Easy Apple Cabbage Slaw: A Crunchy, Tangy Delight
Are you looking for a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly easy side dish that will elevate any meal? Look no further than this Easy Apple Cabbage Slaw! This recipe combines the crispness of cabbage and the sweetness of apples with a tangy, creamy dressing for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or simply as a healthy and delicious addition to your weeknight dinner. Forget boring, mayo-laden coleslaw – this version is lighter, brighter, and packed with nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cabbage Slaw
* **Quick and Easy:** This slaw comes together in under 20 minutes. Minimal chopping is required, especially if you use pre-shredded cabbage.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Cabbage and apples are both excellent sources of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This slaw is a guilt-free way to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
* **Versatile:** This slaw pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled chicken and fish to pulled pork and sandwiches. It’s also delicious on its own as a light lunch or snack.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sweet apples, crunchy cabbage, and tangy dressing is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage and apples are typically inexpensive ingredients, making this slaw a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups). You can also use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time.
* **Apples:** 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced or julienned. Consider using a mix of red and green apples for visual appeal.
* **Carrot:** 1 large carrot, shredded.
* **Red Onion:** 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced (optional, but adds a nice bite).
* **Fresh Parsley or Cilantro:** 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish and added freshness).
**For the Dressing:**
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup (use light mayonnaise to reduce fat and calories if desired).
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons (adds tang and acidity).
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon (provides a subtle spice and depth of flavor).
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** 1-2 tablespoons (for sweetness; adjust to your preference).
* **Celery Seed:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but adds a classic coleslaw flavor).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
Equipment
* Large Bowl
* Cutting Board
* Knife or Mandoline
* Whisk
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious apple cabbage slaw:
**1. Prepare the Cabbage:**
* If using a whole head of cabbage, remove the outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Shred the cabbage thinly using a knife or a mandoline. Alternatively, use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
* Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
**2. Prepare the Apples:**
* Wash and core the apples. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Thinly slice or julienne the apples. If you’re not serving the slaw immediately, toss the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
* Add the apples to the bowl with the cabbage.
**3. Prepare the Remaining Vegetables:**
* Shred the carrot and add it to the bowl.
* If using red onion, thinly slice or finely dice it and add it to the bowl.
* Chop the fresh parsley or cilantro and set it aside for garnish.
**4. Make the Dressing:**
* In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, celery seed (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or more apple cider vinegar for tang.
**5. Combine and Chill:**
* Pour the dressing over the cabbage, apples, carrot, and red onion in the large bowl.
* Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling for a longer period (1-2 hours) is even better.
**6. Garnish and Serve:**
* Before serving, give the slaw another quick toss.
* Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
* **Add Nuts or Seeds:** For added crunch and flavor, try adding toasted slivered almonds, pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to the slaw.
* **Use Different Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits like grapes, dried cranberries, or mandarin oranges.
* **Add Protein:** Make it a meal by adding shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.
* **Sweetness Adjustment:** Some apples are naturally sweeter than others. Taste the slaw before adding honey or maple syrup and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
* **Make it Ahead:** This slaw can be made a day ahead of time. The flavors will meld even more as it sits in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may soften slightly over time.
* **Dressing Consistency:** If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water to thin it out.
* **Apple Choice:** While Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples work well, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Pink Lady for a slightly sweeter taste.
* **Cabbage Type:** While green cabbage is the most common choice, you can also use red cabbage for a more colorful slaw. Keep in mind that red cabbage can bleed its color into the dressing, so it’s best to add it just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This apple cabbage slaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Barbecues and Cookouts:** Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.
* **Sandwiches and Wraps:** Add it to sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for extra flavor and crunch.
* **Seafood Dishes:** It’s a great accompaniment to grilled or baked fish, shrimp, or crab cakes.
* **Salads:** Use it as a base for a larger salad and add protein, vegetables, and a flavorful vinaigrette.
* **Asian-Inspired Meals:** Pair it with stir-fries, spring rolls, or noodle dishes.
* **Potlucks and Picnics:** It’s a perfect dish to bring to potlucks and picnics because it’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating or cooking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (depending on the ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
* Protein: 1-2 grams
* Fiber: 3-4 grams
*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover apple cabbage slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the slaw may become slightly softer over time, but it will still be delicious. It’s best to consume it within a few days for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy Your Delicious Apple Cabbage Slaw!
This Easy Apple Cabbage Slaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor and nutrients, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a refreshing snack, this slaw is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this crunchy, tangy delight! Bon appétit!
FAQs
**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?**
A: Yes, absolutely! Using pre-shredded coleslaw mix will save you a lot of time and effort.
**Q: Can I make this slaw ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make it a day ahead of time. The flavors will meld even more as it sits in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may soften slightly over time.
**Q: How do I prevent the apples from browning?**
A: Toss the apples with a little lemon juice after slicing them to prevent browning.
**Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
A: While apple cider vinegar is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar if needed.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**
A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or shredded broccoli.
**Q: Is this slaw gluten-free?**
A: Yes, this slaw is naturally gluten-free.
**Q: Is this slaw dairy-free?**
A: If you use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute, this slaw can be dairy-free.
**Q: Can I freeze this slaw?**
A: Freezing is not recommended as the cabbage and mayonnaise will not hold up well.
**Q: What if I don’t have celery seed?**
A: Celery seed is optional, so you can simply omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
**Q: How can I make this slaw spicier?**
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this apple cabbage slaw, here are a few other recipes you might like:
* Classic Coleslaw
* Broccoli Slaw
* Asian Slaw
* Cucumber Salad
* Potato Salad
Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and creating delicious and healthy meals!