Fresh & Crunchy Apple Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a crispy, refreshing, and flavor-packed side dish that works for absolutely every season, look no further than fresh & crunchy apple coleslaw. This vibrant salad takes classic coleslaw and elevates it with sweet apples, tangy dressing, and loads of fresh texture. It’s the kind of dish that leaves people asking for the recipe after the first bite.
Apple coleslaw is a modern twist on traditional cabbage slaw. Instead of being heavy or overly creamy, this version is bright, crisp, juicy, and just lightly creamy — the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It fits in with summer barbecues, fall gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal-prep lunches. The apples bring a refreshing sweetness, the cabbage offers crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with tang and creaminess.
In this full guide, we’ll explore how to make the best apple coleslaw, how to prep it ahead, how to keep the apples from browning, and all the creative ways you can customize it. You’ll also find a full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to help you nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Coleslaw
✔ Bright, crisp, and refreshing
The combination of crunchy cabbage and juicy apples is unbeatable.
✔ Lightly creamy dressing
Not too heavy — just enough to coat everything beautifully.
✔ Versatile side dish
Pairs with chicken, burgers, fish, BBQ, sandwiches, and more.
✔ Easy and fast
Comes together in 10–15 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Perfect for meal prep
Stays crisp longer than most salads thanks to the sturdy cabbage.
✔ Customizable
You can make it tangier, sweeter, dairy-free, or even add nuts for crunch.
Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Work
This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but each one plays a specific role that makes the coleslaw balanced and irresistible.
Cabbage (Green & Red)
Green cabbage brings the classic crunch, while red cabbage adds color and extra texture. You can use only one type, but the mix makes it extra pretty.
Carrots
Sweet, crunchy, and essential for the classic slaw look. They also add natural color contrast.
Apples
The star of the show. Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. Their sweetness brightens the whole salad.
Mayo + Greek Yogurt
This duo creates a creamy but lighter dressing. You can use all mayo or all yogurt if preferred.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Adds tang and complements the apple flavor.
Honey
Balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Dijon Mustard
Adds depth and slight sharpness, rounding out the dressing.
Salt & Pepper
Essential for flavor balance.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Celery for extra crunch
- Green onions for freshness
- Raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness
- Sunflower seeds or pecans for nutty crunch
How to Make Fresh & Crunchy Apple Coleslaw
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Thinly slice both cabbages using a sharp knife or mandoline. Shred the carrots or use pre-shredded for convenience. Julienning the apples is key — thin sticks blend better with the slaw than cubes.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust: more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss the cabbage, carrots, and apples with the dressing. Make sure everything is well coated.
Step 4: Chill
Let the slaw rest for at least 10–15 minutes so flavors can meld and the cabbage slightly softens.
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Add optional toppings right before serving to maximize crunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 crisp apples, julienned
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
(Optional)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Add shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and apples to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Add optional cranberries, nuts, or seeds right before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
Fresh & Crunchy Apple Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and apples to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Coleslaw
1. Use crisp apples
Soft varieties turn mushy in slaw.
2. Cut apples right before mixing
Or toss them in a little vinegar or lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Slice cabbage thinly
The thinner the slices, the better the texture.
4. Add toppings at the end
Seeds and nuts should stay crunchy, not softened by the dressing.
5. Adjust the dressing to taste
This recipe is flexible — make it sweeter, creamier, or tangier to match your preference.
Variations
Healthy Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Use all Greek yogurt and add extra honey.
Fall Harvest Apple Slaw
Add cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and a splash of maple syrup.
Spicy Apple Slaw
Add a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of jalapeño.
BBQ Apple Slaw
Mix in smoked paprika and a tablespoon of BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Apple coleslaw pairs beautifully with:
- BBQ chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled fish
- Burgers
- Turkey burgers
- Tacos
- Holiday leftovers
- Picnic lunches
Its crisp texture cuts through rich, savory dishes perfectly.
How to Store Apple Coleslaw
In the fridge:
Lasts 2–3 days. Apples may soften slightly but cabbage stays crunchy.
For meal prep:
Keep dressing separate until serving.
Make-ahead tip:
Prepare everything except the apples — slice and add them fresh.
