This is not your ordinary cabbage slaw. You get the best of both worlds with this Apple Strawberry Cabbage Slaw! Made with Granny Smith apples, strawberries, and a cabbage blend with champagne dressing. It’s topped with candied pecans and orange zest.
If you love this recipe, check out my Berry Salad with Burrata and Blackberry Vinaigrette, Kale Vegetable Salad with Walnuts, or this Vegetable Stir Fry Slaw.
This year, I’m excited to take part in Eat the Culture’s 2023 Holiday Recipe Exchange: Party Pairings for All the Holidays! Holidays often revolve around communal moments – sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, food. This year’s roundup is all about those delightful ‘lite bites’ and drinks that set the tone for festive gatherings. I had the pleasure of partnering with Marta of Sense & Edibility who crafted delicious Caribbean Johnny Cakes. This fried biscuit recipe pairs perfectly with my Apple Strawberry Cabbage Slaw with Candied Pecans. Learn more about Eat the Culture and find a complete list of recipes from all participants here.
Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC, #PerfectPartyPairings, and #ETCHOLIDAYS2023 on Instagram.
Family and the Sweet Life
My cabbage slaw recipe is inspired by my Auntie Anne: from baked goods to salads while hosting gatherings at her home, she always creates the most delicious foods for our family. She made a salad for a recent birthday celebration and it reminded me of another one that she serves during the holiday season. In true Artney fashion, I wanted to come up with a similar version but summer and holiday-inspired. Please note: slaw can be enjoyed all year round because it’s just that good! I don’t want you to miss out on ya blessing because it’s winter.
Apple Strawberry Slaw in all of its glory!
Shredded cabbage, carrots, Granny Smith (green) apples, strawberries, champagne vinegar, vegan mayonnaise, fresh orange zest, and candied pecans bring this slaw together.
A mix of sweet and tangy elements that taste absolutely exquisite together make this an excellent plant-forward salad that is also perfect for entertaining. It also makes a great side dish.
Ingredients to Make Apple Strawberry Slaw:
Cabbage Mix – you can shred your own head of green and purple cabbage, throw in some shredded carrots, or use store-bought coleslaw slaw mix.
Granny Smith (Green) Apples – The tanginess of green apples will give you the best of both worlds, sweet and tart. The added crunch takes this slaw to the next level.
Strawberries – I love strawberries in this cabbage slaw and you have options. You can use dried strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, or fresh chopped/sliced strawberries (see notes). In addition, for the freeze-dried berries, I prefer them to be softer in texture like fresh strawberries. As a matter of fact, if you choose fresh strawberries, I would suggest waiting to incorporate them when you’re ready to serve your slaw.
Mayonnaise – I love vegan mayo and use it often with my plant-based meals and recipes. It’s so delicious and this is my absolute favorite brand. If you only have traditional mayonnaise on hand, use it. I understand that everyone does not follow a plant-based diet, but we all love options.
Champagne Vinegar – this vinegar is absolutely divine! The dressing is a tad bit different than most vinegar-based salad and slaw recipes, but similarly, they are usually made using apple cider vinegar. There’s something about the champagne taste that pairs well with green apples and strawberries.
Honey – what I love about slaw dressing is the only sugar comes from natural fruit and the hint of honey. This slaw will give you the same great taste with the perfect amount of sweetness.
The Toppings
Orange Zest – I’ve been obsessed with all things orange here lately, so I love the added fresh orange zest on top. You can also use as much as you would like. Tasting the orange essence with the crunchy bites of slaw with the candied pecans is everything.
Pecans (Candied) – you can use regular chopped pecans. With this in mind, take those pecans up a notch by adding these sweet, yet crunchy elements.
Brown Sugar – this little bit of sweetness will assist in giving your pecans that delicious candied coating.
Vanilla Extract – because vanilla is just that girl!
Seasonings – you will need salt and pepper for the dressing, as well as, salt for the candied pecans. In addition, other spices such as cinnamon, smoked paprika, and brown sugar to help get the party poppin’ for the candied pecans.
The Dressing
The salad dressing is made with champagne vinegar, vegan mayo, honey, finely chopped fresh basil (totally optional), and a little salt and pepper. In addition, basil is very prominent in this slaw, so if you don’t like the taste of the basil, don’t add it. If you love herbs, go for it!
Storage
Store Apple Strawberry Slaw in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Store candied pecans in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Other Recipes to Enjoy!
- Southern Peach Pie
- Strawberry Walnut Tostadas
- Lemon Pepper Roasted Cauliflower
- Watermelon Basil Breeze Gin Cocktail
- Cherry Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Strawberry Cilantro Mocktail
- Vegan Stir Fry Slaw
I hope you love this Apple Strawberry Slaw recipe as much as we did! It will make a fantastic addition to your holiday gathering, family celebration, and even summer cookout. If you make this recipe, tag me (@myprettybrown) on social media. You can find me by following the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB and IG! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, PINTEREST, and TikTok.
Apple Strawberry Cabbage Slaw with Candied Pecans
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Cabbage Slaw Mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise I used vegan mayonnaise for this recipe
- 2 to 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves roughly chopped totally optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 5 cups shredded green and purple cabbage with shredded carrots OR store-bought coleslaw mix
- 2 Granny Smith apples chopped, skin optional
- 1 cup dried strawberries or freeze dried strawberries (I prefer them softer, no crunch – they will soften in the slaw) See Notes for fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons orange zest optional
Candied Pecans
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water or more if necessary
Instructions
Directions for Candied Pecans
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, smoked paprika, vanilla extract, salt, and water to a medium skillet on medium high heat.
- Next, stir brown sugar mixture until it starts bubbling (about one minute).
- Add in the pecans to coat them with the brown sugar mixture. Keep stirring and tossing until they are completely covered.
- You will notice that the nuts will shimmer as they become coated. Be careful not to burn them. This will take about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer candied pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool before adding to your cabbage slaw. Set aside.
Directions for Cabbage Slaw
- In a bowl mix mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, basil (optional), salt, and pepper together. See notes regarding adjusting your dressing. Set aside.
- Add shredded cabbage mix to a large mixing bowl then pour 1/2 to 3/4 of the dressing over slaw. Add your Granny Smith apples and strawberries and toss. Top with orange zest.
- If your slaw is too dry, add the remainder of the dressing. If you want more of mayonnaise base and less vinegar, add one tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time and cut it back to 2 tablespoons of vinegar, to adjust.
- You can enjoy this cabbage slaw right away or allow to sit chilled for at least an hour to get the best flavors.
- Serve and enjoy!
Enjoyed this for lunch today and it did not disappoint! Quick, easy and refreshing; the perfect spring salad, indeed!
This slaw recipe looks amazing. I love the add-in of the candied pecans! Can’t wait to try it on the weekend.
This was such a refreshing and easy slaw to make!! It tasted great as a side dish for the burgers we had for dinner today!
Love the combination and love the dressing too. This salad seems to have a burst of flavors. Best for a festive Dinner salad platter.