Valentina Ablaev
This apple coleslaw recipe is a creamy and crunchy salad packed with flavor. Crisp cabbage and juicy apples are tossed with carrots, walnuts, and cranberries, then coated in a tangy homemade dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ alongside pulled pork or at a potluck, this apple coleslaw is the perfect sweet-and-savory side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Coleslaw
This apple coleslaw is inspired by our classic coleslaw recipe, yet taken to the next level!
- Make-ahead salad. Coleslaw is great to prepare in advance and have ready to go! Assemble the salad and store the dressing on the side, and toss before serving!
- Sweet and savory. The flavor combination of the savory coleslaw and the sweet apples makes for the perfect salad!
- Quick and easy. This salad comes together quickly with minimal hands-on effort!
This classic apple coleslaw is made with a creamy, tangy dressing that we use in so many ways! Not only is it perfect for coleslaw, but it also makes a delicious creamy broccoli salad. You can’t go wrong with a crisp and creamy side salad!
Why Put Apples in Coleslaw?
For those of you who are hesitant about adding fruit to your salad, let me change your mind! Apples add a delicious crunch, and the sweetness of the apples balances the rich flavors of the salad. Apples were our favorite addition in our harvest salad bowl, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Ingredients for Apple Coleslaw
- Coleslaw – Finelyshred cabbage, or use a packaged coleslaw mix, for the perfect slaw.
Pro tip: If shredding the cabbage, use a mandolin for consistent, thin pieces. - Apples – We love using either Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect texture and flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Cut them into thin slices for the perfect bite.
- Veggies – Adding carrots and green onions adds great flavor and texture.
- Add-ins – Walnuts and craisins add so much texture.
- Dressing – A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, and seasoning.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Apple Coleslaw Variations
- Healthy alternative: Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to make a low-calorie, high-protein coleslaw.
- Add protein: Make this coleslaw a complete meal by adding pan-seared chicken breast!
- Pasta salad: Just like our creamy macaroni salad, you can add cooked pasta to this apple cole slaw. This makes the perfect bbq side!
How to Make Apple Coleslaw
A simple step-by-step recipe to make your new favorite spring salad:
- Prep salad. To a large salad bowl, add all of your salad ingredients. Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk up the dressing ingredients.
2. Chill. Pour dressing over the salad, toss, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to come together.
Expert Tips:
- Prep ingredients. Slice apples and carrots thinly and into evenly sized pieces. This way, you have uniform pieces that make it into every bite.
- Taste for seasoning. Give the coleslaw a taste before chilling to check for salt and lemon juice!
- Serve. Add nuts right before serving for maximum crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Bbq side: Coleslaw always has a place at a summer bbq! Serve with grilled bbq chicken or even over a pulled pork sandwich!
- Wrap side: A salad makes the perfect side to a buffalo chicken wrap.
- Sandwich: Serve this light and refreshing salad with a homemade turkey bacon sandwich. A delicious combination that is refreshing and flavorful.
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Keep leftovers sealed tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Coleslaw stores better than typical salads because it’s less likely to get soggy.
- Freeze. Apple coleslaw does not freeze well. Enjoy it while it’s fresh!
More Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this coleslaw with apples recipe, be sure to try our other easy salad recipes; here are some of our favorites:
Cabbage- Chicken
- Chicken
If you tried this apple coleslaw recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Easy Apple Coleslaw Recipe (Creamy & Crunchy)
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage or 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 2 apples thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onions optional
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
dressing –
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add the cabbage, apples, green onions, almonds, and cranberries to a bowl. Gently toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayo, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over slaw and toss until coated.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy, friends.
Notes
- What apples are best? Your favorite or whatever apples you have on hand will work for this recipe!
- Prep ingredients. Julienne the apples and carrots into evenly sized pieces.
- Taste for seasoning. Taste the slaw for seasoning before chilling in the fridge.
- Serve. Garnish with additional nuts right before serving for maximum crunch.
- Store leftovers. Keep leftovers tightly sealed and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Coleslaw stores better than typical salads because it’s less likely to get soggy.
Nutrition
FAQs
Apples add natural sweetness and crunch, making coleslaw more refreshing and flavorful.
Toss apples with lemon juice before adding them to the salad to keep them fresher longer.
Pulled pork, BBQ chicken, burgers, and sandwiches.
Apple coleslaw will stay fresh for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container. Though there may be some browning on the apples.
