Our Apple Coleslaw recipe is here to add some zing to your summer spread. Crisp cabbage and carrots form the perfect dance partners, but it’s the juicy apple slices that really steal the show, adding a refreshing crunch that’ll make your taste buds do the tango. Dressed in a tangy, sweet, and creamy dressing, this coleslaw is the life of the party – pairing perfectly with BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Serve this apple slaw with burgers, tacos, and chicken for the absolute perfect flavor combination!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Side Dish
- Quick and Easy: This takes only ten minutes to prep!
- Make Ahead: It’s best to prep this in advance to help the flavors blend.
- Fresh Take on a Classic: This recipe is perfect for summer.
When we moved to Dallas, I was lucky enough to eat some of the BEST barbecue. One of my favorite pulled pork sandwiches was topped with an amazing slaw. Picking through the pieces, I found chunks of apple! That sweet addition paired beautifully with the smoky flavor. It was in that moment that I fell in LOVE.
This recipe is one that we make all summer long. It tastes great on pulled pork, tacos, chicken… You name it. The flavor is slightly sweet with a wonderful tang. One that you will want to make over and over.
Creamy Apple Slaw Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Plays a vital role in coleslaw by contributing to its overall flavor profile and helping to balance the dish. Don’t substitute with white vinegar.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creaminess to the slaw that is unbeatable.
- Poppy Seeds and Honey: These two flavors play a vital role in the finished product.
- Salt and Pepper
- Slaw Mix: Can you chop your own? Yes but these packs make it super quick and easy.
- Apples: You can use any type of apple you prefer. Crisp and slightly sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well, but feel free to use your favorite apple.
How to shred apples:
For shredding apples, I like to use a box grater. (affiliate) Hold the apple tightly by the top and the bottom. Grate it on the large holes of the grater. When you reach the core, turn the apple 90 degrees. Repeat until only the core remains.
How To Make Coleslaw With Apples
Ready for the easiest side dish recipe of all time? This recipe is as simple as combine and toss! Just make sure you make the dressing and fully stir before adding the cabbage and apples.
- Combine the vinegar, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until fully incorporated.
- Toss the slaw mix with the shredded apples. Drizzle the dressing over the salad a little at a time until you are happy with the consistency.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
How To Keep Apples From Turning Brown
We have never had the issue of browning. However, we also make this relatively close to the time we plan on serving. If you are planning on making this in advance I would recommend lightly tossing the shredded apples in lemon juice before adding to your mix. This should slow the browning process of the fruit.
One little tip before we dive in… When you shred your apples there is a small chance that it will turn into a bit of a mess. Still stir the juices and apple bits into your slaw. It adds a fun flavor that you will not want to miss and I do not want you to get discouraged if it does not shred into perfect little strands.
Recipe Notes:
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Crisp and slightly sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well, but feel free to use your favorite apple.
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw in advance. However, for the freshest texture and flavor, it’s best to serve it within a few hours of making.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, apple coleslaw can stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. After that, the cabbage may become slightly softer, but it will still be safe to eat.
Allowing the coleslaw to sit for about 15-30 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld together. However, you can serve it right away if you prefer a crisper texture.
Absolutely! Apple coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or fish, adding a refreshing and crunchy element to your meal.
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Apple Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 bag slaw mix
- 3 fuji apples shredded
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until fully incorporated.
- Toss the slaw mix with the shredded apples. Drizzle the dressing over the salad a little at a time until you are happy with the consistency.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Rachel says
Thanks for the tips on shredding apples. Even though I tossed the sliced apples with lemon juice, they still turned an unappealing brown. I didn’t want to waste them, so I used a metal spoon to chop into smaller pieces, then stirred in the slaw. That worked. You specifies Fuji apples. First I tried the popular Granny Smith but they were far too tart. Fuji apples were perfect! I selected this recipe because it included poppy seeds. They add a finishing touch. But I served this to an older crowd and we all looked like Halloween masks with black-spotted teeth. So I will leave out the poppy seeds next time.
Thanks for this recipe and all the additional info along with it!