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This cilantro apple slaw is the perfect summertime salad. It is packed with crisp sliced apples, cilantro, jalapeno, lime, and celery. It’s light and refreshing.
I like many things, but apples are currently at the top of that list.
I cannot stop eating them. Now, while I usually slice them up and sprinkle them with kosher salt, I love them when thrown into this cilantro apple slaw. It’s perfectly crispy and crunchy with the perfect amount of tart, sour, and salty. Plus, using fresh cilantro gives it a BIG burst of fresh flavor.
Please don’t email me and ask if you can not use cilantro. It’s a pretty big flavoring component to this straightforward recipe. Unfortunately, without the cilantro, you’ll be eating a bowl of chopped apples, celery, jalapenos, and lime juice.
I love the addition of the slightly spicy jalapeno pepper, as it adds a bit of heat to the cool, crunchy salad. You can try serrano or a habanero pepper if you want even more heat. Both will add a nice burst of flavor.
Plus, they would pair wonderfully with shrimp tacos!
Ingredients needed
- Granny smith apples
- Celery
- Jalapeno
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
How to serve
I’m happy to eat this salad as a simple side or a flavorful vegetarian lunch, but it can be great when served as part of the dish.
It’s great when served on top of Easy Fish Tacos, next to Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, or even a tasty side to Seared Scallops.
My Pro Tips
Cilantro Apple Slaw Recipe Tips
I like tart green apples for this slaw because they pair nicely with lime juice and cilantro. However, if you want to use a sweeter apple, that will work well too. I like to use something crispy and sweet,t like a Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp apple.
If you don’t want the heat of jalapeno, feel free to leave it out. Or, if you want more heat, try mixing in a serrano or a habanero pepper!
Cilantro is a central component of this dish, so I don’t think this recipe will be for you if you’re not a fan of cilantro. While you could try to use parsley in place, it won’t taste the same or have the same flavor profile.
Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Storage and leftovers
You can store any leftover cilantro apple slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples and celery will stay crisp and delicious and won’t brown because of the lime juice.
This is not an acceptable recipe to freeze. After thawing, the water in the apples and celery will make the fruit and vegetables soft and limp.
More salad recipes
Cilantro Apple Slaw
Ingredients
- 3 large granny smith apples, cut into matchsticks pieces
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- ½ fresh jalapeño, finely diced and seeds removed
- ¼ cup finely minced cilantro
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add chopped apples, celery, jalapeño, and cilantro to a large bowl.
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl.
- Pour over apples and stir to combine. Making sure that everything is covered so the apples do not start to brown.
- Taste the slaw and add more salt if desired. If you feel like the slaw needs more acid, add more lime juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
There is all sorts of yummy in this salad. Love the heat from the jalapeno and the sweet from the apple!
Also love that you bought a grill for your home and that your hubby watches the Bachelorette with you. Priceless 🙂
Cute plate too!
I love the sound of this, Brandy! Cilantro is my favorite!
I love how you made the best of our yucky cold weather! I could totally use some of this slaw now that it’s scalding out. So refreshing!
oh now this slaw is fun never thought to use apple this way
My husband refused to watch The Bachelorette with me! He doesn’t mind the Bachelor because there’s always girls in bikinis (haha) but he refuses to watch “a bunch of dbags”. You definitely found a keeper!
I totally love this recipe! Anything with a ton of cilantro is a winner for me!
This looks so refreshing and just perfect for summer!
This is right up my alley and the plate you used for it was tailor-made for this recipe. Gorgeous!
Brandy this slaw looks so good and so refreshing for summer. Is it bad that my husband is the one trying to persuade me to watch the bachelor/bachelorette with him? lol.
Well yes, I am one looking for a few last minute recipe for my dinner.
This is definitely a salad that I think will get everyone’s attention, is not too
difficult and doesn’t screw up anyone’s allergies. I have one member who is allergic to pork. I wish I could get you to Fed Ex me a couple slices of your ham. Sigh.