Laurel of Leaves

getting back to my roots: my journey in true health and natural living

Real Food Recipes, Salads

Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw

I have been on SUCH a coleslaw kick over the past few weeks. Which, I guess, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Cabbage is incredibly nutrient dense and aids in digestion. Red cabbage in particular can help get rid of dandruff. Carrots are great for improved eyesight and glowing skin. And let’s face it–coleslaw is CHEAP!

Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to slaw flavors. Growing up, my favorite coleslaw came from KFC. Yep, the colonel makes some tasty slaw,  but whether there is actual food in there is debatable. I can only imagine what kind of chemicals, colorings, and preservatives are in the recipe!

I know plenty of people who are disgusted by the thought of slaw drowning in mayonnaise. I actually really like creamy coleslaw. This recipe, however, is light on the mayo but heavy on flavor.

The grated apples add a tangy sweetness to balance the cabbage. Plus apples are full of enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. What was that about eating an apple a day . . . ?

Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw

There are times when it is NOT a good idea to eat this particular slaw. If you know you have to take a drug test in the next week or so (i.e. in conjunction with a job interview), poppyseeds in your system have the potential to show up as opiates.

New job=fail.

But don’t be scared of them! Poppyseeds are actually a great source of oleic & linoleic acids, dietary fiber, and B-complex vitamins. Avoid the little jar from the spice aisle in the grocery store, though. Those seeds are old and have probably turned rancid. Check your health food store for fresh seeds that you can buy in bulk.

Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw

Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw

Ingredients:

1/4 head of green cabbage, sliced very thin
1/4 head red cabbage, sliced very thin
1-2 carrots, grated
1-2 apples, grated
1/4 c. homemade mayonnaise or Veganaise with grapeseed oil
4 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
juice of 1 lemon
4 Tbsp. poppyseeds
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.

Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw

I love how fantastically easy it is to throw together a coleslaw for summer cookouts or neighborhood potlucks. Total no-brainer.

Cheeseburger on Homemade Bread with Apple Poppyseed Coleslaw & Rosemary Potato Wedges

And it pairs perfectly with a yummy grass-fed cheeseburger on homemade No-Knead Gluten-low Bread with Rosemary Potato Wedges!

What is your favorite summer salad or coleslaw variation? 

This post is linked to Monday Mania, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Real Food Wednesday

  1. Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit

    August 8, 2011 at 6:45 am

    Great recipe, Lori! I completely forgot that cabbage is supposed to help dandruff. Thanks for the reminder! We made coleslaw for dinner last night and it was absolutely delicious :)

    1. Lori Winter

      August 10, 2011 at 6:45 pm

      Thanks Leanne! I find it fascinating knowing what foods can help improve conditions like dandruff or aching joints or poor eyesight. It’s amazing what a difference those things can make!

  2. Beth

    August 8, 2011 at 8:50 am

    I don’t normally like the mayo based slaws, but this looks great, and I have all but one ingredient already in the house!

    1. Lori Winter

      August 10, 2011 at 6:46 pm

      Don’t you love it when that happens?! I know I do :)

  3. Danielle@SixTastesChef

    August 11, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    This looks great.

    I love cabbage, and when the weather turns cool I make it several ways. I love it braised with apples and apple cider vinegar, but I admit my favorite way to eat it is raw in coleslaw. I’m bookmarking this one!

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