Ready in 10 minutes this crunchy Apple Coleslaw is made with simple, fresh ingredients! It is filled with crisp apples and crunchy cabbage in an easy creamy dressing.
The next time you need an easy side dish, make this homemade coleslaw — great for BBQs, potlucks, and delish with pork, chicken, beef, or by itself!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Why You Will Love Apple Coleslaw
- Easy – Fresh apple coleslaw is ready in 10 minutes!
- Sweet Apple – This is a great way to balance a classic coleslaw recipe. Just add apple cider vinegar and fresh, crisp apples.
Simple Ingredients for Apple Coleslaw
- Mayonnaise | I like to use avocado or olive oil mayonnaise but use your favorite.
- Apple cider vinegar | I prefer the organic for a cleaner taste.
- Honey | We use honey in place of sugar in the dressing.
- Spices | Onion powder and black pepper are all you need!
- Coleslaw mix | Use packaged pre-shredded cabbage mixture from the grocery store! I like the mix with purple and green cabbage, which adds a great pop of color. You can shred your own too!
- Apple | Chop a small apple cut into matchsticks with a sharp knife. Try red apples such as Gala apples or Crispins if you like sweeter apples. And if you prefer tart apples, go with Granny Smith apples or Honeycrisp.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Use honey in place of sugar in the dressing in this gluten-free coleslaw recipe!
How to Make the Best Coleslaw
Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground pepper, and onion powder to a large bowl and whisk to combine well to make the creamy dressing.
Pro Tip
- Mix the dressing in the bowl you will be making the coleslaw in, less dishes to wash!
Then, toss in the bag of coleslaw mix and chopped apples, tossing with tongs to mix all the ingredients until the dressing is evenly distributed.
Fresh Tips
- Because the coleslaw mix can become clumped in the dressing ingredients, tongs help to piece it apart for more even mixing.
- You can certainly shred your own cabbage! Slice it thin! Sometimes you can do this in a food processor.
This is the best coleslaw, by itself, as a side, and as a topping on burgers or BBQ pork sandwiches. Try it with my Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe, on hot dogs and BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders.
Fresh Tips
- Coleslaw can be enjoyed immediately, or let it chill at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld or even longer, it’s not too picky!
Variations
Gluten-Free Coleslaw Recipe
This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Low-Carb Apple Coleslaw (Sugar-Free)
Replace the honey with a sugar-free honey substitute (my favorite brand) or just a sugar substitute; omit the apple for truly keto coleslaw (around 3 carbs per serving).
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
Add some dried fruit; raisins, chopped dates or dried cranberries (craisins) to bring holiday vibes.
Apple Coleslaw with an Asian Twist
Make an Asian-inspired coleslaw by using soy sauce, sesame oil, peanuts or cashews to make a crunchy slaw and pieces of tangy mandarin oranges – Yum! Try my healthy Ramen noodle salad recipe.
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Healthy Coleslaw Recipe
To make a healthier coleslaw dressing, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Substitutions and Add-Ins
I get it; sometimes you want to make it yours, get creative and a dash of this and splash of that! Below are some ideas.
- More Tang: Add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce.
- Cheese: Add crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar.
- Protein: Make a well-rounded dish with protein by adding chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits.
- Fresh Herbs: Try a handful of chopped, cilantro, parsley, or dill.
- Spices: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg or a little celery seed to pair well with the sweetness of the apples.
- Maple Syrup: Replace the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Bring a crunch to the recipe with chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and sunflower seeds are also delicious!
- Onions: If preferred, swap the onion powder for diced red onion or sliced green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can peel the apples before slicing or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. I used unpeeled apples because I was lazy!
Toss them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Coleslaw is not an ideal food to feed to dogs. The mayonnaise, cabbage, and seasonings can negatively affect their stomach. If your dog accidentally eats a small amount of coleslaw, they should be fine. There is a chance it might upset their stomach.
Coleslaw is considered a salad. In fact, “coleslaw” comes from the Dutch word “koolsla” which means “cabbage salad.”
Apple cider vinegar is a better choice because the sweetness cuts the acidity. If you must use white vinegar, ensure it is a food-grade product, like Heinz, not the common cleaner product often sold in gallons.
How long does apple coleslaw stay fresh in the refrigerator?
You can store this coleslaw recipe in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. It’s one of those salads that gets better with time! Within reason!
The purple cabbage will bleed into the slaw after the first day, but it doesn’t affect the flavor.
Can you freeze coleslaw?
Believe it or not, you can freeze coleslaw! Coleslaw made with only a vinegar dressing is best to freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge. If freezing with mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and freeze the coleslaw mix.
What to serve with apple coleslaw
Best main dishes to serve with creamy apple slaw
Serve apple coleslaw as the perfect side dish to your main dish; like these BBQ Pork Sliders, BBQ pulled Chicken sliders; try my Bison Burger Recipe or these easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, perfect for when you’re serving a crowd.
Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
Have saucy shredded pork sliders on the dinner table in no time! The ingredients are simple, including tender BBQ pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, French-fried onions, and melty cheese.
You may surprise yourself with how mouth-watering this easy recipe is!
Best, Easy BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken, your favorite cheese, and your go-to BBQ sauce to make the ultimate version of this BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe. These chicken sliders are great for game day, ready in about 30 minutes.
The Best Bison Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onions
Juicy, tasty, flavorful, healthier bison burger, loaded with caramelized onions on a salty pretzel bun! (Or easily convert to beef, chicken or turkey), using pantry staples!
Best Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
Ready for the oven in 20 minutes, this Philly Cheesesteak Sliders recipe packs all the savory and cheesy flavors of a traditional Philly sandwich into steak sliders! A great recipe for game day, summer BBQ, tailgating, or just a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
Best desserts to serve with this easy apple coleslaw recipe
Try one of my favorite desserts like these homemade shortbread cookies, Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls, or this bright and tangy key lime pie (award-winning)!
The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe (Award-Winning)
Describe your BEST Key Lime Pie…is it citrusy, sweet-tart, creamy — with the perfect sweet to-pucker ratio; light and easy with a crisp not-to-sweet graham cracker crust? Look no further…you found it!
Best Easy Shortbread (Traditional Scottish Recipe)
The best tender traditional Scottish shortbread recipe is 4 basic ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. Plus I’ll show you how to make molded shortbread for beautiful cookie gifts.
Best Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Homemade)
These apple pie filled cinnamon rolls are decadent, fruity, and made entirely from scratch. Ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls with a quick homemade apple pie filling are worth the time and effort.
Start ahead a day or two, breaking up the prep.
More creamy salad recipes
- Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
- Southern Tuna Salad Recipe
- Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad
- Easy Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with Tarragon
- Best Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad with Lime Dressing
The best way to get the full flavor of this recipe is to allow the slaw to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Easy Creamy Apple Coleslaw Recipe
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Print Pin Save RateIngredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise use a quality mayo, I like Avocado or Olive oil mayo
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2-4 teaspoons honey Use more if a sweeter dressing is desired
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 9-12 ounce package coleslaw mix I like the kind with multiple colors of cabbage for pops of color, or shred your own, if you want to add purple cabbage, slice or shred ½ cup to add to the mix.
- 1 small apple cut into matchsticks, use sweet apples like Gala or Crispin, or sweet-tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise (½ cup), apple cider vinegar (2 TBL), honey (2-4 tsps), ground pepper (¼ tsp) and onion powder (1 tsp). Whisk to combine. If a sweeter coleslaw is desired use the higher amount of honey.
- Add the coleslaw mix (9-12 ounces) and apples (1 small apple, cut into matchsticks), and toss with tongs to thoroughly mix the contents. Serve immediately or for better flavor refrigerate for 30 or more minutes.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and doubles or triples easily.
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Notes
- Low-Carb Apple Coleslaw (Sugar-Free) | Replace the honey with a sugar-free honey substitute (my favorite brand) or just a sugar substitute; for truly keto coleslaw (around 3 carbs per serving), omit the apple.
- Cranberry Apple Coleslaw | Add some dried fruit; raisins, chopped dates or dried cranberries (craisins) to bring holiday vibes.
- Apple Coleslaw with an Asian Twist | Make an Asian-inspired coleslaw by using soy sauce, sesame oil, peanuts or cashews to make a crunchy slaw and pieces of tangy mandarin oranges – Yum! Try my healthy Ramen noodle salad recipe.
- Healthy Coleslaw Recipe | To make a healthier coleslaw dressing, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- More Tang: Add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce.
- Cheese: Add crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar.
- Protein: Make a well-rounded dish with protein by adding chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits.
- Fresh Herbs: Try a handful of chopped cilantro, parsley, or dill.
- Spices: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg or a little celery seed to pair well with the sweetness of the apples.
- Maple Syrup: Replace the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Bring a crunch to the recipe with chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and sunflower seeds are also delicious!
- Onions: If preferred, swap the onion powder for diced red onion or sliced green onions.
- This can be served immediately, but letting it chill for 30 minutes or more will allow the flavors to meld; you can easily make it several hours before serving.
- Makes a great side dish on its own, or top your burgers or pulled pork sliders with it.
Nutrition
Amy Nash
Mmm, so crunchy and creamy and good! I could eat this every day!
Thank you, Amy!! I could too!
Janelle
Served this with pulled pork sandwiches. This was the perfect side!
So perfect with pulled pork!
Jenn
Coleslaw can be hit or miss for me but the apple in this really makes it stand out:) And the dressing is top notch!
I hear you! So glad you liked it!
Jules
This coleslaw is my new favorite! I just loved how delicious it is and made the perfect side dish.
Thank you so much!
Lynn
I don’t know if you know this, but I’m a coleslaw connoisseur and this was FABULOUS! Thanks for the recipe!
Well that’s just so fun!
Laura Ashley Johnson
The apple added such a yummy crisp and sweetness to the coleslaw. We had it with pulled pork and everyone loved it!
So delish with pulled pork!!
Bobby
This cole slaw is perfect! I love the crispy apples – such a great crunch. Thank you!
Thanks!
Justine
I do love a slaw that’s on the sweeter side – this one is right up my alley! So creamy and delicious.
So good!! Appreciate your comment!!
Stephanie
This is the best coleslaw recipe I’ve made – the apples and onion powder take it to a whole new level. Will have to try it with honey next time. I don’t think I’ll ever purchase premade coleslaw again!
Yay! Glad to hear and the honey is just a touch and really takes it up a level!
Mahy
Definitely the recipe I have been craving for. It is perfect to add to my planning with all the heavy food that has been going on over the holidays!
So perfect!!
Beth
I love the extra texture and slightly sweet flavor the apples add to this coleslaw. It’s so delicious!
Thank you so much!
Tasia
We love the tang of apple cider vinegar in our coleslaw, but I had never added apples before. The addition was a perfect texture and the extra pop of flavor was enjoyed by my whole family. I also love that photo of the stack of sliders ~ gorgeous shot Kathleen!
Yay!! And thank you, those sliders are amazing!!