Purple Power: Apple Slaw with Peanut Butter Dressing Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful Purple Apple Slaw with Peanut Butter Dressing is a delightful twist on traditional coleslaw. The combination of crisp purple cabbage, sweet apples, and a creamy, nutty dressing creates a salad that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch, this slaw is sure to become a new favorite.
## Why Purple Cabbage?
While green cabbage is the standard for coleslaw, purple cabbage offers a striking visual appeal and a boost of antioxidants. The deep purple hue comes from anthocyanins, powerful plant pigments known for their health benefits. Plus, the slightly sweeter flavor of purple cabbage complements the other ingredients beautifully.
## The Magic of Peanut Butter Dressing
Forget mayonnaise-laden dressings! This peanut butter dressing is a game-changer. It’s creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet, with a hint of savory umami. The peanut butter adds richness and depth, while the lime juice provides a refreshing zing. A touch of honey balances the flavors perfectly.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Slaw:
* 1/2 medium head purple cabbage, thinly shredded
* 2 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), cored and julienned or diced
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped toasted peanuts (for garnish)
### For the Peanut Butter Dressing:
* 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
* 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin to desired consistency)
* 1/4 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl
* Small mixing bowl or jar (for the dressing)
* Whisk or fork (for the dressing)
* Knife and cutting board
* Vegetable peeler or mandoline (optional, for shredding cabbage)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
* Remove the outer leaves of the purple cabbage. These leaves are often tougher and can have blemishes.
* Cut the cabbage in half through the core.
* Place one half cut-side down on your cutting board and thinly slice it crosswise into shreds. Aim for shreds that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
* Alternatively, you can use a mandoline for more even and consistent shreds. Be careful when using a mandoline and always use the handguard to protect your fingers.
* Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
### Step 2: Prepare the Apples
* Wash and core the apples. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the peel on adds fiber and nutrients.
* Julienne the apples into thin strips. To do this, slice the apples into thin rounds, then stack the rounds and cut them into matchstick-like pieces. Alternatively, you can dice the apples into small cubes.
* Add the julienned or diced apples to the mixing bowl with the cabbage. To prevent browning, you can toss the apples with a squeeze of lemon juice, but it’s not essential since the lime juice in the dressing will also help.
### Step 3: Prepare the Remaining Vegetables
* Peel the carrots and shred them using a box grater or vegetable peeler. Add the shredded carrots to the mixing bowl.
* Finely chop the red onion. Red onion adds a pungent bite to the slaw, but you can substitute with green onions for a milder flavor. Add the chopped red onion to the mixing bowl.
* If using, chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the mixing bowl. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the slaw.
### Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Dressing
* In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine the peanut butter, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), and sesame oil.
* Whisk or shake the ingredients together until they are well combined. The dressing will likely be thick at this point.
* Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less water depending on the consistency of your peanut butter.
* If using, stir in the grated ginger and red pepper flakes. These add extra layers of flavor to the dressing.
* Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. You may also want to add a little more honey or lime juice to balance the flavors to your liking.
### Step 5: Combine and Toss
* Pour the peanut butter dressing over the cabbage, apple, carrot, red onion, and cilantro mixture in the large mixing bowl.
* Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle to avoid bruising the apples.
### Step 6: Chill and Serve
* For the best flavor, cover the slaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
* Before serving, give the slaw another toss to redistribute the dressing.
* Garnish with chopped toasted peanuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
## Tips and Variations
* **Add Protein:** Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Other Vegetables:** Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers, edamame, or snow peas.
* **Spice it Up:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing for more heat.
* **Sweetener Options:** Substitute maple syrup or agave for honey in the dressing.
* **Nut-Free:** Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the slaw and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.
* **Adjust Sweetness/Tanginess:** Taste and adjust the dressing to your preference. Add more honey for sweetness, more lime juice for tanginess.
* **Toasting the Nuts:** Toasting the peanuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until golden brown and fragrant, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
* **Massage the Cabbage:** If you prefer a softer slaw, you can massage the shredded cabbage with a little salt before adding the other ingredients. This helps to break down the cell walls and make the cabbage more tender. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes after massaging, then rinse and dry thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
* **Add some crunch:** Besides toasted peanuts, consider adding other crunchy elements like toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or even crushed wonton strips for added texture.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Side Dish:** Serve this Purple Apple Slaw as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, pork, or tofu.
* **Sandwich Topping:** Use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, veggie burgers, or fish tacos.
* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy a bowl of this slaw as a light and refreshing lunch.
* **Potlucks and Picnics:** This slaw is a great option for potlucks and picnics because it travels well and can be made ahead of time.
## Health Benefits
This Purple Apple Slaw with Peanut Butter Dressing is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
* **Purple Cabbage:** Rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may help protect against chronic diseases.
* **Apples:** A good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
* **Carrots:** High in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.
* **Peanut Butter:** Provides protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.
* **Lime Juice:** A good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 250-350 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredient variations)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Protein: 8-12g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-8g
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover Purple Apple Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw may become slightly softer over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
## Conclusion
This Purple Apple Slaw with Peanut Butter Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy addition to any meal. With its combination of crisp vegetables, sweet apples, and creamy, nutty dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the purple power of this delicious slaw!
Enjoy!