Bold, colorful, and bursting with freshness, Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw is a true showstopper that brings together sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy in every forkful. I adore how this slaw turns even the simplest dinner into a celebration of textures and flavors, with vibrant red cabbage, juicy apples, and crisp carrots tossed in a dreamy dressing. Whether you already love slaw or think it’s just for backyard barbecues, this luscious version is about to become your new obsession—and you’ll want to eat it with (almost) everything!

Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw are refreshingly simple, and each has a special role in creating that irresistible taste and eye-catching appearance. Gather these humble beauties for a salad that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive on the table.

Red cabbage: Offers a gorgeous purple hue and delightfully sturdy crunch for the slaw’s base.
Fuji apple: Brings natural sweetness and a juicy bite; choose a crisp apple for best results.
Carrots: Add vibrant color and earthy sweetness; shredded carrots blend beautifully throughout the slaw.
Light mayonnaise: Gives that classic creamy texture without weighing the slaw down.
Light sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightness; Greek yogurt makes it extra protein-packed.
Honey or monk fruit sweetener: Balances tart and savory notes; adjust to taste with your preferred sweetener.
Olive oil (optional): Adds silkiness and a subtle richness if you want a slightly smoother dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the whole dish and enhances fruity apple notes.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh zing while keeping apples from browning.
Salt: Draws out the veggies’ natural flavors and ensures everything tastes vibrant.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that rounds out all the sweetness and tang.

How to Make Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by giving your veggies a gentle wash to remove any dirt or residue. Slice the red cabbage into thin strips—aim for ribbons that are sturdy but not too chunky, so they soak up that luscious dressing. Then peel and chop the Fuji apple into small bite-sized pieces (and sneak a taste of that crisp sweetness!). Shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor; two cups will give you that signature color and crunch. Gather everything into a large mixing bowl—already, it looks like a rainbow worth celebrating!

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamy base. Add the olive oil if you’re using it, then drizzle in the honey or monk fruit for a hint of sweetness. Squeeze in that bright lemon juice, pour in the apple cider vinegar, and sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and everything is combined. You should see a satiny dressing with flecks of pepper—give it a little taste to adjust the seasoning if you like!

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Now for the magic moment! Pour the velvety dressing all over your vibrant pile of cabbage, apples, and carrots. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to toss everything together until every strand and chunk glistens with dressing. Take a moment to admire the colors and inhale the irresistible aroma—this is Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw at its absolute best.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

While the slaw is already delicious as soon as it’s mixed, popping it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or even just 10) allows the flavors to mingle and everything to crisp up beautifully. Serve your slaw cold alongside grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or pork chops. Or dig in right away—no one’s judging!

How to Serve Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw

Garnishes

For a final flourish, try sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro on top. Toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds add a delightful crunch and an extra nutritional boost. Even black sesame or a few pomegranate seeds can make this Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw look gourmet enough for a dinner party.

Side Dishes

Pair this slaw with savory mains—think grilled meats, baked tofu, or your favorite sandwiches. Its creamy tang lifts burgers, fish tacos, and wraps, while the crunchy veggies provide a cool contrast to anything spicy or smoky coming off the grill.

Creative Ways to Present

Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw shines as a side, but don’t stop there. Pile it onto pulled pork sliders, layer it inside tacos, or top a grain bowl for a fresh twist. You can even tuck it into mason jars for easy lunch-on-the-go, or serve in lettuce cups for a fun, kid-friendly snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slaw is a true gift! Store any remaining Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep crisp and flavorful for up to three days. The veggies will stay vibrant, and the cabbage gets even more delicious as it soaks up the creamy dressing.

Freezing

While this dish isn’t ideal for freezing (the cabbage and apples lose their snap), you can prepare the shredded veggies and store them in the freezer, undressed, for up to a month. Make the dressing fresh to ensure your Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw keeps its unbeatable crunch and creamy texture when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this slaw—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, simply give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing (and sneak a taste, just in case you want to add a squeeze more lemon or a dash of salt).

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage instead of red for this Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw?

Absolutely! Green cabbage works beautifully and offers a slightly milder flavor, though you’ll miss some of the vibrant purple color. Or, use half green and half red for a gorgeous, confetti-like mix.

Is there a way to make this recipe fully dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt for the dressing. It still delivers on creaminess and tang, and the slaw will be just as delicious and satisfying for those avoiding dairy.

How far ahead can I make Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw before serving?

You can prep it several hours or even a day in advance—just keep it tightly covered in the fridge. The flavors meld together and the cabbage softens ever-so-slightly, making it even tastier (and extra convenient for gatherings!).

What apples work best if I don’t have Fuji?

Fuji apples are wonderfully sweet and crisp, but other sturdy ones like Honeycrisp, Gala, or even Granny Smith (for extra tartness) are fantastic options. Just avoid very soft apples, which can go mushy in the slaw.

Can I add extra veggies or fruits to this slaw?

Of course! Try tossing in thinly sliced bell pepper, a handful of raisins or dried cranberries, or some chopped scallions for even more color and flavor. Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw is endlessly customizable to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Give Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw a try and let it work its fresh, colorful magic on your next meal! I promise this crunchy, creamy salad will brighten any table and might just become one of your favorite ways to enjoy veggies year-round.

Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. The combination of sweet apples, crisp cabbage, and tangy dressing creates a delicious and satisfying salad.

Instructions

Prepare Vegetables – Wash and slice the red cabbage into thin strips. Peel, chop, and shred the apple and carrots respectively. Add all vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
Mix Dressing – In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Combine Salad – Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables. Mix thoroughly using a spatula until all components are evenly coated.

Notes

This slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you prefer a sweeter slaw, you can add more honey or sweetener to the dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American