If you’re craving a salad that’s crunchy, sweet, and bursting with bright flavors, you’re going to love this Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like fall and winter wrapped up in one vibrant bowl. Juicy slices of apple and pear mingle with crisp cabbage, while a zingy honey-lemon dressing ties everything together perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side to accompany your holiday feast or a simple, wholesome salad to brighten up an everyday meal, this recipe brings a joyful, fresh twist that’s easy to make and impossible not to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden tray with neat sections on a white marbled surface. In the top left, there are fresh green lettuce leaves with a bunch of green herbs beside them. On the top right, there is a yellow pear and a red apple next to a small brown onion in the corner. Below the fruits, there is a small white bowl with crispy brown bits. Across the middle row, three white bowls are placed side by side containing sliced almonds, red dried cranberries, and white crumbly cheese. Below these, three more white bowls hold a golden liquid (likely honey), a dark liquid (possibly soy sauce), and a thick light brown paste (likely peanut butter). The textures range from leafy green and fresh, to smooth liquids, to dry and crumbly items. The colors are mainly green, red, white, brown, and yellow. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients keep the Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe beautifully simple yet balanced. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering texture, color, and that irresistible flavor harmony.

3 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix): Provides the crunchy, refreshing base that makes this slaw so satisfying.
1 apple, thinly sliced or julienned (Honeycrisp recommended): Adds juicy sweetness and a crisp snap to every bite.
1 pear, thinly sliced or julienned: Brings a delicate softness and subtle floral notes that complement the apple perfectly.
¼ cup dried cranberries: Delivers bursts of tart sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
¼ cup sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds: Offers a nutty crunch that adds depth and texture contrast.
2 tbsp olive oil: Creates a smooth base for the dressing and enhances the freshness of the ingredients.
1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar): Injects a lively tang that lifts the flavors.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness, making the dressing irresistibly tasty.
½ tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle bite and helps emulsify the dressing for perfect coverage.
Salt & black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the natural flavors.

How to Make Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw Ingredients

Start by shredding or finely chopping your green cabbage into thin, crisp strands or grab a pre-made coleslaw mix for convenience. Thinly slice or julienne the apple and pear to ensure their sweetness is evenly distributed in every forkful. Toss in dried cranberries and your choice of sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds for an added crunch and a beautiful touch of color.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. The Dijon mustard works like magic here, bringing a gentle heat that balances the sweet and tangy notes, while the honey and lemon pull everything together in the perfect harmony.

Step 3: Combine and Toss with Love

Pour your homemade honey-lemon dressing over the prepared slaw mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure every shred and slice is lightly coated with the dressing. You can serve the salad right away for that crisp ‘wow’ factor, or chill it for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle and deepen.

How to Serve Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered coleslaw salad. The bottom layer has shredded light green cabbage mixed with thin julienne strips of pale yellow apple. Next, there are thin strands of bright orange carrots and small pieces of shredded purple cabbage spread evenly throughout. The texture looks crisp and fresh, with the mixture well combined but each ingredient still visible. A woman's hand is holding a white spoon scooping some salad at the side of the bowl. The background has a white marbled surface with a few scattered ingredients slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe, consider garnishing with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or mint leaves for a vibrant green contrast. A few extra toasted nuts or seeds on top not only add a lovely crunch but also a nutty aroma that will delight your guests even more.

Side Dishes

This slaw is a superstar side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or pork and is equally satisfying alongside roasted veggies or hearty soups. It’s especially wonderful on sandwich platters, adding crisp, fresh contrast to rich or smoky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the slaw in individual lettuce cups or alongside grain bowls for a light crunch. You could also layer it atop soft tacos or wraps where the tangy dressing and crunchy fruits balance out savory fillings wonderfully, giving a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you have some leftover Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe, it’s best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep that satisfying crunch, store the slaw and the dressing separately and toss them just before serving. This will keep your slaw tasting fresh and vibrant for up to two days.

Freezing

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to its crisp fruits and cabbage. Freezing tends to break down the texture, so try to prepare only what you’ll consume within a couple of days.

Reheating

Since this Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe is designed to be served cold and crisp, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature to make the most of its fresh, bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute other fruits for the apple and pear?

Absolutely! While apple and pear create a beautiful balance of sweetness and crunch, you can experiment with firm fruits like jicama or even crunchy vegetables like carrots for a different twist. Just keep in mind these changes might alter the flavor profile slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, by swapping honey for maple syrup, this Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe becomes completely vegan-friendly without losing its sweet and tangy charm.

How long does the slaw last after mixing?

Once tossed with the dressing, the slaw is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days. After that, the cabbage and fruits may begin to soften and lose their signature crunch.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even crispy tofu can turn this fresh slaw into a satisfying main dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

What nuts or seeds work best in this recipe?

Sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds are classic choices here because of their mild nuttiness and crunch. You can also try sunflower seeds or toasted pecans for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its crisp texture, natural sweetness, and bright dressing make it the perfect addition to your seasonal meals or anytime you want a little fresh flavor boost. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this slaw as much as I do — it’s simply irresistible!

Chef MARTHA

Apple Pear Slaw with Honey-Lemon Dressing Recipe