Dinner

Apple Slaw Recipe

ByLila Prescott August 21, 2025August 21, 2025

If there’s one dish that can steal the show at any picnic, potluck, or quick weeknight dinner, it’s this Apple Slaw Recipe. Bursting with crisp apples, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this slaw proves that healthy salads never have to be boring. Whether you’re after a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to pulled pork, or just a clever way to work more color and crunch into your meals, this Apple Slaw Recipe is sure to win hearts and tastebuds alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love a recipe where every ingredient serves a purpose? Each component of this Apple Slaw Recipe brings something special to the table—whether it’s texture, flavor, or a pop of fresh color. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters.

Mayonnaise: The base of our dressing, lending a creamy richness that makes every bite luscious.

Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds a cool tang and lightens the dressing; Greek yogurt brings a boost of protein if you prefer.
Granulated sugar: Just a teaspoon brings balance, taming the bite of the vinegar and highlighting the sweetness of the apples.

Vinegar (white or cider): Essential for brightening up the flavors; cider vinegar adds a subtle fruitiness.
Fresh lime juice: Provides acidity and zing while helping to keep the apples from browning.

Coleslaw mix: No need to shred your own! This mix gives you a base of vibrant, crunchy cabbage and carrots in seconds.
Scallions (green parts only): These add gentle oniony flavor and a touch of beautiful green color.
Granny Smith apple: Tart, crisp, and the perfect contrast to the creamy dressing.

Red apple: Sweetness and splashes of red make the slaw as pretty as it is tasty.
Salt & pepper: To taste—don’t skip the seasoning! It brings all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Apple Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by grabbing a small bowl and adding in your mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), sugar, vinegar, fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk until silky and smooth. Take a quick taste—this is your moment to adjust! Add a touch more sugar for sweetness or an extra splash of vinegar if you want more bite. This creamy, tangy base is the secret to a slaw that’s memorable every time.

Step 2: Prep the Produce

Now it’s time for a little chopping. Grab your apples and slice them fine—julienne them if you’re feeling fancy, or just chop for easy bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the green parts of your scallions. That fresh crunch and vibrant green color will make your Apple Slaw Recipe pop!

Step 3: Combine the Slaw

In a big bowl, dump in your coleslaw mix, apples, and scallions. Pour the creamy dressing over everything, then toss and toss until every strand and slice is beautifully coated. Have a taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired. This is a generous salad, so don’t be shy with the seasoning. Your Apple Slaw Recipe should be vivid, crunchy, and packed with flavor throughout.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

You can serve your slaw right away if you’re in a hurry—the flavors are already delicious. But if you have time, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours. This lets the flavors mingle, and the cabbage gets just the right amount of tender-crisp. You’ll love how the Apple Slaw Recipe comes alive after a little chill time.

How to Serve Apple Slaw Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches bring this slaw from great to unforgettable! Try a sprinkle of extra scallions, fresh chopped parsley, or even a scattering of toasted nuts for crunch and beauty. A little fresh lime zest over the top adds a burst of citrusy perfume that makes every bite sing.

Side Dishes

This Apple Slaw Recipe is incredibly versatile! It’s the ideal companion to BBQ fare like ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches, and it’s also fantastic alongside fresh fish or in a picnic spread next to potato salad and corn on the cob. It brightens up even the richest mains with its tang and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve your Apple Slaw Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics, as a topping for tacos or sliders, or piled high over a toasted baguette for a fresh, unexpected appetizer. It’s also beautiful mounded in a large serving bowl when you want to wow a crowd with color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra slaw keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to retain crunch and freshness. The dressing may get a touch more liquid over time, but a quick toss will bring everything together again.

Freezing

Coleslaw recipes with creamy dressings don’t freeze well, unfortunately. The cabbage and apples can get soggy once thawed. For best texture and flavor, it’s best to only make what you’ll eat within a few days and skip freezing this Apple Slaw Recipe.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat! Apple Slaw Recipe is served cold or at room temperature. Just give leftovers a stir before serving, and refresh with a little salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lime juice to perk up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Slaw Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match apple varieties depending on what you have. Using both tart and sweet apples makes the slaw more complex, but it’s delicious with all Granny Smith or all red apples too.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?

Of course! You can swap out the sour cream or Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt or additional mayo to keep the slaw completely dairy-free and still creamy.

Can I make the Apple Slaw Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepping this slaw a few hours in advance (or even a day ahead) lets the flavors meld. Just give it a gentle toss before serving and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra crunch if desired.

What protein can I add to make this a main course?

Grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak turn this slaw into a filling main dish. Simply top the slaw with your protein of choice for an all-in-one meal.

Can I skip the sugar in this recipe?

You can definitely reduce or leave out the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dressing. The apples provide their own natural sweetness, so the slaw will still taste balanced and bright.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a salad that’s lively, colorful, and utterly crave-worthy, give this Apple Slaw Recipe a spot on your table. With its juicy apples, creamy tang, and fresh crunch, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Invite some friends over, dig in, and savor the simplicity and joy of homemade slaw!

Lila Prescott

Apple Slaw Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need