Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

While you can prepare all the components ahead of time, it's best to assemble everything just before serving or at most 2-3 hours ahead. The cabbage and apples start to release water once dressed, which can make the slaw watery if it sits too long.

What's the best type of apple to use?

Gala apples work wonderfully because they're sweet, crisp, and don't brown too quickly. However, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent alternatives. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that break down quickly.

How can I make this slaw healthier?

You can use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise entirely for a lighter version. You'll lose a bit of richness, but the honey and yogurt still create a delicious dressing. You can also reduce the honey if you're watching sugar intake.

My dressing seems too thick - what should I do?

Simply thin it with a little milk, buttermilk, or even a splash of apple juice if you want to enhance the apple flavor. Add just a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Apple Slaw Recipe

Name: Apple Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain Greek Yogurt (preferably Fage for thickness); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup honey; 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 small cabbage, shredded (6 – 7 cups packed, about 16 oz chopped); 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots; 2 large gala apples, sliced into matchsticks (about 3 cups); 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 3/4 cup sliced almonds; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar (optional)

This refreshing Apple Slaw combines crisp, sweet apples with crunchy cabbage and a creamy honey-yogurt dressing that’s simply irresistible. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you need something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 10 minutes – you can’t beat that kind of efficiency in the kitchen!
Beautifully Balanced: The perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements makes every bite interesting.
Versatile: Works beautifully alongside grilled meats, as a sandwich topper, or even as a light lunch on its own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even people who typically turn their noses up at traditional coleslaw often fall for this fruity, crunchy version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Yogurt: Creates the creamy base for the dressing while adding protein and a pleasant tanginess. Fage brand works best for its thickness – thinner brands can make your dressing runny.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and body to the dressing. The combination with yogurt gives you creaminess without heaviness.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples and balances the tang from the yogurt.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides that essential acidic kick that brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Cabbage: The foundation of any good slaw – provides the essential crunch factor and subtle earthiness.
Carrots: Add color, nutrients, sweetness, and another layer of crunch to the mix.
Gala Apples: The star ingredient! They bring sweetness, juiciness, and a wonderful crisp texture. Their skin adds beautiful color too.
Green Onions: Offer a mild, fresh onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Almonds: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty dimension that takes this slaw to another level.
Dried Cranberries: Add delightful pops of sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture against all the crunchiness.
Cheese: Optional but wonderful – feta, blue cheese, or sharp cheddar each bring their own distinct character to the slaw.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swaps

Try pears or even peaches (in summer) instead of apples for a different fruity twist. Thinly sliced grapes also work wonderfully.

Nut Options

Substitute pecans, walnuts, or pepitas for the almonds – each brings a different flavor profile to the dish.

Make It Vegan

Use plant-based yogurt and mayo alternatives, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option.

Spice It Up

Add a sprinkle of cayenne or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a little kick.

How to Make Apple Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy but pourable.

Step 2: Combine the Slaw Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, apple matchsticks, sliced green onions, almonds, and dried cranberries. If you’re using cheese, add that in too.

Step 3: Dress the Slaw

Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Make sure to get to the bottom of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.

Step 4: Serve

For best flavor and texture, serve within a few hours of preparation. The slaw can be refrigerated briefly before serving, but the apples and cabbage will be at their crispest if enjoyed fresh.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Mandoline Magic: Use a mandoline slicer with a julienne attachment for perfectly uniform apple and cabbage slices in seconds.
Prevent Apple Browning: If not serving immediately, toss your sliced apples in a little lemon juice before adding them to the slaw.
Texture Control: For maximum crunch, add the dressing just before serving. For a slightly softer texture where flavors meld more, dress it 30 minutes before serving.
Temperature Matters: Let the slaw sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated – the flavors come through better when not ice-cold.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This apple slaw shines alongside barbecued ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or fish tacos. The sweet-tangy profile cuts through rich, fatty meats beautifully.

Make It a Meal

Turn this into a complete lunch by adding grilled chicken strips or a scoop of high-quality tuna on top.

Presentation

Serve in a large wooden bowl for casual gatherings, or for individual portions, use a pair of tongs to create neat mounds on small plates, garnished with extra green onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture will soften as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.

Component Prep

You can prepare all the elements separately up to a day ahead – store the cut vegetables and fruits in one container, the nuts and dried fruit in another, and the dressing in a jar. Combine everything just before serving.

Refreshing Leftovers

If your leftover slaw has become a bit watery or limp, add a handful of fresh shredded cabbage or a few tablespoons of sliced almonds to bring back some crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

While you can prepare all the components ahead of time, it’s best to assemble everything just before serving or at most 2-3 hours ahead. The cabbage and apples start to release water once dressed, which can make the slaw watery if it sits too long.
What’s the best type of apple to use?

Gala apples work wonderfully because they’re sweet, crisp, and don’t brown too quickly. However, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent alternatives. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that break down quickly.
How can I make this slaw healthier?

You can use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise entirely for a lighter version. You’ll lose a bit of richness, but the honey and yogurt still create a delicious dressing. You can also reduce the honey if you’re watching sugar intake.
My dressing seems too thick – what should I do?

Simply thin it with a little milk, buttermilk, or even a splash of apple juice if you want to enhance the apple flavor. Add just a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Slaw is one of those recipes that proves extraordinary dishes don’t have to be complicated. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, creamy dressing, and delightful crunch, it transforms the humble coleslaw into something special. Give this 10-minute wonder a try at your next meal – I guarantee it will become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Apple Slaw Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This crisp and refreshing Apple Slaw is the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, and a hint of tanginess. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s an all-season favorite that’s perfect as a side dish for gatherings, picnics, or even as a light snack. It’s quick to prepare and comes together with a creamy yet balanced homemade dressing.

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to balance the flavors.
Assemble the Coleslaw
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, apples, green onions, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and cheese if you’re using it. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix and Serve
Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. Serve within a few hours of preparation for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the salad.
Use freshly shredded cabbage rather than pre-packaged mixes for better texture and taste.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
You can replace gala apples with fuji or honeycrisp apples for a slightly different flavor.
This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a topping for pulled pork or chicken sandwiches.