Crisp Apple Carrot Slaw: A Fresh & Flavorful Side Dish
Looking for a side dish that’s crunchy, refreshing, and packed with flavor? This Crisp Apple Carrot Slaw is exactly what you need! With every bite, you get the perfect balance of sweet apples, crisp carrots, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy citrus dressing. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken, adding it to sandwiches, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this slaw is versatile, easy to make, and incredibly delicious.
But here’s something fun—coleslaw dates back to ancient Rome! The earliest versions featured cabbage with vinegar and eggs. Over time, different cultures added their own twist, leading to the creamy, crunchy slaws we love today. This version, however, takes a fresh and fruity approach, making it a lighter, more vibrant alternative to traditional coleslaw.
Not only is this slaw bright and colorful, but it also comes together in minutes—no complicated steps, just simple ingredients that work beautifully together. So, grab those apples and carrots, and let’s make this easy, irresistible dish today!
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 medium red apple, cored and julienned
1 medium green apple, cored and julienned
2 cups shredded carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup chopped pecans, toasted
⅓ cup crumbled feta
1 tsp lemon juice
Creamy Citrus Dressing:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for the best texture)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
one tsp fresh orange zest
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep the apples: Slice red and green apples into thin matchsticks or julienne them. Toss with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, orange zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss it all together: Pour the dressing over the apple-carrot mixture and gently toss to coat.
5. Add the feta & serve: Fold in crumbled feta just before serving for the best texture. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Balance the Sweetness: If your apples are extra sweet, use unsweetened dried cranberries to keep the flavors in check.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store the salad without the feta and dressing in the fridge for up to 6 hours. Add them just before serving for the best texture.
- Boost the Flavor: Toasting the pecans enhances their nuttiness—simply heat them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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