This Apple Coleslaw is a fresh, crisp, and colorful twist on classic coleslaw. It’s packed with shredded green cabbage, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds—all tossed in a creamy, tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Whether you’re serving it with barbecue, adding it to wraps, or pairing it with holiday meals, this slaw brings bright flavor and texture to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Coleslaw
I’m a huge coleslaw fan—if there’s a meal that could use crunch, I’m adding it! After making endless batches of my favorite classic coleslaw for BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Crockpot Pulled Pork, I wanted a version especially for fall and winter.
This one is exactly that:
✨ Sweet from the apples and cranberries
✨ Crunchy from cabbage and almonds
✨ Tangy from the creamy dressing
✨ Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or holiday tables
Honestly? Apple Coleslaw on turkey is a total game changer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Coleslaw Base
- Green cabbage – Choose a fresh, firm head and slice it thinly.
- Apples – Honeycrisp for sweetness, Granny Smith for a tart bite.
- Celery & green onions – Add crisp texture and fresh flavor.
- Sliced almonds – Toast for extra crunch (try honey almonds for sweetness!).
- Dried cranberries – Add that perfect pop of color and sweetness.
Creamy Apple Coleslaw Dressing
- Mayonnaise – Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
- Sour cream – Reduced-fat works great too.
- Apple cider vinegar – Boosts the apple flavor and balances richness.
- Dijon mustard – Adds tang and depth.
- Honey or sugar – Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
- Salt, pepper & celery seed – Celery seed is optional but adds great slaw flavor.
How to Make Apple Coleslaw
1. Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon, honey, and seasonings until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Slaw Ingredients
Thinly slice the cabbage, apples, celery, and green onions. Add them to a large bowl with almonds and cranberries.
3. Combine
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is fully coated.
4. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Toss again before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Apple Coleslaw
- As a side dish: Fresh, crunchy, and perfect with any meal.
- With meat: Great with pulled pork, pork chops, grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- In wraps & sandwiches: Add with grilled chicken or leftover turkey for extra crunch.
- On tacos: Amazing on fish or chicken tacos!
- On burgers: Swap the sauce for a scoop of this slaw.
Storage Tips
This coleslaw is best enjoyed the same day—it stays crisp and fresh.
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.
Use Up Extra Apples in These Recipes
- Apple Salad with homemade vinaigrette
- Classic Apple Pie
- Cinnamon-spiced Applesauce
- Apple Nachos
- Apple Bread with grated apples
Apple Coleslaw
Ingredients
Slaw
- 1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 7 packed cups)
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cut into matchsticks (about 3¼ cups)
- ½ cup very thinly sliced celery (2 stalks)
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
- ¾ cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
- ¾ cup dried sweetened cranberries
Dressing
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, pepper, and celery seed until smooth. Chill until ready to use. - Prepare the Slaw:
Thinly slice cabbage, apples, celery, and green onions. Add to a large bowl along with almonds and cranberries. - Combine:
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is evenly coated. - Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly. Toss again, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Storage
Best enjoyed the same day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.