Apple Slaw Recipe

Name: Apple Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard; 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce ((a few dashes)); ¾ teaspoon celery salt; ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt; ½ teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 ½ cups apples; 2 Tablespoon lemon juice; 16 ounces fresh coleslaw mix (bagged cabbage mix without dressing); 1 bunch green onions (sliced thin)

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This crisp and tangy apple slaw recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, with crunchy apples, fresh cabbage, and a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing twist on classic coleslaw that goes with everything!

A wooden spoon holding a scoop of apple slaw over the bowl.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cabbage Slaw

There’s just something about the combination of crunchy cabbage and crisp apples that makes this slaw irresistible. It’s creamy without feeling heavy, a little tangy, and has just the right touch of sweetness to balance everything out. The fresh flavors make it a side dish you’ll want to whip up for everything, from family dinners to summer cookouts.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a classic side dish, but it also doubles as a tasty topping for sandwiches, pulled pork, or BBQ chicken sliders. The extra crunch and brightness turn even the simplest meal into something special. Here’s why this basic coleslaw recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen:

Extra crisp and crunchy
Sweet apples meet tangy dressing
Creamy but still light
Ready in under 30 minutes
Side dish or slider topping

A bowl of coleslaw with apples next to the bowl of it, a striped napkin and red apples.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Coleslaw mix- A simple bagged mix of cabbage and carrot makes the tasty base. White, purple, or a blend of both adds extra crunch and color. Mine is in the refrigerated part of my grocery store's produce section.
Apple- RubyFrost brings great crunch, but SnapDragon apples are just as tasty.
Green onions- A mild onion flavor and freshness. Chives are a good alternative.
Mayonnaise- The creamy base of the dressing. Swap in Greek yogurt or a mayo-yogurt mix for something lighter.
Olive oil- Gives the dressing a silky texture and helps balance the richness. A neutral oil, like canola or avocado, works too.
Hot sauce- A few dashes add gentle heat. You can swap with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Apple cider vinegar- Adds tang and brightness. White wine vinegar works too.
Lemon juice- Keeps the apples from browning while adding a fresh, citrusy boost.
Whole grain mustard- Gives a tangy bite and a bit of texture. Dijon or yellow mustard are great alternatives.
Sugar- A touch of sweetness rounds out the flavors. Honey or maple syrup are simple swaps.
Celery salt- Adds a subtle savory flavor. Substitute with regular salt plus a pinch of celery seed if needed.
Garlic powder- Brings a mellow garlic taste. Fresh minced garlic can be used, though it will make it a bit stronger.
Kosher salt- Rounds out the flavors. If using table salt, start with a little less.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make American Cole Slaw

Step 1- Make the dressing.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, hot sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth.

Dressing ingredients in a bowl and all the ingredients mixed together.

Step 2- Prep the apples.

Julienne or shred the apples, then toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Apples with lemon juice being squeezed over them and then added to the bowl of slaw mix.

Step 3- Combine the slaw.
Add the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Stir in the apples and toss until everything is well coated.

Dressing on top of all the slaw ingredients and then all of it mixed together.

Step 4- Chill before serving.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed the same day, but you can make it up to 4 hours ahead and keep it chilled until serving.

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of bags of coleslaw mix?

Pre-shredded cabbage and carrot make prep quick and hassle-free, especially when you’re doubling the recipe for a party. But you’re welcome to shred a head of cabbage yourself! Don’t forget to julienne some carrots to throw in there too

Is this slaw good for barbecue?

Definitely. The creamy, tangy flavors balance smoky barbecue meats like pulled pork, brisket, or ribs.

A close up of a wooden spoon in a glass bowl of coleslaw.

Tips For Making Cabbage Carrot Slaw

Don’t skip the lemon juice. It keeps the apples from oxidizing and helps balance out the flavor.
Thin, even apple slices blend nicely with the cabbage and give a crisp bite in every forkful. A mandoline makes it easiest, but hand-cut or grated works too.
Start light on the dressing. You can always add more, but once the slaw is overdressed, it can get soggy.
Chill the slaw at least 15 minutes before serving. It gives the flavors time to come together and makes it extra refreshing.
This BBQ coleslaw recipe is super customizable. Try adding dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or even a little extra hot sauce if you want a spicy kick.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Mix the dressing up to 2 days ahead, and prep the carrot and cabbage if you’re not using a bagged mix.
Leftovers and storage- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apple may soften a bit, but the slaw will still taste delicious.

A close up image of slaw with apples in a blue and green bowl.

What To Serve With Apple Cold Slaw

This creamy, crunchy slaw works as a classic side, but it’s also delicious layered onto burgers and pulled pork. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, and all your favorite barbecue dishes. Here are some of my favorites to serve with this barbeque coleslaw recipe:

Other Tasty Side Recipes To Try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!