When was the last time you found yourself craving something light yet satisfying? A dish that’s not only refreshing but also packed with wholesome flavors? Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw is exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or simply trying to add more color to your meals, this slaw is a game-changer. Its combination of crisp cabbage, sweet apples, crunchy almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing makes it both delicious and nutritious. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to whip up this vibrant dish!
What is Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw?
Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw is a modern twist on the classic coleslaw. This version swaps out heavy, overly creamy dressings for a lighter, tangy blend of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. With its vibrant mix of green and red cabbage, thinly sliced apples, toasted almonds, and green onions, this slaw delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, or even as a standalone salad.
Why You’ll Love This Slaw
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Versatile: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Beautiful Presentation: The colorful mix of cabbage and apples makes it visually stunning.
Ingredients for Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful slaw. These ingredients are easy to find and come together effortlessly.
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by finely shredding the green and red cabbage. Use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor to achieve even slices. Thinly slice the apples into matchsticks or wedges, and toast the almonds until golden and fragrant. Slice the green onions finely.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, apples, toasted almonds, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the slaw to a serving bowl and garnish with a few extra almonds or apple slices for presentation. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for the Best Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and crisp apples make all the difference in texture and flavor.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Adjust the Dressing: Prefer a tangier slaw? Add a little more apple cider vinegar. Want it sweeter? Add an extra drizzle of honey.
- Serve Fresh: While this slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, it’s best served fresh to maintain its crispness.
- Customize the Add-Ins: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 14g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 8g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Serving Ideas for Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw
This slaw is versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes:
- Grilled Meats: Perfect with barbecue chicken, ribs, or pork chops.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Serve as a side or even use as a topping for extra crunch.
- Tacos: Add to fish or shrimp tacos for a refreshing contrast.
- Salads: Serve on its own as a light and healthy lunch option.
Custom Variations
Make it Vegan:
Swap out mayonnaise for a plant-based version and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Go Nut-Free:
Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
Add Protein:
Mix in grilled chicken or crumbled feta cheese to turn the slaw into a full meal.
Experiment with Flavors:
Add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika to the dressing for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and mix it in right before serving to preserve the crunch.
2. What type of apples work best?
Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage will soften over time, but it will still taste delicious.
4. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage is a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s fresh and not too dry.
5. Can I substitute the almonds?
Yes, you can use walnuts, pecans, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
6. Is this slaw gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Dijon mustard and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free if needed.
Conclusion: Try This Refreshing Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw
Now that you know how simple and versatile this dish is, it’s time to add Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw to your recipe collection. With its crisp veggies, sweet apples, crunchy almonds, and tangy dressing, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, give it a try, and enjoy a healthy, flavorful dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
PrintCabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw: A Fresh and Crunchy Delight
Bright, crunchy, and full of flavor, Cabbage, Apple & Almond Slaw is the perfect side dish for any meal. With fresh green and red cabbage, sweet apples, nutty toasted almonds, and a tangy honey-Dijon dressing, this vibrant slaw is as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred the green and red cabbage finely using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor.
- Slice the apples thinly into matchsticks or small wedges.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Thinly slice the green onions.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
3. Assemble the Slaw
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, sliced apples, toasted almonds, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the slaw to a serving dish and garnish with extra almonds or apple slices for a decorative touch.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- For the best texture, serve the slaw fresh or within a few hours of preparation.
- To prevent the apples from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the slaw.
- Make the slaw vegan by substituting mayonnaise with a plant-based version and honey with maple syrup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the cabbage may soften over time.