The Best Sweet and Tangy Apple Slaw Recipe for Summer Picnics

Crisp summer days call for this delightful sweet and tangy apple slaw that dances with flavor and crunch.

Bright colors peek from every forkful, promising a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw.

Shredded cabbage mingles with julienned apples, creating a vibrant medley of textures and tastes.

Zesty ingredients weave through each bite, delivering unexpected excitement to your picnic plate.

Crunchy nuts add a surprising depth that keeps people coming back for more.

Comfort meets innovation in this simple yet remarkable dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

We’re about to reinvent your salad game with one unforgettable recipe.

Best Way to Store and Serve Apple Slaw Again

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping the slaw crisp and fresh.
• Before storing, gently pat the slaw with paper towels to remove extra moisture that might make it soggy.
• This slaw contains fresh apples and crisp vegetables, which lose texture when frozen, so consume within recommended refrigeration time.
• Stir the slaw and add a small splash of apple cider vinegar to revive its tangy flavor and crispness before serving chilled.

Crisp Flavors For Apple Slaw

Pairing Power: Sweet Apple Slaw Adventures

• Barbecue Buddy: Pair this zesty slaw with smoky pulled pork or grilled chicken for a tangy contrast that cuts through rich meats and adds bright crunch.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness that mirrors the apple's natural flavors and complements the slaw's delicate vinaigrette.
• Picnic Perfect Protein: Serve alongside grilled fish like salmon or trout, where the slaw's light acidity and fresh ingredients create a balanced and refreshing meal complement.
• Texture Tango: Match with crunchy fried chicken or crispy fish and chips to create a delightful textural experience that balances soft and crisp elements on your plate.

Apple Slaw Flavor Twists

• Vegan Citrus Slaw: Replace olive oil with avocado oil, use agave nectar instead of maple syrup, and add orange zest for bright flavor. Swap honey-based dressings with plant-based alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Herb Variation: Use apple cider vinegar with no added gluten, ensure Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for extra herbaceous notes.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute apple with jicama or radish for crunch, use monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup, and increase healthy fat content by adding toasted nuts or seeds.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace green onions with cilantro, add ground cumin to dressing, and include a dash of chili powder for southwestern heat.

FAQs

• What makes apple cider vinegar special in this slaw dressing?

Apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy flavor that helps balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and crisp apples, creating a vibrant and zesty dressing.

• Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and prevent wilting.

• Is this slaw recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients in this apple slaw are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.

• How can I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the julienned apples with a bit of lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh and white.

Sweet And Tangy Apple Slaw With A Crunch

• Quick Prep Delight: Whips up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute side dishes or spontaneous gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Complements grilled meats, picnics, barbecues, and potlucks with its fresh, crisp texture and vibrant flavor profile.
• Healthy Twist: Packed with raw, nutrient-rich ingredients, offering a low-calorie alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based slaws while delivering a zesty, refreshing taste.
• No-Fuss Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills, uses simple ingredients, and can be easily prepared by home cooks of all experience levels.

Tangy Slaw with Apple Kick

• Apples: Crisp and sweet base for the slaw, preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
• Coleslaw Mix: Provides a crunchy vegetable foundation, pre-shredded for convenience and quick preparation.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and bright green color to the slaw.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps bind the dressing and adds richness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy component that provides bright, sharp flavor to the slaw.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that balances the vinegar's acidity and adds depth.
• Dijon Mustard: Creamy emulsifier that helps blend the dressing and adds a subtle heat.

• Celery Seed: Provides a warm, slightly bitter aromatic note to the dressing.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweet and tangy elements.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the slaw's taste profile.

Apple Slaw Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Celery seed
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk with enthusiasm until the ingredients dance together into a smooth, harmonious mixture.

Step 2: Slice and Dice the Fresh Components

• Julienne the apple into thin, elegant strips
• Grab the coleslaw mix and shred it to perfection
• Chop the green onions into delicate rounds

Combine all these ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful medley of textures.

Step 3: Dress and Toss with Flair

Drizzle the whisked dressing over the slaw.

Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together, ensuring each strand and slice gets a delightful coating of the tangy mixture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Sprinkle additional green onions on top for a burst of fresh color and extra zing.

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy the crisp, refreshing slaw right away while it’s at its most vibrant and flavorful moment.

Apple Slaw Tips For Tangy Balance

• Use a sharp mandoline or julienne peeler to create uniform, thin apple strips that ensure even dressing distribution and a professional-looking slaw.
• Toss freshly cut apple slices with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their crisp, white appearance and prevent oxidation.
• Tweak the maple syrup and vinegar ratio to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste preferences.
• Add toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the classic slaw.
• Prepare the dressing and cut vegetables separately, combining just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and freshness.

Sweet and Tangy Apple Slaw Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp summer days call for Sweet and Tangy Apple Slaw, a refreshing salad dancing with bright colors and zesty flavors. Crunchy cabbage, juicy apples, and a punchy dressing come together to cool you down and lift your spirits.

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Ingredients

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Main Produce Ingredients:

• 1 Granny Smith apple, julienned (about 1 cup)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) shredded coleslaw mix (red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrot)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion, plus more for garnish

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon celery seed

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor-packed vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, celery seed, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, glossy dressing.
2. Slice crisp apples into delicate julienne strips, ensuring uniform thin matchsticks that will provide a fresh, crunchy texture to the slaw.
3. Combine the julienned apples with pre-shredded coleslaw mix and finely chopped green onions in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and colorful base.
4. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetable and fruit mixture, gently tossing with a large spoon or spatula to ensure every ingredient is thoroughly and evenly coated with the tangy dressing.
5. Transfer the slaw to a serving dish, garnishing with additional sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh herbal note, and serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture and bright flavors.

Notes

• Slice apples just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Choose tart, firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best crunch and flavor contrast.
• Adjust maple syrup quantity based on apple sweetness to balance tangy and sweet profile.
• Keep slaw chilled until serving to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent wilting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Side Dish
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg