If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, crunchy salad that bursts with flavor and color, this Apple Slaw Recipe is your new best friend. Combining crisp apples, vibrant scallions, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory that will brighten up any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a standout addition to your next gathering, this Apple Slaw Recipe delivers easy preparation with incredible taste, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Slaw Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering texture, flavor, and a beautiful palette of colors. Every item is chosen to create a harmonious mix that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Provides a creamy base that brings everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tanginess and lightness to the dressing, perfect for balancing sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: A subtle touch of sweetness that enhances the apples without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or cider): Lends brightness and a slight kick to the dressing for depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Delivers a fresh citrus note that elevates the dish’s overall zing.
- 1 pound coleslaw mix: A ready-to-go blend of shredded cabbage and carrots ensuring crisp, vibrant texture.
- 1 small bunch scallions (green parts only): Adds a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- 1 Granny Smith apple (chopped fine or julienned): Offers tart crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing.
- 1 red apple (chopped fine or julienned): Brings sweetness and a lovely pop of red color.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to highlight and balance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Apple Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together mayo, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and a bit of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is where your salad gets its creamy, tangy personality. Be sure to taste and adjust the flavors to suit your preferences — sometimes a little extra sugar or a splash more vinegar can make all the difference.
Step 2: Prep the Produce
While the dressing rests, finely chop or julienne your Granny Smith and red apples and slice the scallions, keeping only the green parts for a fresh, mild bite. Since the apples provide both crunch and sweetness, preparing them just right will elevate your apple slaw to irresistible levels.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with the chopped apples and scallions. Pour the dressing over everything and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper here — the seasoning really helps round out the flavors, especially in a dish as generous as this one.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can enjoy your beautiful apple slaw right away or chill it for an hour or two to meld the flavors further. Either way, this salad stays crisp and flavorful, making it a versatile option for last-minute meals or planned menus.
How to Serve Apple Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top, or consider a dash of freshly chopped parsley for a herbal contrast. These garnishes turn a simple slaw into something a little more special and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This Apple Slaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with barbecued meats like ribs or pulled pork, classic sandwiches, or even as a crisp topping for grilled fish. Its refreshing crunch and tangy notes brighten up hearty dishes and bring balance to rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve your apple slaw in individual mason jars layered with grilled chicken or add it to tacos as a zesty, colorful slaw topping. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups, making your meals as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover apple slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days. Stir gently before serving as the dressing may settle and the apples could release some juice.
Freezing
This Apple Slaw Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of coleslaw and apples generally changes when thawed, becoming soggy and losing the crisp, refreshing quality that makes it so delicious.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary and will diminish its delightful crunch and creamy texture. Simply serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and red apples offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your taste preference and what’s in season.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the mayo and sour cream with vegan versions or plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt to keep the creamy texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the apples and vegetables a few hours ahead. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the apples crisp and fresh.
What can I add to make this slaw more filling?
Consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or shredded chicken to the slaw to transform it into a more substantial meal. These ingredients boost protein and make the slaw hearty enough for lunch or dinner.
How can I adjust the dressing for less sugar?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly and increase the lime juice or vinegar to maintain a flavorful balance without the added sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Slaw Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s fresh, bright, and beautifully balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy notes that everyone will love. Next time you want to add a splash of color and flavor to your plate, give this recipe a try — I guarantee it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
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Apple Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Apple Slaw combines crisp coleslaw mix with tart Granny Smith and sweet red apples, all tossed in a creamy lime-infused dressing. It’s an easy, no-cook salad perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any meal needing a crunchy and tangy boost.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or cider)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Slaw
- 1 pound coleslaw mix
- 1 small bunch scallions, chopped (green parts only)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped fine or julienned
- 1 red apple, chopped fine or julienned
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), granulated sugar, vinegar, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt & pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more sugar or vinegar if needed.
- Prep the produce: Finely chop or julienne the Granny Smith and red apples, and chop the green parts of the scallions. Set aside.
- Toss the slaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped apples, and scallions. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and serve: The slaw can be served immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the salad chill for a crisp texture.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream for a lighter version.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- Adjust the sweetness by swapping the red apple with a sweeter variety like Fuji or Gala.
- This slaw is best eaten within 1-2 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Serve as a side with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy as a refreshing snack.
