Crunchy Apple Slaw
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!
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.
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
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:
- Roast Chicken
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Fresh Corn Succotash
- BBQ Ribs
- Chicken BBQ Skewers
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Carnitas Sliders
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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!
Looking for More Healthy Fall Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Harvest Salad
- Roasted Root Vegetable Salad
- Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Braised Brussels Sprouts
Crunchy Apple Slaw
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 large Honey Crisp Apple thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves packed
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup Newman's Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing
- Salt
- Pepper
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
Nutrition
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Newman’s Own. As always, we only work with companies we love and all opinions are our own.
Great fall salad. Your pictures are so great. Made the salad really look fresh and delicious… can’t wait to try it. Will probably do just some olive oil for the dressing…. I don’t do store bought dressings much…. too many unknowns and hidden sugars.
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huge fan of this salad! the colors are beautiful and the level of crunch is perfect!!
I hadn’t ever thought to pair Italian dressing with apples and cabbage before, but I think you’re onto something!!
This is a fabulous salad, I especially love all that fresh basil!!
nice salad with apple, it’s both salad and dessert
This looks absolutely amazing! Love the honey crisps in it. My favorite apple!