If you’re looking for a refreshing, tangy twist on a classic side, this Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe is what your table has been missing. Sweet-tart Granny Smith apples, crisp cabbage, and a just-warm-enough creamy dressing come together for a slaw that wakes up any meal. It’s crunchy, zippy, and beautifully colorful—perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to simple lunches. As soon as you taste that bright apple mingling with the tangy dressing and garden-fresh veggies, you’ll understand why this slaw has become a staple in my own kitchen.

Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is: each one is handpicked for flavor, crunch, and color. These few essentials pack so much punch thanks to their unique textures and a vibrant dressing that ties it all together.

Coleslaw mix (16 ounces): An easy base of shredded cabbage and carrots saves time and adds classic crunch.
Granny Smith apple (sliced into thin matchsticks): Bright, tart flavor with crisp texture—slice thin for the perfect bite in every forkful.
Diced celery (½ cup): Adds a juicy, snappy freshness that makes the slaw extra lively.
Green onions (5, finely sliced): Provides a gentle onion flavor and a pop of green color that’s both pretty and delicious.
Apple cider vinegar (½ cup): The backbone of your tangy, sweet dressing. Pick a good-quality vinegar for the best flavor.
Granulated white sugar (½ cup): Balances the acidity, giving the slaw its signature sweet-and-tart balance.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Brings richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a touch of sharpness—don’t skip it!
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just enough heat to tickle your tastebuds, but not overpower the dish.
Mayonnaise (¾ cup): Rounds everything out with creaminess and brings the dressing to that classic coleslaw lusciousness.

How to Make Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Base

Start by gathering a large mixing bowl—bigger than you think you need, because tossing is about to get messy in the best way! Add your entire bag of coleslaw mix, the expertly sliced Granny Smith apple, diced celery, and the finely sliced green onions. Give everything a gentle toss so the ingredients are evenly distributed and that hint of apple is laced throughout the cabbage mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Tangy-Sweet Dressing

Grab a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. With a whisk in hand, stir it all together and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally—you’re looking for the sugar to dissolve completely, which will only take a few minutes. This little bit of heat coaxes all the flavors together, making your dressing utterly craveable.

Step 3: Emulsify with Mayonnaise

Once your vinegar mixture is off the heat, whisk in the mayonnaise until the dressing turns creamy and luxurious. The warmth from the dressing will help the mayo fully incorporate, creating a smooth blend that isn’t at all greasy or separate. It’s the secret to that irresistible, velvety finish.

Step 4: Dress the Coleslaw

Now for the magic! Pour the warm, creamy dressing right over your cabbage and apple mixture while it’s still in the bowl. Toss vigorously—use tongs or your favorite big spoon—until every strand of cabbage and apple matchstick is coated. You’ll notice the slaw just begin to soften, but it stays crisp and fresh.

Step 5: Chill and Marry the Flavors

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it head to the fridge for at least one hour. This time gives the Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe its signature melded flavor; the cabbage soaks up the dressing, and the apples stay beautifully crisp. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good toss and watch the bright, lively colors come to life.

How to Serve Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

Garnishes

Take your Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe to the next level with a handful of simple, delicious garnishes. Try a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans for extra crunch. For pops of color, snip some fresh parsley or dill over the top—or even a super-fine dusting of extra red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This slaw shines with all kinds of meals. Serve it alongside smoky grilled sausages, classic pulled pork sandwiches, or fried chicken—anything with a little richness that craves a fresh, crisp contrast. It’s equally at home next to fish tacos, veggie burgers, or a simple lunch spread with crusty bread and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful spin, pile heaping spoonfuls of your Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe onto slider buns for a vibrant sandwich topping, or stuff it into wraps and pita pockets for a quick lunch. You can also serve it in individual jars or small bowls for a backyard party—easy to pass around, and striking to look at!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer your Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay crisp and flavorful for up to three days. The cabbage may soften a bit with time, but it’s still just as delicious—sometimes even more so!

Freezing

Coleslaw, especially one with tons of fresh veggies like this, doesn’t always fare well in the freezer—the texture changes and the vegetables can become watery. For best results, enjoy this slaw fresh; if you must freeze, do so before adding the dressing, then thaw, mix, and dress just before serving.

Reheating

No reheating required! The Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just give any leftovers a quick toss before serving and you’re good to go—zero fuss.

FAQs

Can I make the Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the slaw sit overnight develops even better flavor. Just keep it well covered in the fridge, and give it a fresh toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What apples work best if I don’t have Granny Smith?

Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or any crisp, slightly tart apple will work beautifully in this coleslaw. Choose one that can hold up to the creamy, tangy dressing.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based mayo. Make sure your sugar is vegan, and you’ll have a completely dairy- and egg-free version everyone can enjoy.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Tossing the apple matchsticks into the bowl with the vinegar-rich dressing right away helps, as the acid slows browning. You can also give the apple a quick toss with a little lemon juice before adding to the slaw for extra protection.

Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?

Absolutely—taste as you go! If you prefer a slightly less sweet coleslaw, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two. For more heat, simply increase the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that are both simple and bursting with character, I truly hope you’ll give this Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe a try. It’s one of those easy wins that always steals the show, whether tucked next to barbecue or brightening up your lunch. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to slaw, too!