Creamy apple slaw is one of my favorite summertime dishes! There is something about the refreshing tanginess and light flavors of apple slaw that bring me back to my childhood every time!
Crunchy cabbage and creamy dressing are mixed with tart apples to give you a perfectly balanced side dish that pairs well with a ton of dishes!
I find that the celery seed and grainy mustard really add a nice flavor to this apple slaw recipe without being too overpowering.
Cabbage and apple slaw is really easy to make and keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can make it in advance and just pull it out when it’s time to eat!
To save even more time with this recipe, I like to buy the carrots pre shredded so I don’t need to worry about doing it myself!
This dish is extremely versatile, too. You can add a variety of things such as pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, or even change it up with some red cabbage!
I love making this for summer season because it is so refreshing. It works perfectly as a side dish for barbecues or even potlucks!
Creamy apple slaw is the perfect slaw to add to pulled pork dishes like these pulled pork sandwiches too!
What do you serve with coleslaw?
Because it is so creamy, coleslaw pairs very well with anything meaty or tangy, such as dishes with barbecue sauce
I love pairing coleslaw with dishes like pulled pork, beans, grilled meats, steak, corn, and potatoes!
Coleslaw goes really well on its own, too. Coleslaw is universally known as a summertime food because it tastes so light and refreshing when served cold as a side dish!
Can you freeze coleslaw?
If you intend to freeze your apple slaw, use caution! In my experience, mayo based dressings can separate. This results in a watery and grainy texture that may affect the overall flavor of the dish.
If you are making coleslaw with a cream based dressing, you may have more luck freezing it!
A great way to use up your leftover coleslaw without freezing it is by creating spring rolls with it! Add some meat or beans and you are good to go!
If you freeze your coleslaw, make sure it is eaten within 3 months!
More Delicious Coleslaw Recipes
- Cilantro Jicama Slaw – great for tacos!
- Creamy Broccoli Slaw
- Dill Pickle Coleslaw – perfect pickle-y flavor!
- Easy Asian Slaw
- Zesty Slaw – served on pulled pork sandwiches
Did you enjoy this Creamy Apple Slaw? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Slaw
- 4 cups cabbage shredded
- 2 tart apples cored julienned (or shredded)
- 1 cup carrots shredded
Instructions
- Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl & set aside
- Toss with slaw ingredients
- Allow to sit for at least 1 hour before serving
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
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I leave out the mustard. I have made this SEVERAL times and it disappears quickly EVERY time. It’s perfect for hot summer months to have a cold, crispy menu option. I can’t go back to regular coleslaw now that I have tasted this version with apples — YUM!!!!
It made a lot of sense,i have tried it couple if times.
I had to make 2x the dressing and used just about all of it. It’s delicious.
It turned out great!
Great way to use the extra apples and cabbage I have from my CSA. I did reduce the celery seed by half (it seems to take over sometimes for me) and used only half of the dressing for the measured amounts. 4 people for dinner and every bite was eaten! So now I happily have dressing for another batch. Served it with some Cajun grilled riblets and it was the perfect side.
Sounds delish Mary Beth!
Delicious!
Best slaw I’ve ever had. I had to run to the store for the celery seed but we’ll worth the trip. Thank you! Served as a side with pulled pork. Enjoyed by all. Thank you again!
So glad you enjoyed it, Susan!
I needed a quick coleslaw and saw your recipe. It’s fabulous! I almost left out the celery seed, but I’m glad I didn’t. Wonderful salad! Thanks!
So happy you enjoyed it Mary!
This was awesome. I added raisins and pumpkin seeds and switched the celery seed out (cause I didn’t have stocked)for fennel seed. The motha f’n bomb!
This is such an easy and tasty slaw to make and is perfect for on brisket or with ribs and tonight with fish and chips!
That would be a delicious way to enjoy this slaw Kim! Thanks for sharing!
Super simple and so delicious. This will be a staple in my house. Also great with some chopped walnuts added just before eating.
Great addition Amanda. Apples and walnuts go so well together! So happy you love this slaw!
Fantastic recipe – so delicious! I’m not a coleslaw fan whatsoever, however, this recipe is definitely a keeper. It’s probably the only slaw I’ll happily eat and actually look forward to making again. Thanks for all the great recipes. My husband and I are slowly working our way through them and have been thrilled with everything we’ve tried.
I’m so glad you loved it Christine! :) Happy Cooking.
Holly, Great idea. When I make slaw, I shred my cabbage and carrots then make what we will be eating that day then bag the remainder dry. It lasts a long time refrigerated so that the next day or so, you simply put out what you’ll be eating, add the rest of the ingredients, dress it and serve. No waste. :-))
Great idea Dave, cabbage lasts SO long in the fridge like that! Thank you for sharing!
Can you make it the night before and still be good? Wondering if I do it ahead of time if the apples would go brown then?
Cabbage and apple slaw is really easy to make and keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can make it in advance and just pull it out when it’s time to eat! Since the apples are coated with dressing, they shouldn’t brown. Enjoy, Devon!
I make this slaw all the time. Seriously. I’ve made it twice in the last week and everyone always comments positively.
Looks delicious! My husband loves slaw, and I’m always looking for a way to make it more exciting for the rest of the family! I think everyone will appreciate the flavors in this recipe!
This looks like a great recipe–thanks!
This one looks so good, now I’m in the mood to have coleslaw. I never made coleslaw before. i might have to go buy ready made now for a quick fix…LOL
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
My kind of recipe. Looks good as is and inspires variations. Could substitute flavored mayo and/or other mustards. Can also add nuts or other veggies. Guess I’ll have to make this several times.
This sounds soooo good! Thanks for sharing.