Zesty Apple Coleslaw Magic: Bright & Refreshing Recipe

Summer barbecues come alive with this mouthwatering sweet and tangy apple coleslaw salad that captures fresh garden flavors in every crisp bite.

Vibrant green cabbage mingles with crisp apple chunks, creating a delightful texture that dances on your palate.

Creamy dressing coats each ingredient, balancing sweetness and zest with remarkable precision.

Crunchy almonds add a subtle nutty undertone that complements the salad bright profile.

Packed with nutrition and bursting with color, this coleslaw stands out as a refreshing side dish that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

The simple combination of ingredients promises a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Your next meal deserves this irresistible salad that transforms an ordinary plate into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad

• Coleslaw Mix: Provides a crisp, fresh foundation with a delightful mix of shredded cabbage varieties.
• Celery: Adds a satisfying crunch and subtle peppery undertone to elevate the salad's texture.

• Granny Smith Apple: Delivers a tart, bright flavor that cuts through the creamy dressing.
• Green Onions: Introduces a mild, zesty kick to brighten the entire dish.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a tangy backbone that balances the entire salad's flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Softens the vinegar's sharpness and adds a gentle sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth richness and helps bind the dressing ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a bold, slightly spicy depth to the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Ensures a luxuriously creamy and smooth texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.

Tools You’ll Need for Apple Coleslaw

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients together.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the warm, tangy dressing with precise heat control.
• Whisk: Key tool for smoothly blending dressing ingredients and ensuring no sugar lumps remain.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing apples, celery, and green onions with clean, precise cuts.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing fresh ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure vinegar, sugar, and other dressing components.
• Plastic Wrap: Used to cover and seal the coleslaw while chilling in the refrigerator.

How to Make Apple Coleslaw Salad

• Salad Base

Fresh coleslaw mix blends with crisp Granny Smith apples, creating a vibrant foundation that brings together crunchy textures and bright flavors.

• Flavor Foundation

Warm dressing combines tangy apple cider vinegar with subtle sweetness, developing a complex sauce that will transform the simple vegetables into a memorable side dish.

• Dressing Creation

Simmer vinegar with sugar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard, whisking carefully to ensure smooth integration of ingredients. A hint of red pepper flakes adds unexpected warmth.

• Creamy Transformation

Fold mayonnaise into the warm mixture, creating a silky dressing that will coat each cabbage and apple slice with rich, zesty goodness.

• Resting and Serving

Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour, allowing flavors to dance and meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats or as a standalone summer side dish.

Helpful Tips for Apple Coleslaw Salad

• Toss in grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or toasted sunflower seeds to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course with extra protein and texture.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or add a dash of sriracha for a zesty kick that will wake up your taste buds.
• Prepare the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

Serve Apple Coleslaw with These Dishes

• Picnic Perfect Companion: This zesty coleslaw transforms any outdoor gathering into a delightful culinary experience, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.
• Protein Power Boost: Elevate the salad's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken strips, sliced almonds, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and crunch.
• Summer Side Dish Superstar: Bring this refreshing coleslaw to barbecues, potlucks, and family cookouts, where its bright flavors will complement classic summer dishes like burgers and hot dogs.
• Gourmet Plating Technique: Serve the coleslaw in a beautiful glass bowl or on a rustic wooden board, garnishing with fresh herb sprigs or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.

How to Store Apple Coleslaw Salad

• Refrigerator Readiness: Store your apple coleslaw in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping it crisp and delicious for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Squeeze out extra air to prevent soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad ingredients separately and mix just before serving to maintain crunchiness. Keep sliced apples in a lemon water bath to prevent browning if chopping in advance.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Drain any excess liquid before serving to ensure a perfectly textured salad. Gently toss the coleslaw again to redistribute the dressing and revive its vibrant flavors.
• Portion Control Pro: Divide the coleslaw into individual meal-prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or picnic-ready side dishes. Each portion stays fresh and delightful when sealed properly.

Crisp Apple Coleslaw Salad

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad blends crisp cabbage with juicy apples for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy textures and balanced flavors make this recipe perfect for summer gatherings and picnics you’ll want to enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 bag (16 oz / 453 g) coleslaw mix
• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced into thin matchsticks
• ½ cup celery, diced
• 5 green onions, finely sliced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare Base: Combine shredded cabbage, julienned Granny Smith apple, diced celery, and sliced green onions in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant vegetable foundation.
2. Craft Dressing: In a saucepan, merge apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes, whisking continuously until sugar dissolves completely.
3. Emulsify Sauce: Remove from heat and blend in mayonnaise, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency with a glossy sheen.
4. Marry Flavors: Pour the warm dressing over the vegetable medley, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is thoroughly and evenly coated.
5. Chill and Develop: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to marinate and intensify their collective flavor profile.
6. Serve Chilled: Present the coleslaw as a refreshing, tangy side dish that offers a delightful balance of crisp textures and zesty undertones.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Dress While Warm: Pour the dressing over the vegetables while it’s still slightly warm to help the flavors penetrate more effectively and create a more cohesive dish.
• Texture is Key: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure a consistent crunch and balanced bite in every mouthful of the coleslaw.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep and potluck gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg