Easy Apple Coleslaw Recipe

This easy apple coleslaw recipe is one of my all-time favourite side dishes. It's tangy, crispy, and much lighter than shop-bought coleslaw.

The mustard dressing elevates it to the next level, and it pairs so well with so many different dishes.

In summer I serve this crispy apple slaw at BBQs and picnics (usually alongside my halloumi couscous salad), and in winter, with comforting cheesy air fryer baked potatoes and homemade cornflake chicken nuggets.

It's also great for sandwiches and wraps too, not to mention pulled pork!

Jump to:

• ✔️ Why should you try it?
• What apples should I use?
• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🥄 Equipment
• 🔪 Instructions
• 💭 Top tips
• 🍴 Serving suggestions
• 📖 Variations
• 🥡 Storage
• 😋Related recipes
• Recipe
• 💬 Comments

✔️ Why should you try it?

• It's easy and quick to make.
• Lighter than shop-bought coleslaw.
• Pairs well with so many different dishes including pulled pork.
• Great for feeding a crowd.

What apples should I use?

The tangier and crispier the better, so I like to use tart granny smith apples for this coleslaw. Sweeter dessert apples could be used if you prefer, but you would need to omit the brown sugar from the dressing.

🥘 Ingredients

• Apples - Ue tart granny smith apples in this coleslaw recipe, to give it a nice tang.
• Cabbage - Red and white cabbage, shredded finely.
• Carrots - Grate the carrots using a large hand grater.
• Red Onion - Shredded finely to add sweetness.
• Walnuts - Added for added crunch and texture. If you don't like nuts, just leave them out.
• Mustard Dressing - The mustard dressing is out of this world delicious! I mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and lemon juice.
• Parsley - If I'm serving this for guests I like to sprinkle a small handful of chopped flat-leaf parsley over the coleslaw just before serving.

🥄 Equipment

A sharp knife and hand grater are all you need to make this delicious apple slaw. If you prefer, you can shred and grate the ingredients using the grating attachment in your food processor.

🔪 Instructions

The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

One: Wash the apples, carrots, and cabbage and mix together the dressing ingredients.

Two: Finely shred the cabbage, carrots (remove excess water if necessary - see tip below), and slice the red onion. Chop the apples, but leave the skin on.

Three: Pour over your dressing quickly, to prevent the apples from going brown and mix thoroughly. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Four: Sprinkle over chopped parsley just before serving.

💭 Top tips

• Prevent your coleslaw from becoming watery by placing your shredded cabbage and carrot over a colander and sprinkling with a little sea salt. Leave for 10 minutes before squeezing out the excess water.
• When shredding your cabbage, first remove the outer leaves and cut it into quarters. Remove the tough inner core before shredding with a sharp knife or food processor attachment.

🍴 Serving suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy this tangy crispy apple coleslaw.

My kids love it with Cornflake chicken nuggets and crispy polenta roast potatoes, for a filling and healthy dinner.

It's also great with pulled beef or pulled pork. Just spoon the coleslaw into a roll and top with the pulled beef and pork.

I often enjoy the slaw for lunch, in wraps or sandwiches. Cooked turkey or chicken slices go particularly well with it as does this flavourful halloumi couscous salad.

📖 Variations

• Make the dressing lighter by using low-fat mayonnaise.
• Swap the finely sliced red onion for chopped spring onions.
• Add in finely shredded fennel.
• Use kale instead of cabbage.
• Swap the walnuts for pecan nuts.
• Add a handful of grated extra mature cheddar cheese for apple and cheese coleslaw.

🥡 Storage

Make the homemade coleslaw up to one day before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It's best eaten within a couple of days of making it. You'll find it will gradually start to lose its crispness over time.

😋Related recipes

More savoury recipes where apple is the star of the show!

• Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup
• Sticky Sausage Traybake
• Fruity Sausage Curry
• Creamy Cider Sausages

More delicious sides from the Effortless Foodie kitchen.

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