Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the freshness of a crisp, vibrant Apple Coleslaw with Pecans. It’s a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors while giving you that satisfying crunch from the pecans. Every time I whip up this salad, I can’t help but smile as I remember the first time I made it for a picnic with friends. We were all craving something light yet flavorful, and wow, did this dish hit the spot!

The combination of crunchy cabbage, juicy apples, and those toasty pecans creates a medley of textures that keeps every bite interesting. Plus, the creamy dressing adds just the right amount of richness to balance the freshness of the veggies. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy, whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick, healthy side dish to brighten up your dinner table!

Ingredients for Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

4 cups green cabbage, shredded
2 cups red cabbage, shredded
2 apples, cored and thinly sliced (I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples!)
1 cup pecans, chopped (toasted if you want an extra crunch!)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (feel free to use your favorite brand)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (this adds a lovely tang)
1 tablespoon honey (you can adjust this based on your sweetness preference)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this, it really brings everything together)

How to Prepare Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. It’s time to combine all those beautiful veggies! Add the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, sliced apples, and chopped pecans into the bowl. Wow, just look at those colors!
Now, let’s whip up the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to taste it at this point—don’t be shy, adjust the honey if you want it sweeter or add a touch more vinegar for extra tang!
Pour that luscious dressing over the cabbage mixture. This part is crucial! Toss everything together gently until all the veggies are well-coated. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is a must—it allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together!
When you’re ready to serve, give it another quick toss and taste one more time. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a refreshing Apple Coleslaw with Pecans that’s ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Quick and Easy: Whip this up in just 15 minutes! Perfect for when you need a last-minute side dish.
Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet apples, crunchy cabbage, and rich dressing creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
Healthy and Fresh: Packed with veggies and wholesome ingredients, this coleslaw is a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It gets better as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.
Versatile: Great as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch. It complements so many main dishes!
Kid-Approved: The sweetness of the apples makes it a hit with kids, so you can feel good about serving it to the whole family.

Tips for Success with Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Pick the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. I often go for a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The contrast is just divine!
Toast the Pecans: If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Just keep an eye on them—oops, they can burn quickly!
Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the dressing! If you like it creamier, add a bit more mayo. For a zippier kick, toss in a splash more apple cider vinegar.
Let It Chill: I can’t stress this enough! Chilling the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld together beautifully. If you can, make it a day ahead for an even tastier result.
Serving Suggestions: This coleslaw pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. It’s so versatile—get creative with how you enjoy it!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!

Variations of Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Fruit Fiesta: Add other fruits like sliced grapes, mandarin oranges, or even dried cranberries for a pop of color and extra sweetness. They add a fun twist!
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, toss in some thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a game changer!
Nutty Twist: Switch up the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture!
Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter take, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. It still tastes amazing!
Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for an herbaceous lift. It makes the coleslaw feel even fresher!
Cheesy Goodness: Crumble some feta or goat cheese into the mix for a tangy, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
Seasonal Spice: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, fall-inspired version. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings!

Nutritional Information for Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

This Apple Coleslaw with Pecans is not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your meals! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values you’ll find in each serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used and can vary slightly depending on your choices!

Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 5g

With a balance of healthy fats from the pecans and fiber from the cabbage and apples, this coleslaw is a great way to enjoy a vibrant side that’s also good for you. So go ahead and dig in without any guilt!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Storing your Apple Coleslaw with Pecans is super easy, and I’ve got a couple of tips to keep it fresh and delicious! First off, if you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will, it’s that good!), transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. This will help keep it crisp and flavorful in the fridge.

It should stay fresh for about 3 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the cabbage will get, so it’s really best enjoyed within a day or two. If you notice it losing some crunch, don’t worry! You can always add a little more shredded cabbage or some fresh apples to brighten it up again.

Now, as for reheating, I actually recommend serving this coleslaw cold as it’s meant to be a refreshing side dish. So, no reheating needed! If you like, you can give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Just make sure to taste it one last time—sometimes a pinch of salt or a drizzle of vinegar can bring it back to life!

In a pinch, if you do want to warm it up (maybe as a topping for a warm dish), do it gently in the microwave for just a few seconds—be careful not to overdo it! You want to maintain that lovely crunch, so keep it minimal. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this crunchy, sweet, and tangy coleslaw!

FAQ about Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Can I make this Apple Coleslaw with Pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours in advance or even the day before. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and develop, making it even tastier when you serve it!

What type of apples should I use?
You can use any variety of apples you love! I like to mix sweet apples like Honeycrisp with tart ones like Granny Smith. This combo adds a delightful balance of flavors that really shines in the coleslaw!

How long can I store the leftovers?
You can keep your coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Just remember that the cabbage will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for that perfect crunch.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can absolutely use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. It’ll still be creamy and delicious while giving you a healthier twist!

Is this coleslaw vegan-friendly?
To make this Apple Coleslaw with Pecans vegan, simply swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative. It’s a simple adjustment that keeps all the flavor while fitting into a vegan diet!

Apple Coleslaw with Pecans: 5 Reasons to Love It

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No cooking required
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing apple coleslaw with crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups green cabbage, shredded
2 cups red cabbage, shredded
2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 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 cabbage, red cabbage, apples, and 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.
Use any variety of apples you prefer.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Apple Coleslaw, Coleslaw with Pecans, Salad Recipes

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