This crisp, tangy, and lightly sweet Apple Coleslaw is a refreshing twist on the classic. Featuring crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a creamy, honey-kissed dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal that could use a fresh and vibrant complement.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: With simple prep work and a no-cook method, this dish comes together in minutes.
Burst of Freshness: The combination of crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and tangy dressing adds a refreshing flavor to your meal.
Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone salad.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it great for parties or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded (optional for color)
2 medium apples, julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, julienned apples, shredded carrot, red onion, and nuts if desired.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Add More Fruit: Toss in some dried cranberries, raisins, or thinly sliced pears for added sweetness.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based version or use plain Greek yogurt as an alternative.
Boost the Protein: Add shredded cooked chicken or grilled shrimp to make it a heartier dish.
Extra Herbs: Mix in fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for added freshness.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover apple coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply give it a quick toss before serving.
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FAQs
Can I make this apple coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually better when made ahead! Letting it chill for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great time-saver, though fresh cabbage gives a crisper texture.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss the julienned apples in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the coleslaw to prevent browning.
Can I freeze apple coleslaw?
Unfortunately, coleslaw with mayonnaise-based dressing doesn’t freeze well, as the texture of the cabbage and apples may become mushy upon thawing.
Conclusion
Apple coleslaw is a simple yet delightful side dish that combines crunch, sweetness, and tang in every bite. Perfect for casual dinners or special gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to suit your tastes, this refreshing salad is sure to be a hit at your table.
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Coleslaw
- Total Time: 45 minutes (Including Chilling Time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp, tangy, and lightly sweet, this apple coleslaw is a refreshing twist on the classic. Featuring crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a creamy honey-kissed dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal in need of a vibrant complement. Easy to make and customizable, this dish will become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded (optional)
2 medium apples, julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded green and red cabbage, julienned apples, shredded carrot, red onion, and nuts (if using). - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until creamy and smooth. - Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. - Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Customizations: Add dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness, fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pro Tip: Toss apples with a little lemon juice before mixing to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
