Some of the best recipes are the simplest ones, made with fresh ingredients and a creamy homemade dressing. This Creamy Cabbage, Apple, and Nut Salad combines sweet, juicy apples with crunchy nuts and a tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish.
It is a lovely addition to Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or any meal that could use a little extra freshness. Thinly sliced white cabbage and crisp red apples are tossed in a Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing, then finished with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage and Apple Salad
- Crisp and refreshing: Thinly sliced cabbage and apple matchsticks make every bite crunchy.
- Creamy, tangy dressing: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard create a light, flavorful coating.
- Sweet and crunchy: Juicy apples and chopped nuts balance the tangy dressing.
- No cooking required: Just slice, whisk, toss, and chill.
- Ready in 35 minutes: 15 minutes of prep plus 20 minutes to let the flavors blend.
How This Salad Comes Together
The cabbage is washed, dried thoroughly, and sliced into thin strips. The apples are cored and cut into thin matchsticks, then tossed with lemon juice to help prevent browning.
A simple dressing of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mild mustard, optional honey, salt, and black pepper is whisked until smooth. It is tossed with the cabbage and apples, chilled for 20 minutes, and finished with chopped nuts right before serving so they stay crunchy.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz white cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium red apples, cored and cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mild mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Chill Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 4
Estimated Nutrition: Approximately 250 calories and 6 g protein per serving.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Slice the Cabbage and Apples
Wash the cabbage and dry it thoroughly. Slice it into thin strips and place it in a large mixing bowl.
Wash and core the apples, then cut them into thin matchsticks. Toss them with the lemon juice to help prevent browning.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, honey if using, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Add the apples and dressing to the cabbage. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Add the Nuts and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the chopped nuts so they stay crunchy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve chilled alongside roasted chicken, baked fish, or your favorite family meal.
What to Serve With Cabbage and Apple Salad
This crisp salad is a great match for roasted chicken or baked fish, and it fits easily into a Sunday dinner or family gathering. For more fresh sides, browse our salads and sides or try our apple cranberry coleslaw.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best crunch, keep the chopped nuts separate and stir them in just before serving.
Tips for the Best Cabbage and Apple Salad
- Dry the cabbage well: Thoroughly dried cabbage keeps the dressing creamy instead of watery.
- Cut thin, even strips: Thin cabbage and apple matchsticks make the salad easy to eat and toss.
- Toss the apples with lemon juice: It helps prevent browning.
- Add the nuts last: Stir them in just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Taste before serving: Adjust the salt and black pepper once the flavors have blended.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
Walnuts or Pecans: Use whichever chopped nut you prefer for crunch.
A Touch of Sweetness: Add the optional teaspoon of honey to the dressing for a slightly sweeter finish.
Tangy and Light: Skip the honey for a tangier salad that pairs well with roasted chicken.
Quick Questions
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss the apple matchsticks with the lemon juice right after cutting them to help prevent browning.
When should I add the nuts?
Stir in the chopped nuts just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Why should I dry the cabbage?
Drying the cabbage thoroughly helps the creamy dressing coat it evenly instead of becoming watery.
How long should I chill the salad?
Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
What can I serve this salad with?
It is delicious served chilled alongside roasted chicken, baked fish, or your favorite family meal.
A Little Freshness for the Table
Simple salads are often the dishes people go back to the most. Crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and a creamy, tangy dressing bring brightness to a plate without any fuss.
Make it for Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or any meal that could use something fresh and crunchy.
“Fresh ingredients and a creamy homemade dressing can turn the simplest salad into the dish everyone asks about.”
— Ava
Creamy Cabbage, Apple, and Nut Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the cabbage and dry it thoroughly. Slice it into thin strips and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Wash and core the apples, then cut them into thin matchsticks. Toss them with the lemon juice to help prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, honey if using, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the apples and dressing to the cabbage. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped nuts so they stay crunchy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled alongside roasted chicken, baked fish, or your favorite family meal.
