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This fresh apple slaw perfectly balances crisp textures and sweet tang, making it a vibrant side dish for year-round meals. It combines a creamy dressing with crunchy apples and a medley of colorful vegetables and nuts for a refreshing twist on classic slaw.
I first served this at a summer barbecue and have since made it a staple for holidays and casual dinners alike because it always gets compliments and requests for seconds
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: provides creaminess and richness& choose full-fat for best texture
- Sour cream: adds tang and smoothness& fresh is key to avoid any sour notes
- Honey: natural sweetness that balances the vinegar& opt for mild-flavored honey
- Apple cider vinegar: brings acidity and brightness& look for unfiltered for depth
- Salt and black pepper: essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors
- Coleslaw mix: a convenient blend of shredded cabbage and carrots& fresh and crisp is best
- Red apples: use firm, tart apples like Fuji or Granny Smith to hold shape and add sweetness
- Matchstick carrots: contribute crunch and subtle sweetness
- Green onions: add a mild sharpness and fresh color
- Dried cranberries: provide chewy tartness and sweetness contrast
- Slivered almonds: offer a nutty crunch and texture layer& pick fresh and unsalted
Instructions
- Whisk the Dressing:
- Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until fully blended and smooth. This dressing is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy and will coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Mix the Slaw Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix, julienned red apples, matchstick carrots, sliced green onions, dried cranberries, and slivered almonds. Make sure the apple pieces are cut evenly to blend well with the other textures.
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of slaw ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything in dressing without bruising the apples or cabbage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows all the flavors to marry and the slaw to crisp up beautifully.
The sweet-tart interplay from the apples and cranberries is my favorite part. One holiday season I brought this slaw to a family dinner and heard over and over how it was the perfect balance to the richness of the roast and sides. It has since become a tradition to include it every year.
Storage Tips
Keep slaw refrigerated in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to two days. The apples and cabbage hold up well but will start to soften after a couple of days. If you want to prepare in advance, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving for maximum crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing
Use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor
Replace dried cranberries with golden raisins or chopped dried cherries to vary sweetness and tartness profiles
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a crisp side for grilled chicken, pork, or fish
Use as a topping for sandwiches or tacos to add freshness and crunch
Pair with Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham for a seasonal contrast
Do not skip the refrigeration step as it lets the cabbage soften slightly while keeping its crispness and allows the flavors to meld beautifully for the best taste and texture
FAQs about Recipes
- → Can I use different apples for this slaw?
Yes, varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji work well, offering different sweetness and tartness levels.
- → What can substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- → How long should the slaw be chilled before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to fully coat the ingredients.
- → Can I add nuts other than almonds?
Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delicious crunch and complementary flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours in advance enhances flavor, but add crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain texture.