Carrot apple slaw is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic coleslaw. The natural sweetness of crisp apples pairs beautifully with the earthy crunch of fresh carrots, creating a light yet satisfying dish. This slaw is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also makes a perfect side dish for any meal—whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a potluck spread. The tangy dressing ties everything together, making it a truly irresistible combination of flavors.
To start, peel and grate a couple of large carrots using a box grater or a food processor. The carrots provide the base for this slaw, adding both texture and a mild sweetness. You can use regular orange carrots or mix it up with purple or yellow varieties for a colorful twist.
Next, chop up one or two apples, depending on how sweet you want the slaw to be. Green apples like Granny Smith provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the carrots, but you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala. Make sure to remove the core, and then cut the apples into thin matchstick-like pieces or julienne them to match the texture of the grated carrots. The apples add a juicy crunch that complements the crispness of the carrots perfectly.
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. For a classic slaw dressing, whisk together a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. The mayo brings creaminess, while the vinegar offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the carrots and apples. The honey adds a bit of natural sweetness, balancing the flavors. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, and for an extra burst of flavor, you can stir in a pinch of mustard or a dash of cinnamon.
Once the dressing is prepared, pour it over the grated carrots and apples. Toss everything together gently, making sure that each piece is coated with the creamy dressing. You can adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more vinegar for acidity or more honey for sweetness, depending on your taste preferences.
For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a handful of dried cranberries for a chewy sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be added to bring a pop of color and freshness to the slaw.
Carrot apple slaw is best served immediately, but you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. This slaw pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from BBQ chicken to fish tacos or grilled vegetables, and it’s perfect for a light, refreshing side.
Ingredients
- 2 whole carrots peeled and grated
- 2 whole apples cored and julienned
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier slaw
- to taste Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons raisins optional, for sweetness
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots and julienned apples.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise).
- Pour the dressing over the carrot and apple mixture, and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add raisins if using and toss again.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Loved the lemon juice in this! Brightened it up!
But isn’t lemon juice too sour? I prefer mine without it. 🤷♂️
I totally agree! The lemon juice really does make a difference. I can’t imagine it without it now!
Kinda messy, I overloaded mine with ingredients. 😂
Yum! Would make this again. My kids liked it too!
Used mayo instead of yogurt. It turned out sooo creamy! Love it 😋
I don’t get why people put apples in slaw. Stick to cabbage! 🤷♂️
Isn’t this just a salad? Why call it slaw? 🤔
It’s definitely more than a salad! The dressing and the mix make it a slaw. Super tasty! 😊
Not my cup of tea. Carrots and apples just don’t mix right. 🥕🍏
Simple and delicious! Perfect side dish for BBQ.
This is a game changer! So refreshing and healthy! 🌟
Really? I thought it was too sour with all the lemon juice. Maybe I’ll try less next time.
I agree! It’s so easy to make and tastes amazing. Perfect for summer!
Why would you use raisins? I hate that! I left them out and it was alright.