Apple Walnut Coleslaw Recipe
A Flavorful and Crunchy Side Dish Delight
Discover > Healthy Living Through Food > Apple Walnut Coleslaw: A Flavorful and Crunchy Side Dish Delight
Apple Walnut Coleslaw is a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw recipe, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch to the well-loved dish. The key to a delicious apple slaw is selecting the perfect blend of ingredients, making sure that the flavors complement each other harmoniously. Combining green cabbage, fresh apples, walnuts (how long do walnuts last?), and other flavorful items, this recipe creates a refreshing and tangy side dish that pairs well with any meal.
The foundation of this coleslaw is made by combining shredded cabbage with juicy apples, such as green or red varieties. To elevate the taste experience, a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (how long does apple cider vinegar last?), lemon juice, or even honey and maple syrup (how long does maple syrup last?) is used to coat the cabbage mixture. Additional interesting ingredients like black pepper, salt, and celery seeds (how long do celery seeds last?) bring out the rich flavors of the slaw. The incorporation of walnuts and green onions not only provides texture but also enhances the overall taste.
Apple walnut coleslaw is a versatile side dish suitable for a variety of occasions and meals, be it summer picnics or family dinners. As it is packed full of nutrient-rich ingredients like cabbage, apples, and walnuts, it offers a range of health benefits, making it a guilt-free choice for those on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. With its enticing combination of tastes, textures, and colors, this delicious recipe is a refreshing and enjoyable addition to any menu.
Essential Ingredients
Fruits in Focus
The main fruit in Apple Walnut Coleslaw is, of course, the apple. Apples add a sweet and tart flavor to the coleslaw, making it a refreshing and delicious salad. You can use a variety of apples such as green apples, sweet apples, or juicy apples, depending on your preference. Apart from apples, this coleslaw may also contain raisins (how long do raisins last?) that add a touch of natural sweetness and texture to the dish.
Vegetables and Greens
Apple Walnut Coleslaw contains two primary vegetables: cabbage and carrots (how long do carrots last?). Green cabbage is the most common choice for this salad, providing crunch and a mild flavor. Shredded carrots not only add a slight sweetness to the salad but also enhance its overall visual appeal with their vibrant orange color.
Dressing Base
A tangy dressing is crucial for binding the flavors of Apple Walnut Coleslaw together. The base typically consists of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Apple cider vinegar amplifies the apple flavors while adding a tangy taste, and lemon juice contributes to the refreshing aspect of the salad. Optionally, some recipes also include sour cream for a richer dressing.
Additional Flavor Enhancers
For enhancing the flavors and adding a nice crunch to Apple Walnut Coleslaw, walnuts are an essential ingredient. Walnuts provide healthy fats, fiber, and a pleasant texture to the dish. Besides, they boast numerous health benefits, such as supporting brain function and promoting heart health.
Other additional flavor enhancers in Apple Walnut Coleslaw include honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, black pepper and salt for seasoning, and green onions or celery seeds (how long do seeds last?) for an extra layer of taste. Moreover, various recipes incorporate elements like sunflower seeds, blue cheese, or goat cheese for an interesting twist in the flavor profile of the coleslaw.
Here's a brief overview of the essential ingredients and their measurements:
Apples: 1-2, chopped
Green cabbage: 4 cups, shredded
Carrots: 1 medium, grated
Walnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped
Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
Apple cider vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup: 1-2 tablespoons
Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Green onions (optional): 1/4 cup, chopped
Celery seeds (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
Raisins (optional): 3/4 cup
Blue or goat cheese (optional): 1/4 cup, crumbled
Now that you're aware of the essential ingredients for a delicious Apple Walnut Coleslaw, you can easily prepare this refreshing salad to enjoy as a side dish during warm summer months or at any gathering with friends and family.
Nutritional Values
Calories and Fats
Apple Walnut Coleslaw is a delicious and nutritious dish that offers a balance of flavors and health benefits. In a serving of this salad, you can expect approximately 183 calories, most of which come from its 17g of fat content. This fat content includes a mixture of healthy unsaturated fats and a smaller amount of saturated fats. The inclusion of walnuts and green cabbage play important roles in providing healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber.
Vitamins and Minerals
Apple Walnut Coleslaw is also rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to its nutritional value. With green cabbage, apples, and walnuts as key ingredients, this dish is packed with vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium.
Vitamin A can be found in green cabbage, which is essential for maintaining good vision, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting healthy skin.
Vitamin C is abundant in apples and green cabbage, and plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and repair of body tissues. It also aids in maintaining the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
Calcium is available in the sour cream and green cabbage, and is crucial for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
Iron is provided by the walnuts and green cabbage, supporting the transport of oxygen in the blood and promoting a strong immune system.
Potassium can be found in apples, walnuts, and green cabbage, and helps with maintaining proper fluid balance in the body, as well as supporting nerve function and muscle contractions.
Apple Walnut Coleslaw also has a moderate amount of carbohydrates (8g per serving) and 2g of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The dish contains a small amount of protein (3g), which comes primarily from the walnuts.
To sum it up, Apple Walnut Coleslaw is a delicious and healthy dish providing a range of nutritional benefits, as it is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Its ingredients not only make it appealing to your taste buds but also contribute to an overall healthier and balanced diet.
Preparation Techniques
Shredding and Chopping
Preparing an apple walnut coleslaw recipe involves shredding and chopping various ingredients to achieve the desired texture and appearance. First, gather your ingredients: apples, cabbage, carrots, onions, celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and other spices.
For the shredded cabbage, use a food processor with a shredding attachment or a sharp knife to shred the green cabbage. You can also purchase pre-shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix) if you prefer.
A quick tip: Use a vegetable peeler to easily strip the outer cabbage leaves, ensuring only the crisp, green part is left for shredding.
When it comes to shredded carrots, you can shred them manually using a box grater or a food processor. You may also find pre-shredded carrots in your local grocery store.
Moving on to the chopped apples, wash and chop the apples into small pieces. Green apples tend to best suit this type of coleslaw, lending a tart flavor and a crunchy texture to the salad. No need to peel the apples–the skin adds color and additional nutrients.
Preparation Method for Ingredients:
Green Cabbage:
Preparation: Shred the cabbage.
Carrots:
Preparation: Shred the carrots.
Green Apples:
Preparation: Chop the green apples into small pieces.
After you have prepared your ingredients, place them in a large salad bowl. Mix in chopped celery, onions, and walnuts, and give the mixture a good toss.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Walnut Coleslaw is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic coleslaw made with a tangy dressing and crunchy apple and walnut pieces. It's an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. In this section, we will explore ideal pairings and occasions for this delightful dish.
Pairings and Occasions
Apple Walnut Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of main dishes and can be served in various settings. Here are some popular pairings and occasions when this apple coleslaw can truly shine:
Barbecue: This crisp, tangy apple slaw is an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats and other barbecue favorites. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar and the sweetness of the apples in the coleslaw mix can balance the smoky, savory flavors of barbecued dishes.
Sandwiches: Add a burst of freshness and crunch to your sandwiches by layering this flavorful coleslaw with meats, cheeses, and other sandwich fixings. The balance of textures and flavors can elevate a simple sandwich to a gourmet delight.
Green Salads: You can incorporate apple walnut coleslaw into a more extensive salad with other leafy greens and veggies for a wholesome and nutritious dish. Consider adding some blue cheese, goat cheese, or sunflower seeds for added flavor and texture.
Summer Parties: This apple slaw recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and other outdoor gatherings during the warm summer months. Its refreshing taste and light dressing make it a favorite at these casual events.
To bring out the best flavors in your apple walnut coleslaw, consider these tips:
Give the coleslaw at least 1-2 hours in the fridge for the flavors to blend and the texture to achieve the desired crunchiness.
Choose a combination of sweet and tart apples for a more complex apple flavor in your coleslaw.
Adjust the tangy dressing to your preferred taste by adding more apple cider vinegar, honey, or maple syrup.
For a different taste, try substituting sour cream for mayonnaise in the dressing.
With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you can enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of Apple Walnut Coleslaw in various pairings and occasions.
