Easy Creamy Apple Slaw (Vegan, Crunchy + Protein-Packed)

If you’re looking for a crunchy, refreshing, and creamy plant-based side dish, this Easy Creamy Apple Slaw is about to become your new go-to. Instead of traditional mayo, the dressing uses silken tofu — giving you a velvety texture plus a boost of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and gut-friendly nutrients.

The combination of crisp apples, crunchy cabbage, carrots, and toasted seeds creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It comes together in minutes, keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, and gets even better as the flavors meld. Serve it as a side for weeknight dinners, pack it for lunches, or add it to grain bowls, tacos, or wraps for extra texture and freshness.

Easy Creamy Apple Slaw

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: none

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1/2 cup organic silken tofu

• 2 Tbsp organic apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tsp brown mustard

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Slaw

• 2 cups shredded or sliced cabbage matchsticks (finely julienned)

• 1 cup finely julienned carrots

• 1 cup finely julienned organic granny smith, pink lady, or apple of your choice

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced, including white and green portions

Directions

1. Make the dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creamy, and pourable.

2. Taste + adjust: Add more apple cider vinegar for tang, more salt for balance, or more mustard for sharpness.

3. Build the slaw: Add cabbage, carrots, and apples to a large mixing bowl.

4. Combine: Pour the creamy tofu dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is well coated.

5. Add crunch: Stir in the almonds or pumpkin seeds and green onions.

6. Chill: Refrigerate, covered, for 1–2 hours or overnight. This slaw gets even better as the flavors meld.Keeps for 5–7 days.

Substitutions

• Apples: Use any variety or mix sweet + tart.

• Veggies: Swap carrots and cabbage for shaved Brussels sprouts, radish, cucumber, or any crunchy vegetable.

• Mustard: Replace brown mustard with Dijon.

Add more nutrition and deliciousness

• Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.

• Add shelled edamame for extra plant-based protein.

• Sprinkle with hemp seeds for calcium, iron, and protein.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan apple slaw pairs perfectly with:

• Veggie burgers

• BBQ tofu or tempeh

• Grain bowls

• Tacos or wraps

• Holiday or picnic spreads

• Sweet Potato Biscuits

• Magical Mushroom Gravy meals (think: bowls + sides)

Nutrition Information

Per serving (4 servings): 177 calories, 13 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 9 grams protein, 9 grams fat, 217 milligrams sodium

Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, copper, magnesium,

Easy Creamy Apple Slaw: Easy + Versatile

This Easy Creamy Apple Slaw is one of those simple, nutrient-packed recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s crunchy, creamy, satisfying, and full of vibrant flavors — all without any dairy or mayo. Whether you're prepping meals for the week or looking for a fresh side dish, this slaw checks all the boxes.

Let me know if you try it!