This flavorful slaw has it all! It's bright, citrusy with just the perfect amount of cilantro. Looking for a versatile (and healthy!) side dish? I love to eat this as a side for street tacos, deli sandwiches and barbecue meats.

let's talk about this apple slaw!
I get bored with salads. There, I said it. When I find my favorites, I get in a rut that I can't seem to pull out of. The beautiful thing about this simple apple slaw is that it can be made with ingredients I usually have on hand: no extra trips to the store.
This is the base recipe, but it can be adapted for nearly any pantry situation. No carrots? No problem. Totally fine. These basic flavors can play with each other in so many different ways.
Why this recipe works
Mmm, let me count the ways. Lime. Cilantro. Fresh ground pepper. The only rule with this recipe is the basic dressing. The honey balances out the sour citrus notes while the cilantro basically livens up the party.
variations for this apple slaw recipe
When I am in a hurry, I don't bother to julienne the veggies... gasp. I know, but it's so much faster to just do a coarse chop! I also like to make this with red cabbage or red onion if I have it handy. When the garden begins producing later this summer, I'm looking forward to adding finely minced jalapeño pieces for a spicier kick.
Other additions that would be delicious include slivered almonds, peppitas, poppy seeds or dried cranberries. Literally anything goes, are you feeling me yet?
How to make a julienne-style cut
Julienne, also known as matchstick, is a precision knife skill that anyone can do with a little practice. There are four basic steps to follow. My biggest tip is to go slow and carefully, this isn't a sprint. Always make sure to be cutting into the curved edge with the flat side securely against the cutting board.
- Cut the apple off of the core by creating four flat sides.
- Slice the four sections into ⅛th inch planks. Stack several planks together.
- Slice the apple planks into one inch match sticks. This is called a julienne.
- Repeat with radishes and carrots.
Ingredients for apple slaw
1 gala apple, julienned
4-6 small radishes, julienned
4 scallions, thinly sliced
Carrot, julienned
Garlic clove, minced
½-1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
Lime, juiced plus more for garnishing
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions for making apple slaw
- Slice the apples, radishes and carrot using a julienne cut. Chop the scallions into small pieces. Finely mince the garlic.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the raw honey, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk in the cilantro.
- Toss the vegetables in the dressing.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
Recipe
Apple Slaw
Equipment
- sharp chefs knife
- cutting board
- serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 gala apple julienned
- 4-6 radishes julienned
- 4 scallions finely sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1 lime cut in half and juiced
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey raw
- 1 teaspoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 garlic clove minced
Instructions
- Slice the apples, radishes and carrot using a julienne cut. Chop the scallions into small pieces.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the raw honey, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir in the cilantro.
- Toss the vegetables in the dressing.
Nutrition
this apple slaw pairs well with...
This versatile slaw can be served as a salad or a side! I like to pair it with pork dishes like my Instant Pot Pulled Pork Loin or these juicy Venison Bacon Burgers.
Seanna Borrows
This Apple Slaw is so refreshingly delicious. Love the radish and cilantro.