Green Cabbage and Apple Slaw (Printable Version)

Crisp shredded cabbage and tart apples in a tangy dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Fruit

01 - 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
02 - 1 large tart apple such as Granny Smith, julienned or shredded
03 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
04 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon honey
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional Additions

11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, apple, carrot, and green onions.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
04 - Stir in parsley and poppy seeds if using.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Serve immediately for extra crunch, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 15 minutes, which means you can throw it together while grilling without stress.
  • The texture stays crisp even if you make it ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
  • That tangy-sweet-creamy balance works with almost anything—it's the side dish that never gets left behind on the plate.
02 -
  • Don't dress the slaw too far in advance if you're after maximum crispness; the acid in the vinegar slowly softens the cabbage, which is fine if that's your preference but worth knowing going in.
  • Using fresh Dijon mustard from a good brand actually changes the game—cheap mustard tastes acrid and one-dimensional, while good mustard adds complexity that feels sophisticated without being obvious.
03 -
  • Pat the shredded cabbage dry with a clean kitchen towel before dressing it; excess moisture dilutes the dressing and makes everything taste watered down.
  • If you find yourself without Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard works beautifully and adds an even more interesting texture and flavor depth.
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