When the crisp air of fall arrives, I can’t help but crave vibrant, seasonal dishes that celebrate nature’s bounty. One of my favorites is the Apple Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette—a perfect blend of sweet Gala and Fuji apples paired with juicy Bartlett pears. This slaw is not just a feast for the eyes, but the combination of flavors and crunch is irresistible!
Tossed in a savory caramel cider vinaigrette, this dish is both nutritious and quick to prepare, making it an ideal solution for those busy weeknights or festive gatherings when you need something spectacular yet effortless. Each bite delivers that delightful contrast of crispy freshness and creamy richness, perfect for tantalizing your taste buds and impressing your guests.
So, whether you’re upgrading your usual side dish or looking for a healthy alternative to fast food, this Apple Pear Slaw is here to brighten your plate and your day!
Why is Apple Pear Slaw a Game Changer?
Vibrant Flavors: This Apple Pear Slaw is a celebration of fall with its delightful combination of juicy fruits and a unique savory vinaigrette.
Quick Prep: Enjoy a homemade dish without the fuss! This slaw takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for your busy lifestyle.
Healthy Alternative: Packed with fresh fruits, it’s a gluten-free choice that’s brimming with vitamins and fiber—ideal for health-conscious eaters.
Versatility: Great as a side salad or a light snack, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a refreshing dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, expect this slaw to be the highlight at your gatherings! For more fall-inspired ideas, check out our seasonal recipes.
Apple Pear Slaw Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette
• Caramel Sauce – Provides a touch of sweetness; can use homemade or store-bought caramel.
• Apple Cider – Adds a tangy depth of flavor; adjust based on personal preference.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Essential for balancing the flavors in the vinaigrette.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Contributes healthy fats; neutral oils can be a good alternative.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; sea salt is a suitable substitute.
• Black Pepper – Freshly cracked for best flavor; adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth; feel free to increase for more spice.
For the Slaw
• Gala Apples – Provides sweetness and crunch; slice into matchsticks for best texture.
• Fuji Apples – Offers a crisp bite; also cut into matchsticks.
• Bartlett Pears – Introduces juicy softness; matchstick cut is ideal.
• Dried Cranberries – Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the apples.
• Golden Raisins – Provides chewiness and additional sweetness; optional to include.
• Ground Cinnamon – Further boosts fruity flavors in your slaw mix.
This Apple Pear Slaw is a deliciously fresh dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight your taste buds!
How to Make Apple Pear Slaw
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Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl, whisk together caramel sauce, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
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Mix the Slaw: In a larger bowl, combine the matchstick-cut Gala apples, Fuji apples, and Bartlett pears. Add in the dried cranberries and golden raisins, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly mixed.
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Dress the Slaw: Drizzle ¼ cup of the vinaigrette over the fruit mixture. Toss gently to ensure that every bite is beautifully coated with that sweet and savory flavor.
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Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Allowing the slaw to chill helps meld all those delightful flavors together.
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Serve: After chilling, give the slaw a gentle stir and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light snack. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Optional: Garnish with additional dried cranberries for an eye-catching finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Apple Pear Slaw
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Crispness Matters: Prepare the Apple Pear Slaw no more than a few hours before serving to ensure that the fruits stay crunchy and fresh.
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Keep it Fresh: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freshness is key to enjoying this delightful slaw!
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Prevent Browning: To avoid browning, drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the sliced apples and pears before mixing them into the slaw.
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Customize to Taste: Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by varying the amount of caramel sauce—experiment to find the perfect balance for your palate!
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Substitution Tips: If you can’t find golden raisins, feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruit or leave them out altogether without compromising the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Pear Slaw bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, slice the apples and pears (adding a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning) to keep them fresh for up to 24 hours before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, just combine the prepped fruits, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and toss gently. This way, you save precious time while ensuring every bite of your slaw is just as delicious and vibrant as if it were freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pear Slaw
Fridge: Store leftover Apple Pear Slaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The slaw is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within this timeframe for optimal flavor and crunch.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this slaw, as the fruits will lose their crisp texture and quality after thawing. Enjoy it fresh instead!
Reheating: If you have leftover vinaigrette, you can refrigerate it separately and use it to dress fresh slaw or other salads within a week. Don’t reheat the slaw itself.
What to Serve with Apple Pear Slaw?
Enhance your meal experience with these delightful pairings that will elevate your Apple Pear Slaw to new heights.
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Grilled Chicken: The savory flavors of grilled chicken perfectly complement the sweetness of the slaw, creating a well-rounded plate. This adds a satisfying protein element, making for a complete meal.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add a nutty, caramelized crunch with roasted Brussels sprouts. Their earthy flavor balances the fruity notes of the slaw beautifully.
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Savory Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa salad adds texture and protein, pairing wonderfully with your slaw. The nutty grains work in harmony with the sweet apples and pears.
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Spiced Pork Tenderloin: The warm spices of a roasted pork tenderloin mingle beautifully with the vibrant flavors of the slaw. This combination radiates a comforting fall vibe.
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Fresh Baguette: Serve with slices of fresh baguette for a delightful contrast. The crisp crust and soft interior make it a perfect vehicle for enjoying the slaw.
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Autumn Fruit Punch: Quench your thirst with a refreshing autumn fruit punch that echoes the flavors of the slaw. Its fruity essence enhances your overall dining experience.
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Pumpkin Pie: Finish on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin pie. The warm spices offer a delicious contrast to the refreshing crunch of the slaw, making this a fall favorite!
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Chai Tea: Sip on a cup of chai tea to add warmth and spice to your meal. The aromatic flavors beautifully complement the apples and pears in the slaw.
Apple Pear Slaw Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Apple Pear Slaw to fit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Protein Boost: Add diced grilled chicken or chopped nuts for extra protein, making it a heartier meal option. This adds a satisfying crunch and elevates your slaw.
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Citrus Twist: Incorporate some orange segments or zest for a zesty freshness that pairs beautifully with the slaw’s sweetness. The citrus brightness will awaken your taste buds!
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Spicy Kick: If you’re craving a bit of heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist. Perfect for adventurous palates!
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Nutty Flavor: Swap pecans or walnuts for golden raisins to introduce a nutty crunch and depth of flavor. The earthy tones harmonize wonderfully with the sweet fruits.
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Vegan Version: Use maple syrup instead of caramel sauce and vegan mayonnaise for a delightful, plant-based twist. Enjoy all the flavors while keeping it plant-friendly!
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Dried Fruit Variety: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped apricots or figs instead of cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness. Each choice brings a unique flavor profile.
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Herb Enhancement: Add fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to accentuate the fruity flavors and provide freshness. This will invigorate your slaw with fragrant notes!
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Refined Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness in your vinaigrette by using honey or agave syrup instead of caramel—perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. A subtle sweetness for a delightful balance!
Apple Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples and pears should I use for the slaw?
Absolutely! For the Apple Pear Slaw, I recommend using Gala and Fuji apples for their sweetness and crunch, paired with juicy Bartlett pears. Choose fruits that are fresh, with firm skins and no dark spots to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers of the Apple Pear Slaw?
After enjoying your delicious slaw, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but keep in mind it might lose some crunch as time goes on. I find that the texture is best appreciated when freshly made!
Can I freeze Apple Pear Slaw?
I advise against freezing this slaw. The fruits, when thawed, can turn mushy and lose their delightful crunch. If you do have leftover vinaigrette, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray for future use, but I recommend enjoying the slaw fresh!
What can I do to keep the apples and pears from browning?
To keep your fruits looking fresher for longer, sprinkle a little lemon juice over the sliced apples and pears before mixing them into the slaw. This helps prevent oxidation and keeps the colors vibrant, making for an appealing dish!
Can I substitute any ingredients due to dietary restrictions?
Very! If you need to cater to allergies or dietary preferences, you can substitute the caramel sauce with a sugar-free alternative or a homemade version made with natural sweeteners. Additionally, if anyone has nut allergies, it’s best to skip the optional nuts in variations. Always ensure that any substitute aligns with your guests’ dietary needs.
How can I elevate my Apple Pear Slaw for a larger gathering?
To amp up the flavor and make this dish more filling, consider adding grilled chicken or some toasted nuts for texture. You could also experiment with other fruits like pomegranate seeds for a tart pop or different nuts, such as walnuts for additional crunch and nutrition. Enjoy the process of getting creative!
Apple Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together caramel sauce, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- In a larger bowl, combine the matchstick-cut Gala apples, Fuji apples, and Bartlett pears. Add in the dried cranberries and golden raisins, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly mixed.
- Drizzle ¼ cup of the vinaigrette over the fruit mixture. Toss gently to ensure that every bite is beautifully coated with that sweet and savory flavor.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help meld the flavors together.
- After chilling, give the slaw a gentle stir and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light snack.