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Apple Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

4.5 from 119 reviews

This Apple Cabbage Coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish featuring a crunchy coleslaw mix combined with crisp Granny Smith apples, celery, and green onions. Tossed in a warm, flavorful dressing made from apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and creamy mayonnaise, this coleslaw delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy notes. Chilled to meld the flavors, it makes a perfect accompaniment for BBQs, sandwiches, or as a light, healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced into thin matchsticks
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 5 green onions, finely sliced

Dressing

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Combine Vegetables and Fruit: In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix, sliced Granny Smith apple, diced celery, and finely sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix them together evenly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated white sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is warm.
  3. Add Mayonnaise to Dressing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the mayonnaise until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss Coleslaw with Dressing: Pour the warm dressing over the cabbage and apple mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the coleslaw to chill and the flavors to meld for at least 1 hour before serving for the best taste.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill for several hours or overnight.
  • You can substitute the Granny Smith apple with another crisp tart apple variety if desired.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
  • This coleslaw can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Serve cold as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a fresh salad.

Keywords: apple cabbage coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, apple salad, side dish, picnic salad, summer salad, easy coleslaw