If you’re looking for a refreshing and delightfully crunchy salad that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe is an absolute must-try. It masterfully combines the crisp bite of cabbage, the sweet-tart zing of fresh apple, and the gentle warmth of red onion, all tied together with a luscious, creamy dressing that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re after a vibrant side for your barbecue or a light lunch companion, this slaw brings the perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients shine in this recipe, each contributing unique flavors and textures that elevate this cole slaw from ordinary to extraordinary. From the crunchy cabbage to the zing of lemon juice, every element is thoughtfully selected to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 head of cabbage: Thinly sliced to give your slaw that classic crisp texture and satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 medium red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness that balances the sweet components.
- 1 apple: Chopped finely to add a fresh, juicy sweetness with a slight tartness—choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best results.
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise*: Provides the creamy foundation for the dressing, making every mouthful rich and smooth.
- 1 Tbsp sour cream: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the creaminess and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp sugar: Balances the tartness and adds a gentle sweetness to the dressing.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick that keeps the flavors lively and fresh.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the ingredients, making each taste more pronounced.
- Pinch of pepper: Adds a subtle heat to round out the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by finely shredding the cabbage until it’s nice and thin—this will create that signature cole slaw texture. Dice the apple into small, manageable pieces, and thinly slice the red onion. Combining these fresh ingredients in a big mixing bowl allows the flavors to mingle beautifully from the start.
Step 2: Make and Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe, adding richness and brightness all at once. Pour it over your shredded veggies and apple, then toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating without losing that essential crunch.
How to Serve Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a few toasted sunflower seeds on top. These garnishes add an extra layer of freshness and a tantalizing nutty crunch that perfectly complements the slaw’s creamy, fruity profile.
Side Dishes
This cole slaw pairs beautifully with so many dishes! It’s an especially fantastic companion to grilled meats like barbecue chicken or ribs, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky, rich flavors. It also works wonderfully alongside sandwiches or burgers, adding a crisp, juicy bite that elevates every mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like jazzing things up? Serve the cole slaw in small mason jars for a charming picnic or party presentation. Or use it as a vibrant topping for tacos instead of the traditional cabbage, introducing a new dimension of taste and texture that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best eaten within 2 days to enjoy the crispness of the cabbage and apples. Over time, the slaw will soften slightly but will still remain tasty and refreshing.
Freezing
Because of the fresh, crunchy nature of the cabbage and apple, freezing this cole slaw isn’t recommended. Freezing will cause the ingredients to become watery and lose their lively texture once thawed.
Reheating
This slaw shines brightest served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the ingredients if it’s been in the fridge a while.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the creaminess, sweeter apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp also bring lovely flavor. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this cole slaw vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives made from plant-based ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of this creamy apple cole slaw that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this cole slaw?
Definitely! Adding shredded carrots or thin slices of bell peppers can introduce extra color and sweetness. Just be mindful to keep the balance so the apple and cabbage shine through.
What’s the best way to keep the apples from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps tremendously in preventing browning. Make sure to toss the apples with the dressing soon after chopping to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
How long does this cole slaw last in the fridge?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy within 1 to 2 days of making. Beyond that, the slaw may release moisture and become a bit soggy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe enough—it’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm embrace. Whether you’re serving it as a side or mixing it up for a light meal, it’s bound to become a go-to dish that brings smiles every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
Creamy Apple Cole Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy apple cole slaw featuring thinly sliced cabbage, crisp apple, and red onion tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or topping for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1/2 head of cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 apple (chopped)
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- pinch salt
- pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely shred the cabbage and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the apple into bite-sized pieces. Place all three prepared ingredients into a mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing and Combine: In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage, apple, and onion mixture, and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on the apple sweetness.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- This slaw pairs well with grilled meats or as a sandwich topping.
