Crunchy and tangy, along with a bit of sweetness, this Carrot Slaw recipe is the perfect side dish for a family dinner or picnic. The natural sweetness of the carrots, combined with the tartness of the lime juice and the crunchiness of the granny smith apple and toasted pecans, creates a delightful fresh and tasty combination. Our simple homemade vinaigrette dressing that is sweet and tangy adds the perfect finishing touch!
Our kids love traditional coleslaw, and that led us to discover this amazing carrot slaw as a healthier alternative. We are big fans of carrots, as this amazing vegetable is considered a superfood due to it high levels of Vitamin A and other important minerals. Widely known as being good for your eyesight, carrots health benefits extend to other areas of the body as well. This Carrot Slaw with Apples and Pecans has turned into one of our go-to side dishes!
Why This Recipe Works?
- Light and full of flavor!
- Easy to make.
- Travels well – perfect for picnics!
- Readily available ingredients.
- Gluten-Free.
- Great way to have your kids consume another superfood.
- Make ahead recipe.
- Kid friendly.
- The Best Carrot Slaw recipe ever!!
Main Ingredients
This recipe uses super easy ingredients that can be purchased from a local grocery store if they are not already in your kitchen. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.
- Carrots – We prefer to use organic carrots, but you can use whatever you have handy. Make sure to clean them well, then peel and shred. The main ingredient of this slaw, carrots bring a crunch and sweetness to this recipe.
- Pecans – Pecans provide a sweet and buttery flavor along with their crunchy texture. If you don’t have pecans handy, an alternative would be walnuts. Although they are not as sweet and caramelly, walnuts are an adequate substitute.
- Apples – We use granny smith apples in this recipe. This variety of apple is perfect for this carrot slaw as it adds a nice color, tart flavor and crisp texture that withstands the vinaigrette dressing.
- Cranberries – We use dried cranberries as they provide a nice sweet and tart flavor. Cranberries are an excellent source of fiber and contain plenty of antioxidants.
- Maple Syrup – Real maple syrup has a sweet, caramel and nutty flavor. You can also use honey if that is what is readily available.
- Lime Juice – Limes add a tart, acidic taste with just a slight hint of sweetness to this salad.
How To Make Carrot Slaw with Apples and Pecans
Step 1: Toast the Nuts
- In a small pan over medium low heat, add pecans. Toast for 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until lightly brown. Alternatively, you can toast in a 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Once cool, give a coarse chop and set aside (these will be added before serving).
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
- Peel the carrots and shred them with the medium size hole on a box grater or food processor; zest the lime; chop the granny smith apple and cilantro.
- Add the apple and prepped veggies to a large bowl along with the dried cranberries and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette Dressing
- Juice the lime, mince the garlic and add to a small bowl along with olive oil, maple syrup and salt. Whisk to combine.
Step 4: Toss and Combine
- Add the vinaigrette dressing to the salad ingredients and toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust for salt, maple syrup or lime juice.
- Before serving, add chopped pecans and give a good toss.
Time to enjoy this delightful raw carrot salad. Serve this with Chipotle Chicken Wraps, Turkey Burgers, Quesadillas, or whatever you prefer!
Carrot Slaw with Apples and Pecans
Crunchy and tangy, along with a bit of sweetness, this Carrot Slaw recipe is the perfect side dish for a family dinner or picnic. The natural sweetness of the carrots, combined with the tartness of the lime juice and the crunchiness of the granny smith apple and toasted pecans, creates a delightful fresh and tasty combination.
Ingredients
- Carrot Slaw:
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 5 cups carrots, peeled and shredded (about 1-1/4 lbs)
- 1 cup granny smith apple, chopped (1 large apple)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (1 lime)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (use lime that was zested)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Carrot Slaw:
Toast the pecans for 5 minutes in a small pan over medium low heat, tossing occasionally, until lightly brown. Once cool, give a coarse chop and set aside (these will be added before serving). - Peel the carrots and shred them with the medium size hole on a box grater or food processor; zest the lime; chop the granny smith apple and cilantro. Add the prepped apple and veggies to a large bowl along with the dried cranberries and set aside.
- Vinaigrette Dressing:
Juice the lime, mince the garlic and add to a small bowl along with olive oil, maple syrup and salt. Whisk to combine. - Add the vinaigrette dressing to the salad ingredients and toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust for salt, maple syrup or lime juice.
- Before serving, add chopped pecans and give a good toss.