Coleslaw with Apple

Last summer, my neighbor brought over a container of coleslaw after a backyard barbecue, and I couldn't stop eating it. There was something about the sweetness that cut through the creaminess perfectly. I finally asked for the secret, and she just said 'apple.' Sometimes the smallest additions transform everything we thought we knew about a dish.

I served this at a family dinner last month, and my aunt who claims to hate coleslaw went back for seconds. She couldn't figure out what made it different, just that it tasted lighter and fresher than any version she'd tried before. Watching people reconsider their assumptions about 'boring' dishes is one of my favorite kitchen moments.

Ingredients

• 400 g white cabbage, finely shredded: The backbone of any good coleslaw, providing satisfying crunch and structure
• 1 large carrot, grated: Adds natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• 1 large apple, grated: Choose a sweet tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced: Brings a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the fresh ingredients
• 100 g Greek yogurt: Creates a lighter, tangier base than traditional mayonnaise heavy recipes
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Just enough creaminess to coat everything beautifully
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a gentle spicy kick
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brightens the dressing and enhances the natural flavors
• 1 tsp honey: Brings everything together with subtle sweetness
• Salt and pepper: Essential for making all flavors pop

Instructions

Prep the vegetables and fruit:

Toss the cabbage, carrot, apple, and spring onions in a large bowl. If prepping ahead, give the apple a quick squeeze of lemon juice to keep it looking fresh.

Mix the creamy dressing:

Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and combined.

Combine everything:

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.

Season and chill:

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

Save

This recipe saved my Thanksgiving side dish lineup last year. Everyone was focused on the heavy mains, but this bright, crunchy salad kept appearing on peoples plates throughout the meal. Sometimes the simple supporting dishes become the unexpected stars.

Make It Your Own

Try adding toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra texture and protein. A handful of fresh parsley or dill adds beautiful color and herbal freshness that complements the sweetness.

Perfect Pairings

This coleslaw shines alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches. It also works beautifully as a topping for fish tacos or served with roasted vegetables for a light summer dinner.

Storage and Serving

The salad stays crisp for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it excellent for meal prep. The flavors actually develop and improve after sitting for a few hours, so feel free to make it in the morning for an evening gathering.

• Bring the salad to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor
• If the dressing seems too thick after chilling, add a splash of vinegar or water
• Avoid freezing as the texture will become watery and mushy

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about a recipe that's this simple yet this rewarding. Every crunchy, creamy, sweet bite reminds me why homemade is always worth the effort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of apple works best?

Sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn provide the perfect balance. The slight acidity complements the creamy dressing while adding natural sweetness.

→ How do I prevent the apple from turning brown?

Toss the grated apple with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after preparing. The vitamin C prevents oxidation and keeps the apple looking fresh and vibrant.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to 24 hours in advance. The cabbage actually benefits from marinating in the dressing, becoming more tender and flavorful. Add fresh parsley just before serving.

→ Is this suitable for special diets?

Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with plain dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based mayonnaise. The result remains creamy and delicious.

→ What can I add for extra texture?

Toasted walnuts, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds add delightful crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins provide chewy contrast. For more protein, try shredded cooked chicken or chickpeas.