Fresh & Crunchy Apple Coleslaw

Get ready for your new favorite side dish—Fresh & Crunchy Apple Coleslaw, a bright, crisp, refreshing upgrade from classic coleslaw. This version blends shredded cabbage, sweet apples, carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing to create a vibrant slaw that tastes amazing with everything from BBQ to holiday dinners to weekday lunches.

If you love a balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy, this is the coleslaw for you. Fresh apples add a natural sweetness and juiciness that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cabbage and the creamy dressing. The result is a refreshing bowl that feels both light and satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a cookout, packing lunches, topping pulled-pork sandwiches, or prepping a healthy side for grilled chicken, this apple coleslaw is versatile, delicious, and unbelievably easy to make.

What Makes This Apple Coleslaw So Good

✔ Super crisp and refreshing
✔ Sweet & tangy flavor balance
✔ Takes just 10 minutes to prep
✔ Perfect make-ahead side dish
✔ Amazing on sandwiches, tacos, and burgers
✔ Light but satisfying

This recipe keeps its crunch thanks to fresh apples and cabbage, while the dressing ties everything together without being too heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Coleslaw

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage (optional but colorful)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced into thin matchsticks
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp celery seed
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

• Raisins
• Sunflower seeds
• Green onions
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Produce

1. Shred cabbage and carrots or use pre-shredded mix.
2. Slice apples into thin matchsticks.
3. Toss apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh.

2. Make the Dressing

4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon, celery seed, salt, and pepper.

3. Combine Everything

5. Place cabbage, carrots, and apples into a large bowl.
6. Pour dressing over the mixture.
7. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill & Serve

8. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to develop flavor.
9. Serve cold.

Tips for the Freshest, Crunchiest Slaw

✔ Choose the Right Apples

Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala all stay crisp longer.

✔ Use Lemon Juice

Prevents browning and enhances the fresh flavor.

✔ Don’t Overdress

Start with less dressing and add more as needed.

✔ Make Ahead (But Not Too Far Ahead)

Apple coleslaw tastes best within 24 hours.

✔ Add Seeds or Nuts for Extra Crunch

Sunflower seeds and pecans add texture and depth.

Fresh & Crunchy Apple Coleslaw

A crisp, refreshing apple coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, sweet apple matchsticks, carrots, and a creamy tangy dressing.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 145

Ingredients

  

Coleslaw

• 4 cups green cabbage shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage shredded
• 1 cup carrots shredded
• 2 apples sliced into thin matchsticks
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Dressing

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar or honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp celery seed
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Shred cabbage and carrots; slice apples into matchsticks and toss with lemon juice.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine cabbage, carrots, and apples in a large bowl.
4. Pour dressing over slaw and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Best served within 24 hours for maximum crunch. Honey can replace sugar.

Variations to Try

1. Creamy Apple Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt

Use half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

2. Apple Cranberry Slaw

Add ½ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.

3. Apple Poppy Seed Coleslaw

Add 1 tsp poppy seeds for delicate crunch.

4. No-Mayo Apple Slaw

Use olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon for a vinaigrette-style slaw.

5. Spicy Apple Slaw

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Serve Apple Coleslaw

This slaw pairs beautifully with:

• BBQ pulled pork
• Burgers
• Hot dogs
• Chicken sandwiches
• Fish tacos
• Grilled chicken
• Ribs
• Turkey sandwiches
• Sliders
• Picnic spreads
• Holiday meals

It’s also amazing on its own as a crunchy side salad!

What Apples Work Best?

Best choices:

• Honeycrisp
• Gala
• Pink Lady
• Fuji

These apples stay crisp and offer great sweetness and crunch.

Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which break down too easily.

How to Store Apple Coleslaw

• Refrigerator: up to 2 days
• Best within: 24 hours
• Do not freeze — apples and cabbage lose their texture

If prepping ahead, slice apples right before serving, or keep them coated in lemon juice.

Why Apple Coleslaw Works So Well

Apple coleslaw hits every flavor and texture note:

• Crunchy
• Creamy
• Fresh
• Tangy
• Sweet
• Bright

It’s a refreshing upgrade from traditional coleslaw, making meals feel lighter and more vibrant.

Nutrition Benefits

This slaw is naturally:

• High in fiber
• Packed with vitamin C
• Abundant in antioxidants
• Low in calories
• Made mostly of fresh produce

A clean, wholesome side dish that tastes indulgent.

When to Serve Apple Coleslaw

This recipe is perfect for:

• Summer cookouts
• Spring lunches
• Holiday dinners
• Meal prep
• Potlucks
• Sandwich toppings
• Healthy sides

It complements heavy dishes beautifully and adds balance to your menu.