If you’re after a crisp and creamy apple coleslaw that actually tastes exciting, this one’s loaded with fresh apple and tossed in a tangy homemade dressing.
No false promises here, a crispy and creamy apple coleslaw that isn’t watery or bland. In fact, it’s loaded with flavour and so simple to make! Follow me…
Apple Coleslaw Dressing
One of my favourite things about this apple coleslaw is the dressing. It’s rich and creamy, but still fresh and tangy enough that it doesn’t feel heavy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayo – I highly recommend using full-fat mayo for the best flavour and texture. This isn’t the time for light mayo 😅
- Sour Cream – Gives the dressing a slightly lighter, tangier finish and keeps it from tasting overly rich.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a gentle tang that works perfectly with the fresh apple.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle background warmth and rounds out the dressing nicely.
- Sugar – Just a small amount to balance the tanginess.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing everything together.
The dressing can also be made ahead of time if needed. In fact, a little time in the fridge helps the flavours develop even more!
Crunchy Apple Coleslaw
Be honest – is there anything worse than watery coleslaw? It completely kills the texture. I need coleslaw to be crisp, crunchy and creamy all at once 😅
How to keep coleslaw crunchy
Making coleslaw ahead of time is great because the flavours get a chance to mingle and develop. The problem? The longer it sits, the more moisture the veg releases – which is how you end up with a bowl of soupy slaw.
To keep this apple coleslaw crisp and fresh, I recommend two things:
- Go easy on the salt – Salt draws moisture out of the veg, which can make the slaw watery as it rests. I prefer seasoning lightly at first, then adjusting to taste before serving.
- Squeeze the carrot – It holds a surprising amount of water. Giving it a quick squeeze before mixing everything together helps keep the slaw creamy instead of soggy. You could squeeze the apple, which again holds a lot of water, but you really want that flavour, so it’s better to take the hit with the slight thinning of the dressing.
Process shots: rest thin cloth over bowl (photo 1), add grated carrot (photo 2), tie into ball and squeeze out moisture (photo 3), shred cabbage and add to bowl with carrot, apple and spring onion (photo 4), add dressing (photo 5), mix (photo 6).
Apple Coleslaw FAQ
I recommend green apples for the main part, as they’ve got a much more tart, sour and intense flavour, which works better in a savoury context. Granny Smiths are what I usually go for. Then I sometimes go for a red variety tossed in at the end (see serving suggestions).
It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. It’ll still taste good after that, but the cabbage and apple will gradually soften and release more moisture.
The apple cider vinegar actually helps prevent this. You’ll find the apples are most likely to turn brown after they’ve just been grated and haven’t yet been coated in the dressing. As such, just make sure you grate the apple just before needed; don’t do this ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Coleslaw
To serve the slaw, I love tossing in some extra apple slices. The main flavour of apple is somewhat mellow, so some extra slices stirred in at the end really highlights the ‘apple’ aspect of the coleslaw. Just make sure they’re very thinly sliced so they blend through nicely.
Because this slaw is creamy, crunchy and a little tangy, it pairs perfectly with richer mains and anything fresh off the grill. Here are some of my favourite things to serve it with:
- Burgers – my favourites are Sausage Burgers and Chicken Burgers.
- Pulled Pork – this goes amazingly with my Dr Pepper Pulled Pork!
- Fried Chicken – perfect with all types of fried chicken, but my favourite options are Classic Fried Chicken, Shallow Fried Chicken and Crispy Chicken Burgers.
- Sandwiches and Wraps – keep it simple in a ham sandwich (pictured above) or pair with my Buffalo Chicken Crunchwraps and Chicken Tender Sandwich.
- Hot Dogs – I have a huge selection of Hot Dogs!
- Chicken Drumsticks – my final and possibly favourite pairing is with Baked Chicken Drumsticks.
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this apple slaw shall we?!
How to make Apple Slaw (Full Recipe & Video)
Apple Coleslaw (Crispy & Creamy)
Equipment
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
- Box Grater
- Thin Cloth
- Small Mixing Bowl & Spatula
- Large Mixing Bowl & Salad Tossers
Ingredients
Apple Slaw
- 1 small White Cabbage (approx 1.6lb/750g BEFORE cored/peeled)
- 2 large Carrots, grated on a box grater (1 large carrot is 3.5oz/100g)
- 2 large Spring Onions, diced
- 2 Green Apples, peeled, cored & grated on a box grater
- 1 Green or Red Apple, finely sliced to serve (see notes)
Dressing
- 2/3 cup / 160g Full Fat Mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup / 160g Sour Cream
- 1.5 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Place to one side.
- Prep Cabbage: Peel the outer layer of cabbage if damaged, then slice into quarters. Use your knife to slice out the firm cores from those quarters, then very thinly slice the cabbage. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Prep Carrot/Apple: Shred two carrots and two peeled/cored apples on a box grater. Place the carrot onto a thin cloth or tea towel, then twist it into a ball and squeeze out the moisture. Place in with the cabbage alongside the diced spring onion and grated apple. You can also just squeeze the carrot over the sink if you'd prefer.
- Apple Slaw: Pour the dressing over and use salad toss to combine everything. Cover in the fridge for at least an hour before serving (helps develop the flavours).
- Serve: Add thin slices of apple to serve and adjust salt to taste if needed. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition
Looking for more?
You’ll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’
My very picky husband and daughter loved this recipe. Thank you for sharing.
So great to hear, Sue! Thanks so much for the review 🙂 C.