Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy side dish to elevate your meals? This Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw combines the crunchiness of cabbage, the sweetness of apples, and the subtle bite of green onion. Enhanced with a flavorful cider vinaigrette, this slaw is a perfect complement to a variety of dishes, whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, incorporating it into tacos, or just enjoying it on its own. Not only is this slaw refreshing and light, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that make it both delicious and wholesome.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Cabbage – 3 cups, shredded
- Apple – 1 medium, thinly sliced or julienned
- Green onion – 3-4 stalks, thinly sliced
- Red pepper – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Cider (sparkling apple cider or non-alcoholic) – 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
How to Make Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Begin by shredding the cabbage. You can use either a knife or a food processor to get fine, even shreds. For this recipe, about 3 cups of shredded cabbage is ideal.
- Next, wash and thinly slice the apple. For a more refined look, julienne the apple slices into matchsticks. This will give your slaw a beautiful contrast and make each bite crisp and juicy.
- Slice the green onions thinly, using both the green and white parts for a balanced flavor.
- Wash, core, and thinly slice the red pepper to add color and a bit of natural sweetness.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, apple slices, green onion, and red pepper.
- Toss everything together to ensure that the ingredients are well-distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar, salt, sparkling cider (or non-alcoholic cider), and an additional tablespoon of vinegar. Adjust the proportions of the cider and vinegar according to your taste preference.
- Stir the dressing thoroughly until the salt dissolves and the mixture is well-combined.
- Combine the Dressing with the Vegetables
- Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables. Using tongs or clean hands, toss the ingredients until each piece is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Allow the slaw to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the slaw to a serving bowl, and garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve it fresh as a side dish to complement your main course or even enjoy it as a healthy snack.
Preparation and Cooking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- No Cooking Required
Steps
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the green and red cabbage and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the julienned apple, shredded carrot, green onions, and chopped parsley.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil (or mayonnaise if you prefer a creamy texture), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve or Chill:
- For best flavor, let the slaw sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. It can also be made in advance and refrigerated for a few hours.
This Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw is a vibrant, nutritious, and quick-to-make side dish, perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light and refreshing accompaniment to various main courses. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 85
- Total Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 50% DV
- Vitamin K: 80% DV
(Note: Nutrition values are approximations and may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, red cabbage works wonderfully in this recipe, giving it a colorful twist and slightly different texture. The flavor will remain similar, but red cabbage tends to be a bit more robust.
Q2: How long will this slaw keep in the fridge?
This slaw can stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. The flavors may even improve as it sits, though the texture of the apple may soften over time.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables or fruits to this slaw?
Absolutely! This slaw is versatile. Try adding shredded carrots, thinly sliced celery, or even a handful of dried cranberries for extra color and flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw
- Choose Fresh Ingredients
- Use the freshest cabbage and apples you can find for the best flavor and crunch. Fresh produce will help keep the slaw crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Tartness
- Taste the dressing before pouring it over the slaw. You can increase or decrease the vinegar and cider to suit your taste preferences. For a sweeter slaw, add a teaspoon of honey or a sprinkle of sugar.
- Let the Slaw Marinate
- Allowing the slaw to sit with the dressing for a few minutes before serving is essential. This resting period softens the cabbage just slightly and brings all the flavors together.
- Experiment with Spices
- Adding a pinch of black pepper, a sprinkle of cumin, or even a dash of mustard can elevate the flavor of your slaw, making it more complex and interesting.
Storage Tips
To store your Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw and maintain its freshness:
- Refrigeration: Transfer the slaw to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for 2-3 days, although it is best enjoyed fresh.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the high water content in cabbage and apples, this slaw does not freeze well. Freezing will alter the texture, making it soggy once thawed.
- Separate Dressing Option: If you plan to make the slaw ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the crunch of the cabbage and apple slices.
Conclusion
This Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw is a refreshing, nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and complements almost any meal. Its mix of crunchy vegetables, sweet apples, and tangy dressing brings a burst of flavor to your plate without overwhelming your main course. Not only is this slaw visually appealing, but it’s also packed with vitamins and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a health-conscious diet. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe proves that delicious food can be uncomplicated and healthy.
Add this slaw to your next barbecue, picnic, or weekday dinner, and watch it quickly become a family favorite! Whether enjoyed fresh or after a short marination, this recipe offers a versatile, healthy, and mouth-watering experience that’s sure to be a hit.
PrintTangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy side dish to elevate your meals? This Tangy Cabbage and Apple Slaw combines the crunchiness of cabbage, the sweetness of apples, and the subtle bite of green onion. Enhanced with a flavorful cider vinaigrette, this slaw is a perfect complement to a variety of dishes, whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, incorporating it into tacos, or just enjoying it on its own. Not only is this slaw refreshing and light, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that make it both delicious and wholesome.
Ingredients
- Cabbage – 3 cups, shredded
- Apple – 1 medium, thinly sliced or julienned
- Green onion – 3-4 stalks, thinly sliced
- Red pepper – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Cider (sparkling apple cider or non-alcoholic) – 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Begin by shredding the cabbage. You can use either a knife or a food processor to get fine, even shreds. For this recipe, about 3 cups of shredded cabbage is ideal.
- Next, wash and thinly slice the apple. For a more refined look, julienne the apple slices into matchsticks. This will give your slaw a beautiful contrast and make each bite crisp and juicy.
- Slice the green onions thinly, using both the green and white parts for a balanced flavor.
- Wash, core, and thinly slice the red pepper to add color and a bit of natural sweetness.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, apple slices, green onion, and red pepper.
- Toss everything together to ensure that the ingredients are well-distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar, salt, sparkling cider (or non-alcoholic cider), and an additional tablespoon of vinegar. Adjust the proportions of the cider and vinegar according to your taste preference.
- Stir the dressing thoroughly until the salt dissolves and the mixture is well-combined.
- Combine the Dressing with the Vegetables
- Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables. Using tongs or clean hands, toss the ingredients until each piece is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Allow the slaw to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the slaw to a serving bowl, and garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve it fresh as a side dish to complement your main course or even enjoy it as a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 15mins