This fresh and healthy Crunchy Apple Slaw is made with just 6 simple and crisp ingredients for a flavor packed salad that is tangy and refreshing!

Overhead shot of a large bowl with apple slaw in it.

Why We Love This Crunchy Apple Slaw Recipe

Just because it’s fall, it doesn’t mean we’re going to stop eating our greens… and reds, and purples.

Summer isn’t the only salad season. In the fall we have access to all sorts of fresh colorful produce. Carrots, cabbage, and basil will keep on growing right through the fall up until the first frost. (Cabbage can actually make it through the first couple of frosts.)

And of course, we have an abundance of fall apples!

Today I’m using all of the above to make a fresh Crunchy Apple Slaw Salad.

This Crunchy Apple Slaw recipe is truly one of the easiest and most enticing salads I make. Start with equal parts shredded red cabbage and carrots.

Then slice one large Honey Crisp Apple into paper-thin wedges.

Toss the Crunchy Apple Slaw with Newman’s Own® Family Recipe Italian Dressing for a little zesty kick.

Then add one cup of fresh basil leaves and some salty sunflower seeds.

That’s it!

Once tossed the combination of the sweet apples and basil with the extra crunchy cabbage, carrots, and sunflower seeds is a delight to the palate.

Each bit of fresh produce is gingerly kissed with herby Newman’s Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing without being drenched or overpowered. This Apple Slaw is truly a thing of beauty.

Apple slaw in small bowl with a fork in it with more slaw in the background.

Ingredients You Need

  • Red Cabbage – has a great texture and flavor!
  • Carrots – shredded carrots
  • Honey Crisp Apple – thinly sliced
  • Fresh Basil – for herby flavor
  • Sunflower Seeds – to add a bit of salty crunch
  • Italian Dressing – I used Newman’s Own, but you can use your favorite kind of Italian Dressing.
  • Salt & Pepper – to taste
Shredded carrots and red cabbage in a salad bowl.

How to Make Fresh Apple Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the red cabbage, carrots, and apples. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of Newman’s Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing over the top and toss.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Once you are ready to serve, toss in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and sunflower seeds. Toss and enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Veggies: You can definitely add or omit vegetables here. For a bit of extra flavor, add finely chopped red onion or green onions. Or serve this apple coleslaw recipe on a bed of greens.
  • Fruits: I love honey crisp apples, but you can use your favorite apple here. Granny Smith apple would work well and add extra tartness! To thinly slice the apple, you can use a mandoline or a sharp knife! You can also try adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to the mix!
  • Nuts: Sunflower seeds can be switched out for chopped walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds if desired.

Serving Suggestions

The fresh fall flavors of this apple slaw are light and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish to accompany any meal. Or, you can simply top it off with some chicken or serve it next to a sandwich as a simple side dish. I recommend pairing it with some of my favorites:

Apple slaw with basil leaves and sunflower seeds tossed in a large salad bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What variety of apple makes the tastiest apple slaw?

Honestly, so many different apples would be delicious in apple slaw. But the tart, sturdy apples are the best. I would use honey crisp or granny smith apples!

How long do apple slaw leftovers last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to make ahead and add the basil and sunflower seeds the day you serve it, since the basil will wilt in the dressing after about a day. So I recommend eating this apple slaw on the same day or the day after you make it if it already has all the ingredients mixed together!

Small bowl of apple slaw next to a larger bowl with slaw and a bottle of dressing.

Looking for More Healthy Fall Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

Easy Apple Slaw Salad with Fresh Basil Leaves and Sunflower Seeds on ASpicyPerspective.com
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Crunchy Apple Slaw

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Fresh and healthy Crunchy Apple Slaw made with crisp apples, red cabbage, carrots, fresh basil leaves, and sunflower seeds.
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large salad bowl combine the red cabbage, carrots, and apples. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of Newman’s Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing over the top and toss. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Before serving, toss in 1 cup fresh basil leaves and sunflower seeds.

Notes

This apple slaw can be made ahead up to three days. Just remember to add the basil and sunflower seeds the day you serve it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 110kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 136mg, Potassium: 309mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 7685IU, Vitamin C: 21.5mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 0.9mg
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Newman’s Own. As always, we only work with companies we love and all opinions are our own.

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