Picnic Ready Apple Coleslaw with Bourbon Dijon Dressing
We’re taking a classic side dish and taking it up a notch with crisp apples and a grown up bourbon Dijon dressing. It’s fresh, crunchy, and a little bit fancy. It’s perfect for a picnic, BBQ or holiday table. Apple Coleslaw isn’t your average side; and it’s sturdy enough to travel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unexpected Flavours – The Bourbon and Dijon add a depth to the bright salad ingredients
Quick and Easy – Ready in minutes using store-bought coleslaw mix
Great for Entertaining – Colorful, crowd-pleasing and make ahead friendly.
Versatile – Delicious with pork chops, fried chicken or piled high on sliders.
Is This Recipe For You
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
Servings: 6-8
Occasion: Picnic, BBQ, Potluck
What Do You Need
Fresh
- apples
- bag coleslaw mix ( or 4 cups shredded green cabbage)
- carrot
- red onion
- purple cabbage
- fennel fronds
Pantry
- bourbon
- pecans
- Dijon mustard
- apple cider vinegar
- olive oil
- honey
- salt and pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Serves
6
Ingredients
Slaw
- 2 apples, julienned
- 1 bag coleslaw mix or 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 2 Tbsp fennel fronds (optional but adds a lovely anise note)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 2 Tbsp bourbon
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- pinch of salt and black pepper
Steps
1
Make the Dressing
In a jar, whisk together the bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Shake aggressively to avoid the whisking.
2
Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, purple cabbage, carrot, apple, red onion, fennel fronds and toasted pecans.
3
Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until well coated. Let chill 30 minutes.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Add Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese just before serving. It adds some creaminess and tang.
Bourbon Substitute: Try using apple juice or maple syrup if you’re avoiding alcohol.
Make ahead: make everything in advance but don’t add dressing until 30 minutes before serving.
Add protein: This salad with grilled chicken or salmon makes a well rounded meal.
Texture tip: Toast your pecans for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F to enhance their flavour and crunch.
FAQ
Can I use a different cheese? Yes! Feta or blue cheese work well too. But goat cheese has that creaminess and tangy bite that compliments the bourbon.
Is this slaw kid friendly? Omit the bourbon to make this a family friendly version
How long will it keep? Once dressed it is best if i8t’s eaten the same day, but leftover are still great the next day just a little softer.
Ingredients
Slaw
- 2 apples julienned
- 1 bag coleslaw mix or 4 cups green cabbage shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup purple cabbage shredded
- 2 Tbsp fennel fronds optional but adds a lovely anise note
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
Dressing
- 2 Tbsp bourbon
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 Tbsp honey
- pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
Make the Dressing
- In a jar, whisk together the bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Shake aggressively to avoid the whisking.
Prepare the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, purple cabbage, carrot, apple, red onion, fennel fronds and toasted pecans.
Toss and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until well coated. Let chill 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Join the Conversation
Are you a traditional coleslaw fan? Hope you tried this and it’s your new stand by.
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