Apple Coleslaw

Published: December 3, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This coleslaw takes just 10 minutes to make, making it an ideal last-minute side dish.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet apples and tangy cranberries offers a delicious contrast that excites the palate.
Versatile Side Dish: Great for summer cookouts or holiday meals, this salad complements a variety of main dishes.
Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh produce and healthy fats from walnuts, this coleslaw is both tasty and nutritious.
Customizable Recipe: Feel free to add other fruits or nuts to tailor it to your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Apple Coleslaw, gather the right tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation simpler and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk or spoon
Knife
Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the fresh ingredients without any spills.
Whisk or spoon: Necessary for mixing the dressing smoothly so that it’s well blended.
Knife: A sharp knife helps in chopping apples and onions efficiently.

Ingredients

This refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delightful mix of crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s an easy and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

For the Salad

14 ounce bag 3-color coleslaw mix
1 large apple, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 green onions, sliced

For the Dressing

3/4 cup mayo
3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup honey
3/4 teaspoon dried, ground ginger

How to Make Apple Coleslaw

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. Toss everything together gently until evenly mixed.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and ground ginger until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth dressing.

Step 3: Mix Salad with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Enjoy your delightful Apple Coleslaw as a fresh side dish that will brighten up any meal!

How to Serve Apple Coleslaw

Apple coleslaw is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a weekday dinner, this refreshing salad can complement your plate beautifully.

As a Side Dish

With Grilled Chicken: The tangy flavor of apple coleslaw enhances the smoky taste of grilled chicken.
Alongside Turkey Burgers: This slaw adds a crunch and sweetness that balances the savory turkey burgers perfectly.

In a Wrap

With Hummus and Veggies: Use apple coleslaw as a filling for wraps with hummus and fresh veggies for a healthy lunch option.
In Tacos: Add a scoop of apple coleslaw to soft tacos filled with grilled chicken or veggies for an extra layer of flavor.

At Picnics

As Part of a Picnic Spread: Serve apple coleslaw in small cups at your next picnic for easy sharing and freshness.
With Sandwiches: It’s an excellent accompaniment to sandwiches like turkey or veggie subs, adding texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Apple Coleslaw

Creating the perfect apple coleslaw is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh apples and crisp vegetables will enhance the overall taste and crunchiness.
Mix Different Apples: Combine tart and sweet apples for a complex flavor profile that makes each bite interesting.
Let It Chill: Allowing the coleslaw to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps meld flavors together beautifully.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your dressing before mixing in; adjust honey according to your preference for sweetness.
Add Texture: Incorporate other crunchy elements like celery or bell peppers for added texture and flavor contrast.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Coleslaw

Apple coleslaw pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection complements the freshness of apple coleslaw.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty side that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the slaw.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with herbs delivers an earthy balance to apple coleslaw’s sweetness.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs harmoniously with the tangy slaw.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans offer protein alongside the crunchy slaw.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn enhances any summer meal, making it a perfect side alongside apple coleslaw.
Crispy Kale Chips: For a healthier option, serve kale chips that add crunch and nutrients while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Coleslaw, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish’s taste and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

Not using fresh ingredients – Fresh apples and crisp coleslaw mix are crucial for optimal taste. Always choose the freshest produce for the best results.
Overdressing the coleslaw – Adding too much dressing can make your coleslaw soggy. Start with less dressing and add more as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
Skipping the chilling time – Allowing Apple Coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together. Don’t skip this step if you want a flavorful dish!
Neglecting to chop uniformly – Unevenly chopped ingredients can lead to an inconsistent texture. Aim for uniform pieces for a pleasing bite every time.
Using stale nuts – Old walnuts can taste bitter and spoil your dish. Always check the freshness of your nuts before adding them to your coleslaw.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apple Coleslaw

Freezing is not recommended as it changes the texture of fresh vegetables.

Reheating Apple Coleslaw

Oven – Not typically reheated since it’s best served cold, but you can warm it gently in an oven set to low heat if needed.
Microwave – Use with caution; warm on low power for short bursts, ensuring it doesn’t cook.
Stovetop – Heat gently over low heat while stirring continuously, but note that this may alter the crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Coleslaw that might help you out.

Can I use other fruits in Apple Coleslaw?

Yes! You can add fruits like pears or grapes for added sweetness and flavor.

How long does Apple Coleslaw last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Is Apple Coleslaw healthy?

Absolutely! With fresh vegetables and fruits, it’s a nutritious side dish packed with vitamins.

Can I customize the dressing for my Apple Coleslaw?

Certainly! Feel free to adjust honey levels or substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative if desired.

What dishes pair well with Apple Coleslaw?

Apple Coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and picnic foods, making it a versatile side dish.

Final Thoughts

This refreshing Apple Coleslaw is not only easy to prepare but also offers various customization options. You can experiment with different fruits or nuts based on your preference. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side at dinner. Give it a try!