There’s something so refreshing about a crisp, crunchy apple coleslaw with pecans that just makes my heart sing! The sweet and tart crunch of apples mingling with the earthy, buttery flavor of pecans creates a delightful dance of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I served this at a family barbecue; everyone was raving about it! My aunt, who usually sticks to her classic coleslaw, couldn’t get enough of this vibrant twist. It’s the perfect side dish that not only adds a pop of color to your table but also brightens up every bite. Trust me, once you taste this combination, you’ll find yourself dreaming up excuses to whip it up for every gathering!

Ingredients for Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this refreshing apple coleslaw with pecans. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups green cabbage, shredded: This forms the crunchy base of your coleslaw. Feel free to use a pre-shredded mix for convenience!
2 cups red cabbage, shredded: Not only does it add color, but it also brings a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
2 apples, cored and thinly sliced: I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji and Granny Smith, for a balance of flavors.
1 cup pecans, chopped: You can toast these for an extra layer of flavor, but they’re delightful even raw!
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creamy element ties everything together. You can opt for light mayo if you’re watching calories.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: It adds a tangy kick that brightens up the flavors—don’t skip this!
1 tablespoon honey: For a touch of sweetness that complements the apples perfectly. Adjust based on your taste!
Salt and pepper to taste: Just a sprinkle to enhance all those delicious flavors.

How to Prepare Apple Coleslaw with Pecans

Getting this apple coleslaw with pecans ready is super simple and so satisfying! You’ll have a delicious, refreshing side dish in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the green cabbage, red cabbage, sliced apples, and chopped pecans. Just mix them together until everything looks well combined. This colorful mix already makes my heart flutter!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s smooth; this dressing is the secret to bringing all those flavors together! If you want it a bit tangier, feel free to add a splash more vinegar.
Now, pour that creamy dressing over your cabbage and apple mixture. Gently toss everything together until the veggies and fruits are well coated. Don’t rush this part; a good mix makes all the difference!
Once it’s all combined, cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!

And there you have it! Your apple coleslaw with pecans is ready to shine at your next meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
Refreshing combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and rich pecans that will wow your taste buds.
No cooking required—just chop, mix, and chill, making it a hassle-free side dish!
Versatile and adaptable—swap in your favorite apples or add other nuts for a personal twist.
Perfectly pairs with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch on its own.
Nutritious and satisfying, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious apple coleslaw with pecans. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes, but it gives you a great idea of what to expect:

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

Enjoy this nutritious salad guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with crunch and flavor while still being a wholesome choice!

Tips for Success

Ready to take your apple coleslaw with pecans to the next level? Here are some of my top tips to ensure you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures!

Choose the right apples: I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith. If you prefer something sweeter, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option!
Chill it right: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes really allows those flavors to meld beautifully.
Adjust the sweetness: If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more honey. But if you’re looking for something more tart, a splash of lemon juice can brighten things up!
Experiment with nuts: While pecans are my go-to, you can absolutely swap them for walnuts or even slivered almonds for a different crunch.
Make it creamy: If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. It adds a nice tang and keeps that creamy texture without all the calories!
Add some flair: Try throwing in some dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and chewiness. It adds a lovely contrast to the fresh crunch of the cabbage and apples.
Customize it! Don’t hesitate to throw in some shredded carrots or even a handful of chopped celery for an extra crunch and color.

These little tweaks can make a world of difference, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Understanding the ingredients in this apple coleslaw with pecans can really elevate your dish and help you make the most of what you have on hand. Here are some notes and substitution ideas:

Cabbage: While I love the combination of green and red cabbage for color and flavor, you can use just one type if that’s what you have. Napa cabbage is also a fantastic choice for a softer texture.
Apples: Apple variety can greatly affect your coleslaw’s taste. Use any mix of sweet and tart apples, but if you’re after something different, pears can also work beautifully! Just remember, they might brown a bit faster, so toss them in the dressing quickly.
Pecans: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, walnuts or sunflower seeds can be great alternatives. They’ll still give you that lovely crunch, but with a different flavor profile.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt is my go-to substitution. It maintains that creamy consistency while adding some tanginess. You could also try a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
Apple cider vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can provide that necessary acidity to brighten up the dish. Just adjust to taste, as they might have slightly different flavor profiles.
Honey: If you’re looking to keep it vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent alternatives that will add a similar sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, feel free to omit it or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
Salt and pepper: This is really about personal preference. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the salt or even use a salt substitute. Freshly ground black pepper adds more flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a milder taste.

These substitutions not only keep the recipe flexible but also allow you to cater to your taste and dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little—your unique twist is what makes cooking so much fun!

FAQ Section

Can I make apple coleslaw with pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! This coleslaw actually gets better as it sits because the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to mix everything back together.

What kind of apples should I use for this coleslaw?
I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Fuji and Granny Smith are my personal favorites, but feel free to explore other varieties like Honeycrisp or even tart pears if you want to switch things up!

Is this apple coleslaw with pecans suitable for a vegan diet?
You can definitely make it vegan! Just substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or Greek yogurt alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey for the sweetness. It’ll still be delicious!

How long will the apple coleslaw last in the fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, this coleslaw should last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the apples might start to brown a bit, but a quick toss before serving will help freshen it up.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Of course! While I love the buttery flavor of pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds work great too. Just consider that different nuts will bring their unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made this delightful apple coleslaw with pecans, let’s talk about how to make it the star of your meal! This refreshing side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and other sides, so you can create a well-rounded feast. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken complement the sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the pecans perfectly. It’s a match made in heaven!
Pulled Pork: If you’re hosting a barbecue, serve this coleslaw alongside some tender pulled pork sandwiches. The tangy crunch adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.
Fish Tacos: For a lighter option, try serving this coleslaw with fish tacos. The crispness of the coleslaw adds a lovely texture and balances the flavors of the fish.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Whether it’s a turkey club or a veggie wrap, a side of apple coleslaw brings a delightful crunch and freshness that elevates any sandwich!
Quiche: If you’re going for a brunch vibe, this coleslaw pairs wonderfully with a savory quiche. The creamy filling and buttery crust are beautifully offset by the bright, crunchy salad.
Grilled Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a platter of grilled veggies. The charred flavors meld wonderfully with the refreshing coleslaw.

With such versatile pairings, your apple coleslaw with pecans will shine at any meal. So go ahead, mix and match, and enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor it brings to your table!

Apple Coleslaw with Pecans: 5 Flavorful Tips to Love It

Author: Lisa
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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