Make This Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad for a Refreshing Side Dish

Elevate your summer meals with a delightful and refreshing Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad. This vibrant slaw combines the classic crunch of coleslaw mix with the bright, tangy flavors of apple cider vinegar and juicy Granny Smith apples. The result is a side dish that adds a delightful balance of sweet and tart to any BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced into thin matchsticks
• ½ cup diced celery
• 5 green onions, finely sliced

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¾ cup mayonnaise

How to Make Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

Making this Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad is a breeze with just a few simple steps:

Make the Dressing

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

Once the dressing has cooled, whisk in the mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced Granny Smith apple, diced celery, and green onions.

Toss It All Together

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled and enjoy!

The Nutritional Benefits of Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

This Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The coleslaw mix provides a crunchy base rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Granny Smith apples are a fantastic source of antioxidants, while the celery and green onions add freshness and additional nutrients. The dressing ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar and olive oil, also contribute to the overall health profile of this salad.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

The Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad is the perfect side dish for a variety of summer meals. Serve it alongside grilled meats, burgers, or pulled pork for a refreshing contrast to heavier main dishes. It also makes a great topping for tacos, sandwiches, or as a base for a main course salad. For a more substantial meal, try pairing it with roasted vegetables or a protein-rich dish like baked chicken or grilled shrimp.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

To customize this Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad, try adding different fruits like mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, or chopped pineapple. You can also swap the Granny Smith apples for other tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. For a vegan or dairy-free version, use a plant-based mayonnaise alternative. To make it gluten-free, simply ensure all the ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

When it comes to storing leftovers, the Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The dressing will keep the salad fresh and crisp, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

FAQs About Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

What type of apples work best for Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad?

Granny Smith apples are the ideal choice for this salad, as their tart-sweet flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy dressing. However, you can also use other crisp, tart-sweet apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare the dressing and store it separately from the salad ingredients. When ready to serve, toss the dressing with the coleslaw mix, apples, celery, and green onions. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing?

To make the dressing more tangy, simply add a bit more apple cider vinegar to taste. For a sweeter dressing, increase the amount of granulated sugar. You can also experiment with using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.

What dishes pair well with Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad?

The Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, pulled pork, tacos, and sandwiches. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a base for a main course salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, baked chicken, or grilled shrimp.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad
• Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack
• Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake

Elevate your summer meals with the refreshing flavors of Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad. This vibrant slaw is sure to become a new family favorite!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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