Apple Fennel Slaw

This Apple Fennel Slaw takes the classic side dish to a new level, making it perfect for fall gatherings. Crispy, juicy apples, shaved fennel, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. This upgraded slaw is refreshing, yet hearty and pairs beautifully with all your autumn favorites.

Apple Fennel Slaw is a quick and easy way to elevate your fall meals. Its light, crunchy texture and bright flavors provides a great balance when served alongside rich, hearty soups, sandwiches, roasted meats, or even a holiday table.

Looking for more recipes loaded with fresh veggies, then try my Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Prosciutto Salad with Apples and Feta, and Fall Pasta Salad with Candied Bacon.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Slaw

• Simple to make- With just a few ingredients and a simple dressing, this slaw comes together quickly, making it great for any meal.
• Crisp and refreshing- The combination of crisp apples, crunchy cabbage and thinly sliced fennel, gives it a bright, fresh taste that’s perfect for balancing richer, heartier dishes.
• Versatile- The slaw pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, tacos, or even as a topping for sandwiches.
• Seasonal recipe- With apples and fennel in season, it’s the perfect fall dish that highlights autumns fresh flavors.

Ingredient Notes and Substitution

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page. 

• Apples- Opt for firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These apples hold up well in the slaw with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. You can choose whichever fits your taste or even mix a couple different varieties.
• Fennel- Fennel adds a unique, subtle licorice flavor and a nice crunch. Slice it thin so it blends well with the other ingredients. Not a fan of fennel? No worries, just omit it and increase the amount of green cabbage.
• Green cabbage- Choose a firm cabbage with leaves that are tightly packed. The outer leaves should be vibrant green without any yellowing. For convenience, you can also use pre-shredded cabbage. Avoid packages with any browning or wilting.
• Green onions- These add a light onion flavor without being overpowering. If you don’t have them, thinly sliced red onions will work too.
• Dried cranberries- These bring a chewy, sweet element to the slaw. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use dried cherries, raisins or even sliced fresh grapes.
• Nuts- I use candied pecans, but you can use any variety you like. Toasted almonds, walnuts both add great crunch and a little richness. If you’re avoiding nuts, swap them out for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Homemade Apple Coleslaw Dressing

• Apple cider vinegar- Adds a bright, tangy flavor. You can substitute with white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar or fresh lemon juice if you prefer a different acidity.
• Greek yogurt- This adds a creamy base to the dressing. You can use whole milk greek yogurt or nonfat. If you prefer to keep things traditional, you can use mayo for a richer texture. You can also do a mix of both!
• Sour cream- Adds creaminess and a subtle tang. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with more Greek yogurt or mayo, or even use buttermilk for a slightly thinner consistency.
• Dijon mustard- Gives the dressing a little kick and depth of flavor. Avoid using yellow mustard.
• Honey- A touch of sweetness to balance the tang. Maple syrup or agave can also be used as substitutes.
• Celery seed (optional)- Adds that classic coleslaw flavor. If you don’t have celery seed, you can chop up some fresh celery or even add a pinch of caraway seeds.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, dijon, and honey until smooth. Then, add the celery seed and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to use.

STEP 2: Prep the fruit and veggies. First, shred the green cabbage and thinly slice the fennel. You can use a mandoline for even slices. Then, core the apples and slice or julienne them into thin pieces. Lastly, thinly slice the green onions. I use both the green and white portion.

STEP 3: Toss the slaw. Add the dried cranberries and candied pecans to the slaw mixture. Then, pour the dressing over the slaw. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

STEP 4: Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the slaw one more good toss.

Expert Tips

Prep ahead of time. To save on time, you can prepare the slaw and dressing ahead of time. To prevent the apples from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice or soak them briefly in saltwater before adding them to the slaw. Additionally, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the slaw from getting soggy.

Use a mandoline. For perfectly uniform slices, consider using a mandoline slicer. This ensures even thickness, which helps with texture and presentation. If you don’t have one, just make sure to use a sharp chefs knife.

Add additional crunch. For added texture and color, consider mixing in other crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, or radishes.

Toss just before serving. To maintain the crunch of the slaw, toss the dressing with the slaw ingredients just before serving. This keeps the slaw fresh and prevents it from getting soggy.

Make it a meal. Turn your slaw into a more substantial dish by serving it alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or bbq pork sandwiches. It’s a versatile side that complements a variety of proteins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing

For the best taste and texture, enjoy this Apple Fennel Slaw the same day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving to mix everything together.

What To Serve with Apple Slaw

Apple coleslaw pairs wonderfully with most meats, seafood dishes, soups, and sandwiches. A few of my favorite foods to serve with this easy coleslaw are listed below.

• Corn Chowder with Sausage
• Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
• Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
• Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
• BLT Bagels