Sweet and Tangy Apple Slaw
Sweet & Tangy Apple Slaw: The Perfect Side for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing salad, this Sweet & Tangy Apple Slaw is about to become your new favorite! It’s crisp, refreshing, lightly sweet, and has just the right amount of tanginess to keep things interesting. It has become one of my favorite salad recipes during spring and summer because of how refreshing it is. The best part? It comes together in minutes and is perfect for everything from everyday meals to special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Slaw
This isn’t just any salad—it’s the kind of dish that fits in anywhere. It’s not only great for a quick side dish for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also great at a backyard BBQ, or a colorful dish to bring to Easter, Thanksgiving, or a potluck. I’m telling you…this slaw delivers! It’s crunchy, vibrant, and full of flavor—the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty goodness!
What’s in This Amazing Slaw?
Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special—not just in flavor, but in nutrition, too!
- Broccoli Slaw & Cabbage – Packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants to support digestion and immune health in each cruciferous crunchy bite.
- Apples – Adds natural sweetness and crunch, plus they’re loaded with fiber and polyphenols that are great for your gut and heart.
- Dried Cranberries – A little pop of tart-sweetness with antioxidants to help fight inflammation. Try to find an option sweetened with juice instead of sugar.
- Pecans – Adds healthy fats and a toasty crunch, plus brain-boosting omega-3s.
- Green Onions – A mild bite that balances the sweetness and offers a boost of vitamin C.
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Dijon Mustard – These give the dressing its delicious tang while supporting digestion and metabolism.
- Maple Syrup & Olive Oil – A touch of natural sweetness and heart-healthy fats round out the dressing beautifully.
The Quick & Easy Factor
I love recipes that don’t require a ton of prep, and this one is about as easy as it gets. No cooking required, just a little chopping and mixing! If you have a bag of shredded broccoli slaw and shredded cabbage on hand, this comes together in under 10 minutes—it’s perfect for those busy days when you need something fresh, easy and QUICK.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of my favorite things about this slaw is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with everything from grilled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based burgers to a cozy fall meal with roasted vegetables. It’s also a lifesaver for potlucks and holiday gatherings because it stays crisp and fresh even after sitting out for a bit.
Where to Take It:
✅ BBQs & Summer Picnics – A fresh, crunchy contrast to smoky, grilled foods.
✅ Holiday Dinners (Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas) – Light and vibrant to balance heavier dishes.
✅ Meal Prep & Work Lunches – Stays fresh for a couple of days, so you can make it ahead!
✅ Weeknight Dinners – Perfect for busy nights when you need a healthy, no-fuss side.
Sweet and Tangy Apple Slaw
A refreshingly sweet and crunchy salad with a light tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded broccoli slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the shredded broccoli slaw, cabbage, apple, cranberries, pecans, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup and olive oil until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (or refrigerate for later—this slaw keeps well for up to 2 days!).
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For a healthier version of cranberries, look for dried cranberries sweetened with juice instead of sugar.
The Sweet & Tangy Apple Slaw recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings, depending on portion size.
- As a side dish: It comfortably serves 6 people.
- As a larger portion (e.g., meal-sized or for fewer dishes at a gathering): It serves about 4 people.
If you’re making it for a potluck or party, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more guests! 😊
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Tangy Apple Slaw is proof that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly delicious. It’s light yet satisfying, crunchy yet juicy, and sweet yet tangy—all the best things in one bite. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Next time you need a quick, refreshing side dish, give this a try! And if you do, let me know—what’s your favorite way to serve it? 💛
