Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer side dish—*Apple Coleslaw with Pecans*! Picture this: a bowl filled with vibrant green and red cabbage, crunchy apples, and nutty pecans, all coming together in a delightful mixture that’s both refreshing and satisfying. I can’t help but think of those sunny picnics where this coleslaw steals the show, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite. The sweetness of the apples paired with the creamy dressing makes it a perfect companion for grilled meats or just as a light snack on its own. Trust me, once you try this coleslaw, you’ll be craving it long after summer fades away. It’s a crunchy, colorful, and oh-so-delicious way to enjoy fresh produce!
Ingredients for Apple Coleslaw with Pecans
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your crunchy Apple Coleslaw with Pecans. You’ll love how simple they are!
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, cored and diced (I usually go for a sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Granny Smith!)
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (don’t skimp on these for that nutty crunch!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to prep everything before you start mixing—having everything ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Apple Coleslaw with Pecans
Alright, let’s get this delicious Apple Coleslaw with Pecans ready! It’s super simple and oh-so-satisfying to make. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a refreshing side dish in no time.
Step 1: Combine Cabbages
First things first! In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage. Just toss them together gently until they’re nicely mixed. This colorful base is what gives our coleslaw that beautiful, vibrant look!
Step 2: Add Apples and Carrots
Next up, let’s add some crunch! Toss in those diced apples and shredded carrots into the cabbage mixture. Give it a good stir, making sure the apples and carrots are evenly distributed. Trust me, the sweetness from the apples paired with the crunch of the carrots makes all the difference!
Step 3: Incorporate Pecans
Now, it’s time for the star of the show—the pecans! Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cabbage mixture and fold them in gently. They add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy dressing beautifully. You absolutely don’t want to skip this step!
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. I love to taste the dressing as I go—feel free to adjust the honey for more sweetness or the vinegar for a tangy kick! Once it’s well combined, you’ll have a creamy dressing that’s just begging to be poured over the veggies.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Pour that luscious dressing over your cabbage mixture. Now, grab a spatula and toss everything together until all the veggies are nicely coated in that creamy goodness. Make sure every bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Lastly, pop your coleslaw in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. I promise, the wait will be worth it! Once chilled, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my delightful Apple Coleslaw with Pecans. Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or any adjustments you make!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
So, whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying the goodness, this coleslaw is a refreshing choice that brings a tasty crunch to your meals!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re on your way to making the perfect Apple Coleslaw with Pecans, here are some of my top tips to ensure you get the best results every time!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your coleslaw on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little extra honey to the dressing. Just taste as you go! You want it to be balanced and delicious.
- Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coleslaw, toss in a handful of additional pecans or even some sunflower seeds. They’ll give your salad that delightful texture that everyone loves!
- Make Ahead: This coleslaw can be made a day ahead! Just keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it taste even better when you serve it!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crisp cabbage and apples for the best flavor and texture. If you can, look for seasonal apples—they add a pop of sweetness that elevates the whole dish!
- Experiment with Vinegar: Feel free to swap out the apple cider vinegar for another type, like white wine vinegar or even lemon juice, for a different twist on the dressing!
With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a coleslaw that your family and friends will rave about. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Variations of Apple Coleslaw with Pecans
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize your Apple Coleslaw with Pecans! Here are some tasty variations that I love:
- Fruit Medley: Try adding diced pears or even mandarin oranges for a sweet twist! The extra fruit brings a juicy burst that complements the crunch perfectly.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. It’ll give your coleslaw a zesty zing that’s sure to surprise your taste buds!
- Nutty Choices: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its unique flavor and crunch, making your coleslaw a little different each time you make it.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch. The herbs can brighten up the flavor and add a lovely aromatic element to the coleslaw.
- Asian Twist: Replace the mayonnaise with a sesame dressing and add some shredded bok choy or radishes. This gives your coleslaw a completely different vibe, perfect for pairing with Asian dishes!
- Cranberry Delight: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely sweetness and chewiness, balancing out the crunch of the cabbage and nuts beautifully. It’s like a little surprise in every bite!
Feel free to get creative with these variations! The beauty of coleslaw is how versatile it can be, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Apple Coleslaw with Pecans is super easy, and it keeps well in the fridge! If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare with how good this coleslaw is), just transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember, the longer it sits, the softer the veggies will get, so try to enjoy it while it’s still nice and crunchy!
Now, as for reheating, coleslaw is typically served cold, so there’s really no need to heat it up. However, if you find yourself with a craving for a warm dish, you can gently sauté it in a pan for a couple of minutes, but I recommend enjoying it as is for the best texture and flavor. Trust me, it’s refreshing and perfect right out of the fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just about 45 minutes!
- Crunchy texture from fresh cabbage and apples makes every bite a delight.
- The perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the dressing.
- Nutty pecans add a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.
- Versatile—great as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or just a light lunch.
- Make-ahead friendly; flavors develop beautifully when chilled overnight.
- Customizable with various fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a healthy choice!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Print
Apple Coleslaw with Pecans: 7 Ways to Enjoy Crunchy Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crunchy and refreshing apple coleslaw with pecans.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, cored and diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage.
- Add diced apples and shredded carrots.
- Mix in chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For extra crunch, add more pecans.
- This coleslaw can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Apple Coleslaw with Pecans