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!
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Slaw
- 4 cups green cabbage shredded
- 2 granny smith apples cored and julienned or shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrot
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 made this last night to go with our pork loin and it disappeared. It was so good I made another batch just now for lunch!
Sometimes I really think you read my mind! My mother made this often. She was a great cook but a little hard to learn from because she very seldom used a recipe. She cooked by taste, knowing just how to adjust things. This is a talent that has taken me a while to begin to develop, but I’m getting there. I have been thinking about her cabbage and apple slaw recently. All I knew she used was cabbage, apple, and mayo. Then all of a sudden, BAM, I get your recipe! It was right on. Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes!
Hello Terri. I am happy that this recipe was close to how your mother made it. And yes sometimes it is hard to make it just like they did (especially when they didn’t write it down!). I hope you have a great rest of your day.
perfect love it.
We’ve tried this recipe both directly as written as well as subbing shredded celery when I didn’t have celery seed on hand. My family devoured it both ways and I have some picky eaters! This is a crowd pleaser!
I made this again today. I’ve lost track of the number I of times I’ve made it. Today I cut up grapes in place of the apples! So good!
Hands down, the best cole slaw recipe out there. Perfect exactly as written!!!
Thank-you Holly :)
Simple, uses basic kitchen ingredients and just plain yummy! I omitted celery seed, not a fan. I added green pumpkin seed, Pepitas.
Just made this for a tailgate tomorrow. I added toasted slivered almonds and a cup of golden raisins. My husband just tried it (it hasn’t even “sat” yet) and he just said “Wow! Crazy good.” Thanks for the keeper!
I made it this weekend and it was a big hit. Both kids and adults really enjoyed it. Super simple to throw together, too. Thank you for this recipe!
I have made various coleslaw recipes that include apples, but this one is my favorite. I think it’s because it has less sugar than others, and just the right amount of tang. I like to add about .25 cup of minced red onion to mine, but that’s the only change I’ve made. Thanks for a tasty recipe!
can you use real celery instead of seeds
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Priscilla, but that should work just fine. I would finely mince 1 rib of celery in place of the celery seed.
Your recipes are the best Holly! Thank you for sharing.
I have printed so many out so many of them and all have been so delicious.
You are the best.
Thank you so much for the kind words Glenda, this made my day! I am so glad you are enjoying the recipes.
Love the Creamy Apple Slaw recipe! Have been making it for a couple years now. My whole family loves it. Much lighter than regular Cole slaw and such a great taste! Thanks.
Simple ingredients, tasty results. I served this on Pulled Pork Sandwiches. It was just the right sweetness to offset my spicy BBQ sauce.
I love this coleslaw recipe! I’ve made it countless times. My family loves it too! I grew up with coleslaw and this is my go-to recipe now. So many good recipes, thank you!
Love apple added to slaw ! Thank you
We love this recipe! My husband, who won’t try anything new even tried it and has asked for it again. I shared with a neighbour also and was told it was the best coleslaw he’s ever had. I will definitely make this one again and I may add a few raisins to my serving.
I cannot wait to make this for a family party on Friday.Can I make it as early as the Wednesday before?
Hi Leslie, it should be okay to prepare two days in advance. We would love to hear how it turns out for you.
Delicious!!
I love this recipe! The dressing is delicious. The only change I make is to use broccoli slaw to get more nutrients.