The Juiciest Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad Recipe

Creamy apple coleslaw brings a refreshing twist to classic side dishes with its vibrant blend of crisp textures and zesty flavors.

This delightful salad combines cool, crunchy vegetables with sweet fruit undertones that dance across your palate.

tangy dressing weaves through shredded ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of traditional and innovative taste profiles.

Every forkful promises a medley of subtle complexity that elevates ordinary meals into memorable culinary experiences.

Bright colors and contrasting sensations make this dish a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings and family dinners.

The recipe reimagines humble ingredients into something extraordinary, showcasing how simple combinations can yield remarkable results.

You’ll appreciate how each ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors that feels both familiar and surprising.

Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad That Brings a Zing

• Burst with Vibrant Flavor Fusion: The sweet and tangy apple cider vinegar dressing perfectly balances the crisp coleslaw mix, creating a mouthwatering blend of zesty and refreshing tastes that dance on your palate.
• Effortless Prep, Maximum Deliciousness: This simple recipe comes together in minutes, requiring just basic chopping and a quick dressing, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a spectacular side dish without complicated techniques.
• Texture Extravaganza: Crunchy coleslaw mix, crisp apple slices, and tender celery create a delightful textural experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying, with a smooth dressing binding everything together beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The salad actually improves when chilled for an hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop, which means less stress and more deliciousness when you're planning meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Apple Coleslaw Salad with Tang

• Coleslaw Mix: Fresh and crisp base for the salad, providing a crunchy texture.
• Granny Smith Apple: Tart and firm apple variety that adds a sharp, bright flavor to the slaw.
• Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh green notes to the salad.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, oniony bite and fresh color to the dish.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy base that brings brightness and acidity to the dressing.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the vinegar's sharpness with sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps emulsify the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, complex flavor and helps bind the dressing.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy undertone.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, smooth finish to the dressing and helps coat the vegetables.

Easy Instructions for Apple Coleslaw with Tangy Dressing

Step 1: Chop and Prepare Vegetables

Wash and slice the Granny Smith apple into thin matchsticks. Dice the celery into small pieces. Finely slice the green onions. Place all chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Dressing

In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium temperature, whisking constantly until sugar completely dissolves. The mixture should look smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 3: Blend Dressing Ingredients

Remove the saucepan from heat. Slowly whisk in mayonnaise until the dressing becomes creamy and well-integrated. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the warm dressing over the vegetable mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to thoroughly coat every piece of coleslaw mix and apple. Ensure even distribution of the dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and meld together. The salad will become more flavorful as it sits.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator just before serving. Give the coleslaw a quick stir and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy the cool, crisp, and tangy salad as a perfect side dish or light lunch.

Tip: For extra crunch, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds just before serving.

Smart Tips for Apple Coleslaw Prep and Balance

• Slice Apples Precisely: Cut Granny Smith apples into thin, uniform slices to ensure even texture and distribution throughout the coleslaw.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk mayonnaise thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy dressing that coats each ingredient evenly without clumping.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least an hour to allow the sweet and tangy flavors to develop and meld together perfectly.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually.
• Serve Fresh and Cold: Keep the coleslaw chilled until serving to maintain its crisp texture and refreshing taste.

How to Keep Apple Coleslaw Fresh After Serving

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Drain Liquid: Before storing, gently drain any excess liquid to prevent the coleslaw from becoming soggy and maintain its delightful crunch.
• Revive Texture: When ready to enjoy again, give the coleslaw a quick stir and add a sprinkle of fresh green onions to restore its vibrant appearance and boost flavor.

Dishes to Serve with Tangy Apple Coleslaw

• Pair with Pulled Pork: The sweet and tangy coleslaw perfectly complements the rich, smoky flavors of pulled pork sandwiches, cutting through the meat's heaviness with its crisp apple and zesty dressing.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio brings out the salad's bright, acidic notes, creating a refreshing balance that enhances the apple and vinegar undertones.
• Serve alongside Grilled Chicken: The coleslaw's cool, creamy texture and vibrant flavors provide a delightful contrast to hot, chargrilled chicken, making it an ideal summer side dish that adds crunch and excitement to the meal.
• Combine with Craft Beer: A light, hoppy IPA or wheat beer works wonderfully with the salad's tangy profile, its carbonation and subtle bitterness cutting through the mayonnaise-based dressing while complementing the apple's sweetness.

Variations for Apple Coleslaw with Sweet and Tangy Kick

• Spicy Southwestern Slaw: Replace Granny Smith apples with mango chunks, add diced jalapeños, and swap Dijon mustard for chipotle pepper in the dressing for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Asian Fusion Coleslaw: Incorporate shredded carrots, use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar, and mix in sesame oil and grated ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Creamy Greek Yogurt Version: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add fresh dill, and include crumbled feta cheese to create a lighter, tangier coleslaw with Mediterranean influences.
• Herb-Infused Summer Slaw: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley, mint, and basil, and use lemon juice alongside apple cider vinegar to brighten the overall taste and add a fresh summer feel.

Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp apple coleslaw brings zesty California sunshine to your summer table. Refreshing cabbage and juicy apples mingle with a light, creamy dressing that delivers cool crunch you’ll crave at every picnic and potluck.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 bag (16 ounces / 453 grams) coleslaw mix
• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced into thin matchsticks
• ½ cup diced celery
• 5 green onions, finely sliced

Dressing Base:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage mixture into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a crisp base for the salad.
2. Julienne the Granny Smith apple into thin, elegant strips, adding a tart crunch to the coleslaw.
3. Finely dice the celery stalks to introduce a subtle, refreshing texture to the mix.
4. Slice green onions into delicate rounds, dispersing a mild, aromatic flavor throughout the salad.
5. Craft the dressing by combining apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes in a simmering saucepan.
6. Whisk the dressing ingredients continuously, ensuring the sugar completely dissolves and creates a harmonious blend.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate mayonnaise, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Drizzle the warm dressing over the vegetable medley, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is lavishly coated.
9. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to intermingle and intensify for at least one hour.
10. Serve the chilled coleslaw as a vibrant, tangy side dish that tantalizes the taste buds.

Notes

• Tangy dressing with apple cider vinegar creates a bright, zesty flavor profile that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables.
• Heating the dressing helps dissolve sugar completely and blend ingredients, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the coleslaw.
• Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows flavors to develop and meld, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dish.
• Granny Smith apples add a tart crunch that balances the creamy mayonnaise and provides a refreshing contrast to the traditional coleslaw.
• Red pepper flakes introduce a subtle heat that elevates the salad from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it an unexpected kick.
• Serve this versatile side dish at barbecues, picnics, or alongside grilled meats for a crowd-pleasing accompaniment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg