Easy & Delicious Apple Coleslaw: A Crisp Twist on a Classic

Coleslaw is a quintessential side dish, perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. But sometimes, you want to elevate the classic recipe with a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch. Enter: Apple Coleslaw! This easy-to-make version adds crisp apples to the traditional mix, creating a refreshing and flavorful side that’s sure to be a hit. It’s a fantastic way to use up those extra apples you might have, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a sweeter slaw or a tangier one, you can easily adjust the ingredients to achieve your desired flavor profile.

## Why You’ll Love This Apple Coleslaw

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and comes together in just minutes.
* **Deliciously Refreshing:** The crisp apples add a sweet and refreshing element that complements the savory slaw.
* **Versatile:** It pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches.
* **Adaptable:** You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
* **Great for Leftovers:** The coleslaw keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
* **A Healthier Option:** Incorporating apples adds vitamins and fiber, making it a slightly healthier choice than traditional coleslaw.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. You’ll need:

* **Coleslaw Mix:** 1 (14-16 ounce) bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
* **Apples:** 2 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, cored and shredded or diced
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup (adjust to your desired creaminess)
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons (adds a tangy flavor)
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to your desired sweetness)
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
* **Celery Seeds:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a classic coleslaw flavor)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Coleslaw Mix:** You can use a store-bought coleslaw mix for convenience, or you can shred your own cabbage and carrots. If shredding your own, aim for about 6 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 cup of shredded carrots.
* **Apples:** The type of apple you choose will affect the flavor of the coleslaw. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet and crisp flavor, while Granny Smith apples provide a tart and tangy taste. Fuji apples are a good all-around option with a balanced sweetness and crispness. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite!
* **Mayonnaise:** You can use regular mayonnaise, light mayonnaise, or even Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how creamy you prefer your coleslaw.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** This adds a crucial tanginess that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. You can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Sugar:** The amount of sugar you use will depend on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or omit it altogether.
* **Celery Seeds:** Celery seeds are a classic coleslaw ingredient that adds a distinct flavor. If you don’t like celery seeds, you can leave them out.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s make some delicious apple coleslaw! Follow these simple steps:

**Step 1: Prepare the Apples**

* Wash and core the apples. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients. It also contributes to the visual appeal of the slaw.
* Shred the apples using a grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Alternatively, you can dice the apples into small pieces.

**Step 2: Make the Dressing**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), celery seeds (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
* Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter slaw, or more apple cider vinegar if you prefer a tangier one.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* Add the coleslaw mix and shredded or diced apples to the bowl with the dressing.
* Gently toss everything together until the coleslaw mix and apples are evenly coated with the dressing.

**Step 4: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to chill properly.
* Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to redistribute the dressing. This is because the dressing may settle to the bottom while chilling.
* Serve the apple coleslaw as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads. It’s also delicious on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

## Tips for the Best Apple Coleslaw

* **Don’t overdress the coleslaw:** Start with less dressing and add more as needed. You want the coleslaw to be coated, but not swimming in dressing.
* **Chill the coleslaw before serving:** This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to become more flavorful.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the coleslaw.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your taste:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
* **Prevent Browning:** To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after shredding or dicing and before adding them to the coleslaw.
* **Make it Ahead:** This apple coleslaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
* **Add a Protein:** For a more substantial meal, add shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or tofu to the coleslaw.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This apple coleslaw recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

* **Cranberry Apple Coleslaw:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive and flavorful twist.
* **Pecan Apple Coleslaw:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy and nutty flavor.
* **Walnut Apple Coleslaw:** Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor.
* **Pineapple Apple Coleslaw:** Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) for a tropical twist.
* **Ginger Apple Coleslaw:** Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the dressing for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Maple Apple Coleslaw:** Substitute the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer and more complex sweetness.
* **Vegan Apple Coleslaw:** Use vegan mayonnaise and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
* **Asian-Inspired Apple Coleslaw:** Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger to the dressing for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

Apple coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Barbecues:** Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or chicken.
* **Picnics:** Pack it in a cooler for a refreshing side dish at your next picnic.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, or veggie burgers.
* **Salads:** Add it to a mixed green salad for extra flavor and texture.
* **Tacos:** Use it as a topping for fish or chicken tacos.
* **As a side with Fried Chicken:** The crispness and slight sweetness beautifully cuts through the richness of fried chicken.
* **With Seafood:** Pairs exceptionally well with grilled or baked salmon, shrimp, or white fish.

## How to Store Apple Coleslaw

To store leftover apple coleslaw, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The coleslaw may become slightly watery as it sits, so you may need to drain off any excess liquid before serving. It’s best to consume it within a few days for optimal flavor and texture.

## Recipe Card

**Apple Coleslaw**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes

**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (14-16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
* 2 medium apples, cored and shredded or diced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the apples: Wash, core, and shred or dice the apples.
2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), celery seeds (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Combine the ingredients: Add the coleslaw mix and apples to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until evenly coated.
4. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss before serving.

**Notes:**

* Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your taste.
* Add your favorite add-ins for extra flavor and texture.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Conclusion

This easy apple coleslaw recipe is a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic side dish. With its crisp apples, tangy dressing, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your next barbecue, picnic, or potluck. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy this delightful apple coleslaw! It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and crunch to your meal. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with different variations and add-ins, you’re sure to create a coleslaw that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing apple coleslaw! Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and what variations you used!