Maple Glazed Apple Fennel Slaw with Toasted Walnut Crunch - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Maple Glazed Apple Fennel Slaw with Toasted Walnut Crunch

Ready to crunch into something fresh and fabulous? This Maple Glazed Apple Fennel Slaw is a harmony of crisp apples, zesty fennel, and a sweet maple kick, topped with perfectly toasted walnuts. It's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty—your taste buds are in for a treat!

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

Ready to crunch into something fresh and fabulous? Let me introduce you to my new obsession: Maple Glazed Apple Fennel Slaw with Toasted Walnut Crunch. This dish is like a symphony of textures and flavors performing right on your plate. Imagine the crisp, juicy apples mingling with the delicate licorice notes of fennel, all dressed in a sweet, tangy maple glaze. Oh, and did I mention the star on top? Toasted walnuts! They're like the confetti of crunch that brings everything together. If you’re tired of same-old salads, this recipe is here to wake things up and bring some pizazz to your table.

Maple Glazed Apple Fennel Slaw With Toasted Walnut Crunch Recipe

What makes this slaw extra special, you ask? It’s all about that maple glaze dressing. Sweet but not cloying, it’s perfectly balanced with apple cider vinegar and a hint of Dijon mustard for a little zing. Then there’s the mix of Granny Smith apples for tartness and Honeycrisp apples for natural sweetness—oh, they are a match made in culinary heaven! And fennel, with its crisp texture and that unique hint of anise, gives this slaw a slightly Mediterranean twist. Toss in the crunchy toasted walnuts for a nutty depth, and you’ve got a dish that dances gracefully somewhere between classic comfort food and stunning gourmet side.

Now, let me sprinkle in a few chef-y tips because I like to see your slaws turn out as dreamy as possible. Slice your fennel as thinly as possible—use a mandolin slicer if you have one for those paper-thin, almost see-through slices. And don’t skimp on toasting the walnuts. Toasting brings out their natural oils and makes them wonderfully fragrant and flavorful. Also, give the salad some time to hang out after tossing it together. Let all those flavors become best friends for at least 20 minutes before serving; trust me, the wait is worth it!

So, are you ready to give this slaw a try? It’s versatile and can easily tag along with so many dishes. Pair it with grilled chicken, serve it as a refreshing side for BBQ, or even plop it on top of a burger for extra crunch. And if you’re feeling creative, swap walnuts for pecans, or add a sprinkle of dried cranberries for extra sweetness. However you roll with it, this slaw is guaranteed to steal the show at your next meal. Your taste buds will be singing happy tunes!

Keywords: maple fennel apple slaw, crunchy apple walnut slaw, homemade slaw with fennel, sweet tangy slaw recipe, easy fresh apple fennel salad, healthy side dish with walnuts

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples, julienned
  • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the julienned apples, thinly sliced fennel, and chopped parsley.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well emulsified. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a skillet over medium heat, toast the walnut halves in butter for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle the toasted walnuts with sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and toast for another 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

  5. 5

    Pour the maple dressing over the apple and fennel mixture. Toss to combine thoroughly.

  6. 6

    Top the slaw with the toasted walnut crunch just before serving.

  7. 7

    Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories per serving

Protein

2g

Carbs

22g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?

A: Yes, you can substitute apples with other crisp fruits like pears or even firm peaches. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly. Opt for fruits that retain a good crunch to mimic the texture of apples.

Q: What can I use instead of fennel if I don’t like its flavor?

A: If you're not a fan of fennel, you can replace it with thinly sliced celery or Napa cabbage. These substitutes will maintain the crunchiness and complement the flavors of the dish.

Q: How do I prevent the apples from browning while making the slaw?

A: To keep the apples from browning, toss the julienned apple pieces in a small amount of lemon juice before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help preserve their fresh appearance.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the components separately ahead of time. Store the julienned apples, sliced fennel, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Toast the walnuts and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Combine the components just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the walnuts may lose their crunch and the apples might soften slightly over time.

Q: Can I make the walnuts without using butter?

A: Yes, you can toast the walnuts in a dry skillet or use a neutral oil like coconut oil or avocado oil. The flavor will differ slightly, but the walnuts will still toast and caramelize well.

Q: Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

A: You can try adding a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins for a touch of sweetness. For a more savory version, include crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese as a topping. You can also experiment with adding shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.

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