Apples are definitely not just for desserts! I love using them in savory dishes. My Apple, Bacon and Brie Burger and my Apple, Arugula and Brie Panini are only a few ways to use this delicious ingredient in a savory way! This post is sponsored by Stemilt. All opinions are my own! I’ve been obsessed with this apple slaw. It is so darn good! 😋 It goes great with lots of different main dishes, so it’s been making appearances at my recent cookouts and BBQ parties. My guests go crazy for it and everybody always wants the recipe! Similar to a classic coleslaw, but with the addition of apples and almonds, this apple slaw is not only delicious but also quite beautiful and colorful. Too bad I don’t usually get a chance to admire it for too long, as it is always gone in a flash. I confess I can’t even resist having some by itself before I even eat it as a side to whatever else I’m serving. That’s how much I love it! ❤️
Ingredients
To make this apple slaw recipe, you will need:
Apples – I am using a large Rave® apple here. If your apples are smaller, you can use more (2 or 3) so the apple flavor can shine!Cabbage – I like using both green cabbage and red cabbage for a colorful slaw. You can also use Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage if that’s what you have on hand!Carrots – I prefer shredded carrots in my coleslaw, but small matchsticks work as well.Parsley – A touch of parsley for a nice fresh herb-y flavor!Almonds – Slivered almonds give this apple slaw extra crunch, which I love! You can omit if needed.Mayo – For the creamy dressing.Celery Seeds – Celery seeds have a savory, earthy character that I find make the dressing extra delicious. We are only using a touch, but you can omit if you’re not a fan.Apple Cider Vinegar – Made from fermented apple juice, this vinegar pairs great with the other flavors in this recipe!Honey – For a touch of sweetness and to balance the acidity of the vinegar.Salt and Pepper
Best Apple for Apple Slaw!
When using apples in salad, you want to choose a variety that holds its shape and doesn’t brown too quickly. It should also be crunchy, so stay away from mealy apples! My current favorite is the Rave® apple! A cross between the Honeycrisp and the MonArk, this variety is juicy and has a refreshing snappy zing that goes really well in this apple slaw.Rave® apple season is short, only August and September, but it’s available three weeks before other apples, and well before Honeycrisp returns to stores. So run – don’t walk – to your grocery store so you can get as many of these apples as you can before they disappear!
How to Make Apple Slaw
This apple coleslaw is super easy to make and is great to feed a crowd! You can double, triple, quadruple the recipe to fit the size of your gathering. As I mentioned earlier, I used one large Rave apple and find that that gave me a nice apple flavor that is not overpowering. If your apples are small – or if you want a stronger apple flavor – feel free to add more! Recommended tools and equipment: sharp Chef’s knife, mandoline or food processor, whisk, salad tossers, large bowl, small bowl. Here’s how I make this apple slaw recipe. As always, you will find the printable (and more complete) version of the recipe at the end of this post!
Step 1: Prepare the veggies and apple.
Core and shred the cabbage as finely as you can. You can use a sharp Chef’s knife or – even better – a mandoline or food processor.Shred or cut the carrots into fine matchsticks.Cut the apple into fine matchsticks. I don’t bother peeling cause I like the extra color it gives my apple slaw, but you can if you prefer!Add the cabbages, carrots and apple to a large bowl and toss to combine.
Step 2: Make the dressing.
Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Combine!
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbages, carrots and apples and toss gently to combine. Gently stir in the chopped parsley and slivered almonds, tossing so they are evenly incorporated.Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving, for best flavor!
What to Serve with Apple Slaw
Cole Slaw is a classic summer side dish, and this apple slaw is no different! It is a must at any cookout or BBQ. It pairs great with turkey, pork and chicken. I especially love it on turkey burgers as I love the combination of turkey and apples!
Variations
I personally love this apple slaw recipe as it is! That being said, it is highly customizable and you can substitute or omit ingredients as needed to make it perfect for you. Here are some suggestions:
Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins. It adds a touch of sweetness and pairs great with the apples and almonds.Substitute the almonds for walnuts, pistachios or even pumpkin or sunflower seeds.Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing, if you’d like an extra zing!Substitute the cabbage (or one of the cabbages) for kale. Kale and apple go great together!Not a fan of mayo? Use Greek yogurt instead.
More Salad Recipes
Panzanella SaladAll-American Potato SaladBrazilian Potato SaladPineapple Grape Turkey SaladHearts of Palm Salad
