Apple & Poppy Seed Coleslaw

July 12th, 2010 | Filed under: recipe, sides & bites | Tags: almonds, apple, cabbage, dressing, lemon, poppy seed, vegetarianApple & Poppy Seed Coleslaw

If you read last week’s post about my quest for summer potluck recipes, then you’ll understand where I’m coming from here. This summer’s been chock-full of BBQs and potlucks and I’m in serious danger of repeating a recipe – something that makes me very very sad. So, instead of serving the same old thing, I came up with another summer side.

Apple & Poppy Seed Coleslaw

Though some people hate on coleslaw, I think it’s great. It’s cool and crunchy and a nice way to balance the piles of grilled meat that usually make up the centerpiece at any BBQ. I like to use some green apple in my coleslaw because it adds a sweet crispness to the dish. This time I also used slivered almonds for crunch and instead of straight mayo, I made a vinaigrette with olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and poppy seeds. It’s lighter and brighter than the standard and goes great with the apple.

I know meat is supposed to be the main event when you’re grilling, but sometimes the sides just steal the show.

Apple & Poppy Seed Coleslaw

For the dressing:
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
1 tsp. salt
freshly ground pepper

1 green apple, cored and julienned
4 cups sliced cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
1 cup slivered almonds

Whisk the dressing ingredients together until well combined. Place the apple and cabbage in a big bowl and toss with the dressing. Cover and let stand for about a hour.

Just before serving, toss in the slivered almonds.

Makes 6 side servings.

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7 Comments

7 Comments on “Apple & Poppy Seed Coleslaw”

  1. 1Darcy said at 4:48 pm on July 12th, 2010:A very similar recipe for this was published in the June 2001 issue of Bon Appetit. I know because I have made it many times for parties. My guests rave and all want the recipe, so it must be delish!
  2. 2Nicole said at 12:22 pm on July 13th, 2010:Yum! I love the pretty colors in this coleslaw.
  3. 3Megan said at 7:43 pm on July 13th, 2010:Wow, this looks fantastic! I never thought to put green apple in slaw – such a great idea!
  4. 4momgateway said at 9:08 pm on July 13th, 2010:this looks like a winning salad…I can imagine the freshness and crunchiness of the apples and almonds…and adding poppy seeds is so unique!
  5. 5Nuts about food said at 6:09 am on July 15th, 2010:Here is another idea for a cool summer slaw, and some more potluck recipes. I will certainly try yours…looke delicious. Thanks
    http://nutsaboutfooditaly.blogspot.com/2010/07/smitten-kitchens-mango-slaw-with.html
  6. 6Mark Mc said at 3:10 pm on July 16th, 2010:Ill have to try this recipe, I keep buying my slaw dressing premade. Great photography too.
  7. 7Anjuli Ayer said at 11:09 am on August 11th, 2010:I love the color and the little accent of the poppy seeds and can see this cheerfully sitting next to a delicious pile of BBQ pulled pork.

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