Apple Slaw

Apple slaw is the perfect side dish when you want something fresh, crisp, and full of flavor without spending much time in the kitchen. Made with crunchy matchstick apples and carrots instead of cabbage, this easy apple slaw is tossed in a creamy, lightly sweet and tangy dressing that lets the fresh ingredients shine. It's one of my favorite recipes for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks, barbecues, and holiday gatherings because it's quick to make, beautiful on the table, and always disappears fast.

I love making quick sides with fresh in season produce like my Watermelon Salad, Honey Lime Fruit Salad and Broccoli Salad. These are light summer salads that are perfect for potlucks or a weeknight meal.

Why You'll Love This Apple Slaw Recipe!

This isn't your average coleslaw, and that's exactly the point. This sweet and tangy apple slaw brings all the crunch you love from a classic slaw, minus the cabbage, plus a little something extra from toasted almonds and sweet raisins.

• Quick to make. With only 10 minutes of prep and a couple of minutes to toast the almonds, this crunchy apple slaw comes together in about 12 minutes total.
• No cabbage needed. If you've been searching for an apple slaw without cabbage, this is it! The apples and carrots give you all the crunch you're craving.
• Sweet and tangy flavor. The dressing has just the right balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy, so every bite feels balanced.
• Great for meal prep and gatherings. This healthy apple slaw recipe holds up well, making it a great make-ahead side for busy weeks or parties.
• Naturally versatile, easy to dress up with different mix-ins if you want to put your own spin on it.

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and a sharp knife or a mandoline for quick matchstick cuts
• Skillet for toasting the almonds
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for whisking the dressing
• Whisk or fork

Key Ingredients

Apple: The star of this apple slaw salad, sliced into thin matchsticks, brings natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. A crisp, firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works beautifully here.

Matchstick carrots: These add even more crunch and a pop of color, plus they make prep a breeze since they come pre-cut.

Raisins: A little chewy sweetness in every bite, pairing perfectly with the tart apple.

Almonds, toasted: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch. This one's optional, but I highly recommend it if you have a few extra minutes

Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that ties everything together.

Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess, lightens the dressing a bit, and brings a subtle tang.

Apple cider vinegar: brings the tang that balances out the sweetness of the honey and raisins.

Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the dressing.

Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the other flavors together.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Toast the almonds. If you're toasting almonds, start by adding them to a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye on them, stirring every couple of minutes, until they turn lightly golden brown and smell wonderfully nutty. Remove them from the heat and let them cool while you prep everything else.

Prepare your apples and carrots. While the almonds are toasting, slice your apple into thin matchstick pieces. Add the apple matchsticks to a large bowl along with the matchstick carrots, raisins, and your cooled toasted almonds.

Whisk up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Toss it all together. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated right away for the crispiest bite, or chill until you're ready to enjoy it.

Serving Recommendations

This crunchy apple slaw is wonderful served alongside chicken, seafood, beef and so much more. Here are a few of favorite recipes to pair with this apple carrot slaw.

• Pair with just about any chicken recipe like these Baked Chicken Drumsticks, smokey Boneless Chicken Thighs or Pulled BBQ Chicken.
• For a seafood dinner try adding the apple slaw to these Crab Cake Sandwiches for something a bit different than your typical slaw.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches are also the perfect pairing for crunchy slaw!

Make Ahead

This apple slaw is a great side dish to prepare a few hours in advance, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It tastes even better served chilled after the flavors have had time to meld. You can also make the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then simply toss it with the apples and carrots just before serving for the freshest texture.

Storage

Store any leftover apple slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples will soften slightly the longer they sit in the dressing, so it's best enjoyed within that window for the best crunch and flavor.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!