Apple Crunch Slaw

Apple Coleslaw is a delightful twist on a classic, combining the crispness of green cabbage and tart apples with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful dressing.

Elevate Your Meal with This Irresistible Apple Coleslaw Recipe

As a true coleslaw enthusiast, I’m always seeking opportunities to incorporate this versatile side dish into any meal. Whether it’s nestled into BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, piled high on Crockpot Pulled Pork, or simply enjoyed alongside any entrée, my homemade Coleslaw always hits the spot. However, I wanted to craft a unique version that truly shines during the cooler months, capturing the essence of fall and winter flavors.

This Apple Coleslaw recipe is my answer. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures that will quickly become a household favorite. Its vibrant profile makes it a fantastic addition to wraps, sandwiches, and even holiday spreads. While traditional Cranberry Sauce has its place on a Thanksgiving table, imagine the delightful surprise of crisp Apple Coleslaw alongside your roasted turkey – it’s an absolute game-changer that introduces a refreshing zest to classic holiday dishes!

Beyond its incredible flavor, this coleslaw is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time for maximum taste. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, family dinners, or a quick weeknight side. The combination of fresh produce and a creamy, well-balanced dressing ensures a dish that’s both satisfying and light.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Coleslaw

Crafting this delicious Apple Coleslaw starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the final masterpiece:

• Cabbage (1 small green cabbage, about 7 packed cups shredded): The foundation of any great coleslaw. Opt for a green cabbage that feels heavy and firm, with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any heads that appear wilted, have brown spots, or feel light. Green cabbage offers a classic crisp texture and mild flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. You can also experiment with a mix of green and red cabbage for added color and a slightly bolder peppery note.
• Apples (2 large Honeycrisp apples, about 3-1/4 cups matchsticks): The star of this seasonal coleslaw. Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their perfect balance of sweetness and crisp-tartness, and they hold their texture beautifully. If you prefer a bolder tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice. Alternatively, Fuji or Gala apples can also work if you enjoy a sweeter coleslaw. To prevent browning, you can toss the apple matchsticks lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice, though this recipe’s dressing helps mitigate oxidation.
• Celery & Green Onions (1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, 2 stalks; 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions): These aromatics provide essential crunch, freshness, and a subtle peppery bite. Celery adds a refreshing, watery crispness, while green onions offer a mild onion flavor that brightens the entire dish without being overpowering. Ensure they are thinly sliced for even distribution and texture throughout the coleslaw.
• Almonds & Cranberries (3/4 cup sliced almonds; 3/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries): This duo introduces incredible texture and bursts of flavor. Sliced almonds contribute a delightful nuttiness and satisfying crunch. For an enhanced flavor, consider toasting the almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant – this truly elevates their taste. If you’re looking for an extra touch of sweetness, honey roasted almonds are a fantastic alternative. Dried sweetened cranberries add chewy texture and a burst of tart-sweetness, complementing the apples and balancing the creamy dressing.

Crafting the Creamy Apple Coleslaw Dressing:

The dressing is the heart of this coleslaw, tying all the flavors and textures together into a cohesive and delicious dish. Our creamy, tangy dressing is easy to whip up and perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.

• Mayo (1/2 cup): A high-quality mayonnaise forms the rich, creamy base of our dressing. Its smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor are essential for that classic coleslaw feel. Using a good brand makes a noticeable difference in taste.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness of the mayo. Feel free to use a reduced-fat sour cream if you’re looking to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1-1/2 tablespoons): This ingredient is key to harmonizing the flavors. It not only enhances the apple notes in the slaw but also provides a necessary acidic brightness that balances the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream.
• Dijon Mustard (2 teaspoons): Don’t underestimate the power of Dijon! It adds a subtle savory depth and a sophisticated zing to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s a secret weapon for complex flavor.
• Honey or Sugar (2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste): Essential for balancing the tang from the vinegar and mustard, and for complementing the natural sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Honey adds a more natural, floral sweetness, but granulated sugar can be used as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for sweetness.
• Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, and Celery Seed (1/4 teaspoon celery seed, optional): A good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper are crucial for bringing out all the flavors. Celery seed, while optional, adds a distinctive, subtle celery flavor that is often found in classic coleslaw recipes and works wonderfully here. Even without it, your slaw will be delicious!

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Apple Coleslaw

Making this Apple Coleslaw is incredibly straightforward, but following these steps will ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures every time. With just a few simple actions, you’ll have a vibrant and delicious side dish ready to impress.

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and celery seed (if using). Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until the dressing is completely smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – you might want a little more honey for sweetness or a pinch more salt to enhance the flavors. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the other ingredients; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Prepare the Slaw Components: Begin by thinly slicing the green cabbage. For best results, aim for finely shredded pieces, which will absorb the dressing better and contribute to a more tender texture. You should get approximately 7 packed cups of shredded cabbage. Next, cut the Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples into matchsticks, yielding about 3-1/4 cups. Thinly slice the celery and green onions. The uniform size of these ingredients ensures that every bite offers a balanced combination of flavors and textures.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared thinly sliced cabbage, apple matchsticks, celery, and green onions. Add the sliced almonds and dried sweetened cranberries to the bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy tossing.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the combined slaw ingredients. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until all the cabbage, apples, and other components are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Be sure to reach the bottom of the bowl to ensure no dry spots remain.
5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Apple Coleslaw for at least 15-20 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to deepen and meld, and the cabbage to soften slightly, creating a more cohesive and delicious slaw. Before serving, give it another good toss and adjust seasoning one last time if necessary. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tip for Slicing: For uniform apple matchsticks, first core and cut the apple into flat slices. Then stack a few slices and cut them into thin strips. For cabbage, a mandoline slicer can achieve perfectly thin shreds quickly, but a sharp chef’s knife works just as well with careful technique.

Creative Ways To Use Apple Coleslaw

This Apple Coleslaw isn’t just a side dish; it’s a versatile culinary component that can enhance a variety of meals. Its sweet, tangy, and crunchy profile makes it a fantastic addition to almost anything. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Enjoy as a Refreshing Side Dish: Just like any traditional salad, this Apple Coleslaw is absolutely delicious on its own. It makes a light and refreshing accompaniment to any meal, providing a welcome contrast to richer entrees. It’s especially good for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering where you need a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side.
• Perfect Pairing with Meats: The crisp texture and balanced flavors of this coleslaw make it an ideal partner for a wide range of meats. It’s fantastic with tender pulled pork, juicy pork chops, succulent grilled chicken, flavorful steak, or delicate fish. The acidity in the dressing helps cut through the richness of the meat, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
• Add to Wraps or Sandwiches: Elevate your ordinary wraps and sandwiches with a generous scoop of Apple Coleslaw. It adds moisture, crunch, and a burst of flavor that transforms a simple meal. Try it with leftover grilled chicken or turkey, perhaps some creamy Muenster cheese, all tucked into a soft tortilla or between slices of crusty bread. It’s also superb with vegetarian wraps for an added textural dimension.
• Fantastic in Tacos: Forget plain shredded lettuce! Add a vibrant and flavorful scoop of this coleslaw to your favorite fish, chicken, or even vegetarian tacos. The tangy dressing and crisp ingredients provide a refreshing counterpoint to spicy or savory taco fillings, making every bite exciting.
• Top Your Burgers: Move over, traditional burger toppings! For an unexpectedly delicious twist, skip the usual fry sauce and pile this Apple Coleslaw onto your burgers. The creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet slaw adds an incredible burst of flavor and texture, making your burger experience truly gourmet. It’s a game-changer you won’t want to miss!

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Apples in Other Recipes:

If you find yourself with extra apples after making this delightful coleslaw, don’t let them go to waste! Apples are incredibly versatile and can be used in a myriad of sweet and savory dishes. Here are some fantastic recipe ideas to inspire you:

• Apple Cherry Chicken Salad: A refreshing salad with a sweet apple cider vinegar dressing, perfect for lunches or light dinners.
• Classic Apple Pie: Indulge in the best apple pie recipe ever, featuring tender apples baked to perfection under a flaky crust.
• Easy, Homemade Cinnamon-Spiced Applesauce: A comforting and simple recipe for fresh, flavorful applesauce that’s much better than store-bought.
• Creative Apple Nachos: A fun and healthy snack or dessert with crisp apple slices loaded with various delicious topping ideas.
• Moist Apple Bread Recipe: A delightful quick bread made with grated apples, bursting with cinnamon and autumn flavors.

Apple Coleslaw

By Chelsea Lords

Apple Coleslaw blends green cabbage, tart apples, sweet cranberries, and crisp almonds with a creamy, flavorful dressing.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 11 servings

Equipment

• 2 Bowls
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 1 small green cabbage
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples
• 1/2 cup celery, very thinly sliced (about 2 stalks)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 3/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey (or more, if you prefer it sweeter)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)

Instructions

1. Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and celery seed (if using) until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Slaw Prep: Thinly slice the cabbage to make about 7 packed cups. Cut the apples into matchsticks, yielding approximately 3-1/4 cups. Thinly slice the celery and green onions.
3. Combine: In a large bowl, combine the prepared cabbage, apples, celery, green onions, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries.
4. Serve: Pour the chilled dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. Toss again before serving, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Toss occasionally during serving to keep it well mixed.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: How to prepare the cabbage:

1. Remove any outer leaves that are browned or crumpled.
2. Cut the cabbage exactly in half through the core.
3. Cut each half in half again (to get four quarters) and carefully cut out the tough core from each quarter.
4. Place each cabbage quarter cut-side down and slice into very thin shreds using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
5. Transfer the sliced cabbage to a salad spinner base. Wash thoroughly under cold water and spin to dry completely before combining with other ingredients. This step is crucial for preventing a watery coleslaw.

Note 2: How to prepare the apples:

1. Wash and fully dry the apples.
2. Cut each side from the core to get four flat pieces, avoiding the seeds.
3. Place each apple piece flat-side down and cut into thin slices.
4. Stack a few thin slices together and cut them into thin strips that resemble matchsticks.

Storage: For the best taste and crisp texture, enjoy Apple Coleslaw the same day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 204 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0.02g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Potassium: 249mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 16g
• Vitamin A: 224IU
• Vitamin C: 25mg
• Calcium: 64mg
• Iron: 1mg