Salads & sides
Shredded cabbage and apple slaw with yogurt honey dressing and toasted almonds for crisp textures.
A refreshing, crunchy slaw that blends shredded cabbage and tart apples with a creamy yogurt honey dressing, finished with toasted almonds for a contrasting, satisfying crunch and a bright, balanced finish.
Published by
Robert Wilson
July 25, 2025 - 3 min Read
In many kitchens, a simple slaw becomes asignature dish when you choose the right balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang. This version pairs crisp green cabbage with thin ribbons of red apple to create a textural chorus that remains light yet deeply flavorful. The dressing leans on yogurt for smooth creaminess, while honey adds a warm sweetness that harmonizes with a touch of lemon zest. Toasted almonds introduce a nutty danger of crunch that stays crisp even after a light toss. The result is a versatile side that shines alongside grilled proteins or as a bright lunch component.
Start with fresh ingredients: a medium head of green cabbage, a crisp red apple, a half red onion for a gentle bite, and a handful of toasted almonds. Slice the cabbage finely to maximize surface area for dressing absorption, then julienne the apple to maintain a cohesive bite with the slaw’s texture. The onion should be thin enough to melt into the mix, offering subtle sharpness without overpowering the fruit. For the dressing, whisk plain yogurt with lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of salt, and a light grind of black pepper. The flavors mingle slowly as the slaw rests.
Fresh apples, cabbage, and yogurt create a bright autumn-leaning crunch.
A good slaw benefits from a short rest so the flavors can marry. After mixing, let the slaw sit for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This pause lets the cabbage shed a touch of its rigidity and soften, while the dressing soaks in just enough to cling to every strand. During this time, you can toast the almonds gently in a dry skillet until they emit a warm, nutty aroma. If you like, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika or sumac to shift the aroma toward a slightly citrusy note that complements the fruit’s sweetness. Rested slaw always feels more cohesive.
Once rested, taste and adjust. If the apple’s sweetness feels muted, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish; if the dressing seems too tart, a splash more yogurt smooths the balance. Consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to lift the flavors and introduce a hint of garden brightness. The almonds should provide audible crunch with each bite, so ensure they’re fully cooled before folding them back into the mix. A final light drizzle of olive oil can bring cohesion, but keep it minimal to preserve the yogurt’s creamiest notes.
A yogurt honey dressing unites cabbage and apples beautifully.
This slaw can be a star on busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet quick. Prepare the cabbage and apple in advance and store them separately to preserve texture. The dressing can be whisked ahead and kept in a jar, ready to pour and toss at serving. When you’re ready, combine the vegetables with the dressing, fold in onions, and top with almonds. The result works beautifully with roasted chicken, simply grilled fish, or baked tofu for a vegetarian option. If you want a more robust dish, serve alongside a quinoa bowl or a hearty grain salad.
For guests who favor crunchy textures, consider lightly crushing a portion of candied nuts to scatter across the top. This adds a second dimension of sweetness and a pleasing contrast to the fresh crunch of the cabbage. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double the dressing and keep half separate, allowing guests to tailor the level of creaminess and sweetness. The yogurt-based sauce also helps the dish stay vegetarian and kid-friendly without sacrificing depth of flavor. A squeeze of orange zest can introduce a delicate citrus lift.
The crunch of almonds elevates this simple slaw beautifully.
The yogurt honey dressing is the soul of this recipe, binding the ingredients while staying light and refreshing. Start with plain yogurt, preferably full-fat for richness, and whisk in honey until the sweetness feels even. Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to lend a gentle tang that echoes the apple’s acidity. A pinch of salt helps other flavors pop, and pepper gives a subtle warmth. If you desire a smoother texture, blend the dressing briefly with a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency. This versatile base can adapt to other seasonal fruits as well.
When apples lose their firm snap after days in storage, this slaw can still shine if you keep the components chilled and crisp. Grate or finely slice the cabbage to avoid a mushy texture as dressing is added. Thinly sliced onions contribute a gentle bite that balances the sweetness of the apples. Toasted almonds should be added just before serving to preserve their aroma and crunch. If you’re making ahead, keep the crunchy elements separate from the dressing, then combine just before serving to maintain structure and freshness.
Versatile, bright, and crisp with a creamy yogurt kiss.
Almonds serve more than texture in this dish; they introduce a roasted dimension that intensifies when warm. Toast them in a dry pan until they are fragrant and slightly browned, then cool completely before folding into the slaw. Their rich nutty flavor contrasts nicely with the bright notes of lemon and yogurt. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute slivered almonds with roasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the extra fat. The dressing remains the same, but you can adjust lemon juice to taste to maintain balance between sweetness and acidity.
Another great variation uses a dash of grated ginger in the dressing. Ginger adds a subtle warmth that complements the apple’s aroma and invites experimentation with other fruits such as pear or tart cranberry. You might also introduce a dash of olive oil to round the tang without making the sauce heavy. This adjustment preserves the yogurt’s creaminess while elevating the overall mouthfeel with a luxurious, silky finish. The slaw stays adaptable, making it suitable for many seasonal menus.
As a standalone dish, this slaw satisfies with a balance of textures and flavors. When plated, a modest bed of greens or a spoonful of pilaf can anchor the dish and create a complete meal. The interplay between cabbage’s snap, apple’s sweet-tresh, and the yogurt dressing’s tangy smoothness creates a palate-cleanser effect that works well as a side or a light main. Presentation matters, so arrange the apples in slender ribbons and scatter almonds in a decorative pattern to entice the eye and make the dish feel thoughtfully assembled.
For connoisseurs who value healthful eating, this recipe delivers without compromising taste. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-friendly when using yogurt without added sugar. The honey’s warmth remains gentle, ensuring the dressing does not overwhelm the vegetables’ intrinsic flavors. By adjusting the ratio of dressing to vegetables, you tailor the salad to your preferred creaminess. This evergreen slaw invites experimentation: seasonal fruit swaps, citrus overlays, or herb variations can all contribute to a timeless dish that remains fresh year-round.
