This Apple Beet Slaw is a delightful combination of crunchy textures and fresh flavors. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a refreshing side dish to elevate any meal, it offers a unique twist on traditional slaw. The vibrant colors and zesty dressing make it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a light lunch—the possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Apple Beet Slaw comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy days.
- Flavorful Balance: The combination of sweet apples, earthy beets, and tangy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or family dinner, this slaw pairs well with various main dishes.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from beets and cabbage, this slaw is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or add your favorite toppings to make this slaw your own.
Tools and Preparation
To make the preparation process smoother, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment ensures that your Apple Beet Slaw turns out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Glass jar with lid
- Cheese grater
- Salad bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Glass jar with lid: Ideal for mixing and storing your dressing without making a mess.
- Cheese grater: Perfect for quickly shredding beets and apples into manageable pieces.
- Salad bowl: Provides ample space for tossing the ingredients together without spilling.
Ingredients
This Apple Beet Slaw features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Slaw
- 2 large fresh, raw beets
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 cups chopped or sliced red cabbage (about 1/4 of a head of cabbage)
- 2 cups chopped or sliced green cabbage (about 1/4 of a head of cabbage)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
How to Make Apple Beet Slaw
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by mixing the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper in a glass jar. Seal the lid tightly and shake until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Grate the Beets
Wash, peel, and grate the beets using your cheese grater. Aim for long strips for better texture in your slaw.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Cut the Granny Smith apples into matchsticks. If you prefer smaller pieces, feel free to chop them into cubes instead.
Step 4: Chop the Cabbage
Prepare both red and green cabbages by chopping them into thin strips or small chunks according to your preference.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, toss together the grated beets, sliced apples, red cabbage, and green cabbage until well mixed.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the delicious dressing.
Step 7: Add Lemon Zest
Grate lemon zest over the salad and squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Toss again to combine.
Step 8: Garnish
If desired, finish off with freshly chopped cilantro as a garnish before serving.
Enjoy your vibrant and crunchy Apple Beet Slaw!
How to Serve Apple Beet Slaw
Apple Beet Slaw is a versatile salad that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its crunchy texture and refreshing flavors make it an ideal accompaniment for summer meals or barbecues.
With Grilled Meats
- Barbecue Ribs: The sweetness of the slaw complements the smoky flavor of grilled ribs.
- Chicken Skewers: A light addition to your protein, this slaw enhances the taste of marinated chicken.
As a Standalone Salad
- Light Lunch: Serve it on its own for a quick and healthy meal, adding some protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Picnic Dish: Perfect for packing, this slaw holds up well and stays fresh for hours.
With Tacos
- Fish Tacos: The crunchiness of the slaw offers a nice contrast to soft fish tacos.
- Vegetable Tacos: Add it as a topping to enhance the flavors and textures of your veggies.
How to Perfect Apple Beet Slaw
To make your Apple Beet Slaw even better, consider these handy tips. Each one can help elevate the overall taste and presentation.
- Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients for the dressing to bring out vibrant flavors in your slaw.
- Texture Variety: Incorporate nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or mint for unique flavor profiles.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Beet Slaw
When serving Apple Beet Slaw, you may want to complement it with additional sides. Here are some great options that pair nicely together.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that matches perfectly with beet slaw.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad balances the crunchiness of the slaw.
- Coleslaw: Offer a traditional coleslaw as another crunchy option on your table.
- Baked Beans: Their hearty texture contrasts beautifully with the lightness of beet slaw.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds substance while keeping things light.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a warm counterpoint to the cool salad.
- Grilled Veggie Platter: Colorful grilled vegetables can enhance any meal alongside your slaw.
- Hummus and Pita Chips: For a lighter snack option, serve hummus with crispy pita chips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Beet Slaw, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Dressing: Many people forget to prepare the dressing separately. Mixing it first allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your slaw.
- Using Cooked Beets: Don’t use pre-cooked beets. Fresh, raw beets provide a crunch and vibrant color that makes the salad stand out.
- Omitting Acid: Some may skip adding lemon juice or zest. This step brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the apples and beets.
- Not Chopping Evenly: If your vegetables aren’t chopped uniformly, they won’t mix well. Aim for similar sizes to ensure every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Ignoring Personal Taste: Relying solely on the recipe can limit customization. Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or additional herbs based on your preference.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it in the vegetable crisper drawer for optimal freshness.
Freezing Apple Beet Slaw
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture. However, if necessary:
- Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Apple Beet Slaw
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slaw in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer slaw to a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Beet Slaw?
Apple Beet Slaw is a refreshing salad made from shredded raw beets, apples, and cabbage tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish.
Can I customize my Apple Beet Slaw?
Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch or substitute different types of apples based on your preference.
How long does Apple Beet Slaw last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days. After that, it may lose its crunch and freshness.
Is Apple Beet Slaw healthy?
Yes! This slaw is low in calories and packed with vitamins from fresh veggies and fruits. It’s a nutritious side dish option.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Beet Slaw is not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a light meal topped with proteins like chicken or chickpeas. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients!
Apple Beet Slaw
Apple Beet Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with crisp, tart apples and crunchy cabbage. This delightful dish is perfect for summer barbecues or as a colorful side to any meal. With its zesty dressing and beautiful presentation, Apple Beet Slaw is not just delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a light lunch. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes! Enjoy the unique textures and flavors, whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone salad.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large raw beets
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 cups red cabbage
- 2 cups green cabbage
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a glass jar, combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shake well to mix.
- Wash and grate the beets into long strips using a cheese grater.
- Cut the apples into matchsticks or cubes.
- Chop both red and green cabbages into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, toss together the beets, apples, red cabbage, and green cabbage.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Add lemon zest and juice; toss again to enhance flavor.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg