Some meals need a crisp, cool side dish to bring everything together, and this apple and cabbage slaw is exactly that kind of recipe. It is simple, refreshing, and easy to prepare, with a creamy yogurt-based dressing that balances tangy lemon, a touch of honey, and just enough richness from mayonnaise. The thinly shredded cabbage gives the slaw its crunch, while the red apples add sweetness, freshness, and color.
This creamy apple cabbage slaw is especially good with poultry or red meat. Serve it with chicken katsu, roasted chicken, spiced chicken, grilled steak, or any meal that could use something bright and crisp on the side. The flavor is mild enough for a family meal, but the texture and freshness make it feel a little more special than a basic cabbage salad.
For children who are still learning to enjoy cabbage, this recipe can also be served deconstructed. Instead of mixing everything together, place the shredded cabbage, apple sticks, and dressing in separate sections of a plate. The dressing can be used as a dip, and the apples can make the cabbage feel more approachable. Even a small nibble of cabbage is progress when a child is trying a new food.
A divided plate is useful for serving deconstructed meals because each ingredient can stay separate. This works well for young eaters who prefer familiar foods presented in a clear and simple way. Keeping the cabbage, apple, and creamy lemon dressing apart lets children explore the meal at their own pace, while adults can toss everything together for a classic slaw.
The key to a good apple and cabbage slaw is slicing the cabbage very thin. A mandoline slicer works well, and a food processor with a shredding disc can also be used. Thin cabbage gives the slaw a lighter texture and helps the dressing coat every piece evenly. Pre-shredded cabbage can be convenient, but it is often thicker than ideal for this style of slaw.
The dressing comes together quickly with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and a small splash of milk. The Greek yogurt makes it creamy and tangy, the mayonnaise adds smoothness, the lemon keeps it bright, and the honey softens the acidity. Add only a dash of milk at first, then adjust until the dressing is pourable but still creamy.
Once the cabbage is shredded and the apples are cut into matchsticks, the slaw takes only a moment to assemble. Toss the cabbage and apples in a large bowl, drizzle the dressing over the top, and mix until everything is lightly coated. Serve it soon after tossing for the freshest crunch.
Apple and Cabbage Slaw
A simple, crisp, and refreshing apple and cabbage slaw with a creamy lemon yogurt dressing. This easy side dish pairs well with poultry, red meat, and family-style meals.
Salad
20
minutes
4
whiteblankspace
Ingredients
-
1/2
cup
Greek yogurt -
1/3
cup
mayonnaise
Kewpie mayonnaise was used in the original recipe - Juice from 1 large lemon
-
1
tbsp
honey - A pinch of salt
- A dash of milk
- Half of a small cabbage
-
2
red apples
Instructions
-
Make the creamy slaw dressing first. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and a small dash of milk. Stir until smooth. The dressing should be creamy but loose enough to drizzle. Set it aside while you prepare the cabbage and apples.
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Shred the cabbage into very thin slices. A mandoline slicer works well for this, or you can use a food processor fitted with a shredding disc. Thinly sliced cabbage gives the slaw a lighter texture and helps the dressing coat it evenly. If desired, rinse the shredded cabbage in a salad spinner and dry it well.
-
Cut the red apples into matchsticks. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so the apple mixes evenly with the cabbage and adds a crisp bite throughout the slaw.
-
Place the shredded cabbage and apple sticks in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top, then toss gently until the cabbage and apples are lightly coated. Add the dressing gradually if you prefer a lighter slaw.
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Serve the apple and cabbage slaw as a fresh side dish with poultry, red meat, or any meal that needs a cool, crunchy salad. For children or picky eaters, serve the cabbage, apple sticks, and dressing separately, with the dressing offered as a dip.