ππ₯ Apple-Pecan Slaw π₯π
Apple-Pecan Slaw is a delicious and refreshing salad that combines the crispness of fresh apples with the crunch of pecans, all tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing. This delightful slaw offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular side dish or a light meal on its own.
π History:
The history of Apple-Pecan Slaw is not well-documented, but it likely evolved from traditional coleslaw recipes. Coleslaw itself has a long history, with roots in Europe, and it was adapted in the United States into the creamy version we’re familiar with today. The addition of apples and pecans is a creative twist that adds sweetness and texture to the classic dish.
π½οΈ Components:
The key components of Apple-Pecan Slaw are as follows:
- Apples: You’ll need fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which add a sweet and tart element to the slaw.
- Pecans: Pecans provide a wonderful nutty crunch and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Cabbage: Green or red cabbage is commonly used as the base of the slaw, providing a crunchy and slightly peppery element.
- Carrots: Carrots are often shredded or julienned and added for color and additional crunch.
- Dressing: The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey or sugar, and various seasonings like salt and pepper.
π©βπ³ Preparation Steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Apple-Pecan Slaw:
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste), and salt and pepper to taste. This creates a creamy and tangy dressing.
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Prep the Ingredients:
- Shred or thinly slice 4 cups of cabbage.
- Julienne or grate 2 carrots.
- Dice 2 fresh apples into small pieces, leaving the skin on for added color and texture.
- Roughly chop 1/2 cup of pecans.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, diced apples, and chopped pecans.
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Toss with Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw ingredients.
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Mix Thoroughly:
- Toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve:
- When ready to serve, garnish with extra pecans or fresh apple slices if desired.
β° Time Needed:
Preparation time for Apple-Pecan Slaw varies, but on average, it takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and make the dressing. Additionally, you’ll need to chill the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the total time is approximately 45-50 minutes. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, perfect for a side at picnics, barbecues, or any meal.
Enjoy your delicious and emoji-filled Apple-Pecan Slaw! ππ₯π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple-Pecan Slaw:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Serving Size: 1 cup):
- Calories: 150-200 calories
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 5-10 milligrams
- Sodium: 100-150 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Vitamin C: 20-25% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of DV
- Calcium: 2-3% of DV
- Iron: 2-3% of DV
Health Information:
- Low in Calories: Apple-Pecan Slaw is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake.
- Healthy Fats: Pecans provide healthy monounsaturated fats and are a good source of antioxidants.
- Fiber: This slaw contains dietary fiber from cabbage and apples, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
- Vitamins and Minerals: It’s rich in vitamin C, providing a boost to your immune system, and contains vitamin A, important for eye health.
- Protein: While it’s not a significant source of protein, it does contribute some to your daily intake.
- Sodium Content: The sodium content is relatively low, which is good for those watching their sodium intake.
- Sugar: The sugar content mainly comes from the natural sugars in apples and the honey or sugar in the dressing. It’s not excessively high but should be consumed in moderation.
Overall, Apple-Pecan Slaw can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in reasonable portions. It provides a mix of nutrients and is a tasty way to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meals. However, be mindful of the dressing, as it can add calories and fats, so use it in moderation if you’re aiming for a lower-calorie option.