warm peaches contrast the slaw’s coolness, and honey ties both dishes together.
• Ginger Snap Cookies: Their spice plays off the slaw’s celery seed, making a refreshing dessert duo.

Storage & Freshness Guide

Dressed slaw holds up for 1-2 days in the fridge. For meal prep, store dressing separately and combine just before eating. To revive leftovers, drain excess liquid and add a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Apple Slaw: The Crunchy, Sweet-Tart Side Dish That Steals the Show

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Recipe Information

Cost Level $

Category Salad

Difficulty Medium

Cuisine American

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Recipe Details

Servings 6

Total Time 15 minutes

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Try my easy Apple Slaw recipe for a crunchy, sweet-tart side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Light, refreshing, and ready in minutes! Get the recipe now.

Ingredients

For the Slaw Base

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 2 medium apples (julienned)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Dressing

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
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• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
  View substitutions
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
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• ½ tsp celery seed
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• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. 01

   Toss cabbage with 1 tsp salt, let sit 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
2. 02

   Julienne apples and toss with lemon juice.
3. 03

   Soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
4. 04

   Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.
5. 05

   Combine slaw ingredients, add dressing, and toss gently.
6. 06

   Let sit 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tags

contains-dairycontains-lactosecontains-honeycontains-mustardcontains-celerycrowd-pleaserlight-and-freshmake-aheadquickserved-coldtangy