Apple Slaw

Quick Summary

Apple Slaw- a simple slaw made with cabbage, apples, chickpeas, celery, pepitas, dried cranberries, and a creamy tahini dressing. The slaw is crispy, crunchy, sweet and a great side dish to any meal.

apple slaw with chickpeas in a bowl with lemon slices and serving utensils.

I am normally not a huge lover of coleslaw, but this Apple Slaw is my absolute FAVORITE. It is light, fresh, and the flavors and textures are SO good.

The slaw is made with cabbage, apples, chickpeas, celery, pepitas, dried cranberries, and a creamy tahini dressing. It’s crispy, crunchy, sweet, and satisfying. It has a little bit of everything going on and you will be hooked after one bite.

The slaw is great year-round, but I especially love this slaw during the fall months. Serve it along side your favorite cozy soup, with pasta, chicken, chicken pot pie, fish, or enjoy it for lunch.

ingredients to make apple slaw in bowls.

Slaw Ingredients

Cabbage– I use a mix of green and red (purple) cabbage.
Chickpeas– I love adding chickpeas for protein.
Apple– I like to use Honey crisp, you can use your favorite apple. Cut the apple into thin strips.
Green onions– they aren’t too strong and add a nice flavor.
Celery– for a nice crunch!
Pepitas– pepitas are shell-less pumpkin seeds and are a good source of magnesium, Vitamin K, protein, and healthy fats. I love them!!
Dried cranberries– optional, but add a nice sweetness.
Parsley– so fresh!
Tahini Dressing– it’s SO good!
Lemon juice– I love finishing the salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tahini Dressing

I use my favorite tahini dressing to dress the slaw. It is SO good and very easy to make, you only need 5 ingredients.

You will need:

tahini paste
fresh lemon juice
water
maple syrup
garlic

You can buy tahini paste at most grocery stores. Look for it in the aisle with peanut butter or in the aisle with international foods. You can also find it at a specialty or Middle Eastern grocery stores. You can store tahini paste at room temperature, but if you don’t use it that often, keep it in the fridge because it can go rancid.

The dressing only takes a few minutes to whisk together and compliments the slaw perfectly! The full recipe is HERE.

How to Make Apple Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, chickpeas, apple, green onion, celery, pepitas, cranberries (if using), and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Pour the tahini dressing over the slaw. Use tongs to toss until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing.
Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top and enjoy!

Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe!

Use almonds, pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds instead of pepitas.
Add feta cheese, goat cheese, blue cheese, or white cheddar cheese.
Add shredded cooked chicken.
Use golden raisins or dried cherries instead of dried cranberries.
Stir in some poppy seeds.
Add additional herbs. Chives, mint, and basil would all be good.
And if you don’t care for cabbage, you can use shaved Brussels sprouts or finely chopped kale.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy this slaw with any meal. I love making it during the fall months when apples are in season. The flavors are so good!

I also love making this apple slaw for a light lunch. It is satisfying and so delicious.

Here are some dishes that pair well with this slaw.

How to Store

The slaw is best the day it is made, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

You can make the tahini dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to one week.

apple slaw with chickpeas, pepitas, and tahini dressing in bowl.

More Easy Side Dishes

More Apple Recipes

Side Dishes

Simple slaw made with cabbage, apples, chickpeas, celery, pepitas, dried cranberries, and a creamy tahini dressing. The slaw is crispy, crunchy, sweet and a great side dish to any meal.

3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
15 ounces chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 large apple, cored and cut into thin strips
3 green onions, sliced
1 rib celery, diced
1/4 cup pepitas
1/4 cup dried cranberries, optional
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Tahini Dressing
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, for serving

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, chickpeas, apple, green onion, celery, pepitas, cranberries (if using), and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Make the tahini dressing and pour it over the slaw. Use tongs to toss until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing.
Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top and enjoy!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Calories: 267kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 27mg, Potassium: 576mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 616IU, Vitamin C: 40mg, Calcium: 98mg, Iron: 4mg