Easy Apple Coleslaw Recipe

This easy apple coleslaw recipe is one of my go-to side dishes. It’s tangy, crunchy, and lighter than the shop-bought versions.

The mustard dressing adds a nice kick, making it a great accompaniment to a wide range of meals. Perfect for barbecues or everyday dinners!

In summer I serve this crispy apple slaw recipe 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 a fantastic addition to sandwiches and wraps, as well as pulled pork and burgers!

Jump to:

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

✔️ Why should you try it?

1. It's easy and quick to make.
2. Lighter than shop-bought coleslaw.
3. Pairs well with so many different dishes including pulled pork.
4. 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 - Use tart granny smith apples in this coleslaw recipe, to give it a nice tang.

Cabbage - Red and white cabbage, shredded finely. Green cabbage doesn't work so well.

Carrots - Grate the carrots using a large hand grater.

Red Onion - Shredded finely to add sweetness.

Walnuts - Added for added crunch and texture (you could also use almonds). If you don't like nuts, just leave them out or add raisins or dried cranberries instead.

Mustard Dressing - The mustard dressing is made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (or use honey or maple syrup) and lemon juice.

Parsley - for a pop of colour.

🥄 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 on 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.

🍴 Serving suggestions

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

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 well with it as does this tasty halloumi couscous salad.

📖 Variations

• Make the dressing lighter by using low-fat mayo.
• 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.

❓ Frequently asked questions

😋Related recipes

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

• Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup
• Sticky Sausage Traybake
• Slow Cooker Pork and Apple Casserole
• Fruity Sausage Curry
• Creamy Cider Sausages

More delicious sides from the Effortless Foodie kitchen

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