Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

While you can prepare all the components ahead of time, it's best to assemble everything just before serving or at most 2-3 hours ahead. The cabbage and apples start to release water once dressed, which can make the slaw watery if it sits too long.

What's the best type of apple to use?

Gala apples work wonderfully because they're sweet, crisp, and don't brown too quickly. However, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent alternatives. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that break down quickly.

How can I make this slaw healthier?

You can use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise entirely for a lighter version. You'll lose a bit of richness, but the honey and yogurt still create a delicious dressing. You can also reduce the honey if you're watching sugar intake.

My dressing seems too thick - what should I do?

Simply thin it with a little milk, buttermilk, or even a splash of apple juice if you want to enhance the apple flavor. Add just a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Apple Slaw Recipe

Description

This crisp and refreshing Apple Slaw is the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, and a hint of tanginess. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s an all-season favorite that’s perfect as a side dish for gatherings, picnics, or even as a light snack. It’s quick to prepare and comes together with a creamy yet balanced homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dressing

3/4 cup plain Greek Yogurt (preferably Fage for thickness)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Coleslaw

1 small cabbage, shredded (6 – 7 cups packed, about 16 oz chopped)
1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots
2 large gala apples, sliced into matchsticks (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
3/4 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to balance the flavors.
Assemble the Coleslaw
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, apples, green onions, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and cheese if you’re using it. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix and Serve
Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. Serve within a few hours of preparation for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the salad.
Use freshly shredded cabbage rather than pre-packaged mixes for better texture and taste.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
You can replace gala apples with fuji or honeycrisp apples for a slightly different flavor.
This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a topping for pulled pork or chicken sandwiches.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 220kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg