• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot & Slow Cooker
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks & Drinks
    • Soup & Chili
    • Sunday Dinners
    • Tips & Tutorials
  • About Us
  • Contact

Borrowed Bites logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Published: May 11, 2022 by Danielle · This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.

    Tasty Coleslaw with Apples (No Mayo!)

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe
    Apple slaw tossed in a bowl with graphic overlay.
    Apple coleslaw with graphic image overlay.

    Filled with sweet and crunchy bits of goodness, this Coleslaw with Apples dresses up coleslaw mix with a tangy and sweet apple cider vinegar dressing (no mayo). It’s an easy homemade salad that’s perfect for your next picnic, BBQ, or potluck!

    Serving tongs in a bowl of apple slaw.
    This is a go-to side dish for every BBQ, picnic, or potluck all summer long. It is also delicious accompaniment to smoked meat all year long.
    Skip to:
    • 🏅 Why this recipe is great
    • 🍎 Ingredients
    • 🔪  How to make coleslaw with apples
    • 😋 Variations
    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd
    • 🍽What to serve with apple slaw
    • 🙋 Questions and Answers
    • 👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks
    • 📖  Other great recipes
    • 👋🏻 Connect with us!
    • 📋 Recipe

    I'm in love with this apple slaw! It's a tasty elevation of a classic and easy side dish. The addition of apples ads a little sweetness to the crunchy cabbage, and the dressing is the perfect amount of tangy flavor. Addicting!

    For another fun twist here is a Asian slaw salad that's just as easy.

    This recipe was inspired by this apple slaw recipe with a couple changes. Mainly we wanted an apple based slaw without mayonnaise or dairy (no sour cream or greek yogurt). We have nothing against classic coleslaw with a creamy dressing, but having a slaw without mayo makes the perfect side dish for taking to potlucks and picnics all summer long. 

    Don't you love recipes with just a few ingredients? Side dishes like pan roasted corn, easy fruit salad dressing, or doctored canned baked beans are simple recipes that are easy to serve for an occasion.

    🏅 Why this recipe is great

    • It only has 6 ingredients.
    • It’s creamy, crunchy, and delicious - all without mayo.
    • It’s quick and easy on the budget.
    Ingredients laying on countertop.
    Six ingredients is all you need to make this crazy good coleslaw with apples.

    🍎 Ingredients

    Coleslaw mix: We prefer to use the bagged coleslaw with green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. Of course you can slice your own head of cabbage with a sharp knife or use a food processor for a do-it-yourself version.
    Apple: The best apples for apple slaw are crisp apples. We especially like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala apples.
    Apple Cider Vinaigrette: We have used the brand Private Selection (Kroger) and Ken’s (affiliate). Our preference for this coleslaw dressing is Ken’s because it has a great balance between the sweet elements and the tangy apple cider vinegar, but your favorite apple cider vinaigrette will be delicious. To make sure it doesn’t have mayo or dairy, read through the dressing ingredients on the back of the bottle.
    Nuts: Toasted almonds are called for but maple glazed pecans would be a fun substitution. Sliced or slivered work equally as well.
    Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add the fresh herby flavor this coleslaw with apples needs. I do not recommend substituting with red onion. It’s too sharp for this salad.
    Cranberries: Dried cranberries are an additional sweet and tart element. Dried cherries are a good candidate as well.

    🔪  How to make coleslaw with apples

    This homemade coleslaw is just two simple steps and can be made in just minutes.

    Step 1: Toast the nuts

    Toast the almonds by heating a skillet to medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast until golden brown. Allow to cool before adding to the slaw.

    A skillet with toasted almonds in it.
    Toasting the almonds before adding them to the slaw deepens their flavor and helps keep them crunchy.

    Step 2: Mix rest of ingredients

    Combine cabbage, apples, green onions, cranberries, and almonds together in a large mixing bowl. Then add dressing to taste. Transfer to a salad bowl or platter for serving if desired.

    Dressing being poured on coleslaw ingredients.
    Combine ingredients just before serving in order to keep the almonds and cabbage crunchy.

    😋 Variations

    • Maple glazed pecans or cashews can be swapped out for the almonds. 
    • Instead of the cranberries try dried cherries. Since they are so much larger than dried cranberries, so do a rough chop before adding them to the apple slaw.
    • Add grilled or rotisserie chicken to make this a main dish salad.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd

    This apple coleslaw recipe can easily be doubled or tripled as needed. The slaw, green onions, cranberries and nuts can be prepped ahead. Chop the apple and toss everything with the dressing just before serving.

    Next time you need a salad that’s great for serving to large groups, try this Italian Chopped Salad or this Autumn Chopped Salad.

    Sweet and tart apples in coleslaw and tossed with a no mayo dressing.
    This is the perfect side dish for all your favorite BBQ main dishes. The fresh ingredients and tangy dressing cut through the smokiness of brisket, pulled pork, or ribs.

    🍽What to serve with apple slaw

    • Pulled pork sandwiches
    • Grilled pork chops
    • Grilled hamburgers, turkey burgers, or hot dogs.
    • Tri-tip sandwich
    • Grilled chicken - 4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade or Best Ever Chicken Marinade

    🙋 Questions and Answers

    How to store leftover coleslaw?

    Leftover coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a couple days. The cabbage and almonds will get a little soft after being stored but it is still delicious.

    Can apple coleslaw be made ahead?

    Apple slaw is best made fresh. However, everything but the apples can be prepped ahead and left in the refrigerator for a couple days. Toss the slaw ingredients together with the dressing just before serving for best results.

    How long can this apple slaw sit out?

    Since this slaw doesn't have mayo or dairy it can sit out for up to 4 hours at room temperature which makes it perfect as a summer side dish or potluck item.

    Up close view of coleslaw with apples tossed in apple vinaigrette.
    Almonds and cranberries are little jewels of deliciousness in this coleslaw with apples.

    👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

    • Choose a firm apple and chop it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
    • Choose a bottled apple cider dressing that you enjoy. It is a main flavor profile.

    📖  Other great recipes

    • This lemonade concentrate is a great recipe for serving at any summer meal.
    • The sweet flavor of fresh ingredients really shine in this summer fruit salad.

    👋🏻 Connect with us!

    If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating to let us know how it is! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food!

    📋 Recipe

    Coleslaw with apples in a serving bowl.

    Tasty Coleslaw with Apples (No Mayo!)

    Filled with sweet and crunchy bits of goodness, this Coleslaw with Apples dresses up coleslaw mix with a tangy and sweet apple cider vinegar dressing (no mayo). It’s an easy homemade salad that’s perfect for your next picnic, BBQ, or potluck!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 260kcal
    Author: Borrowed Bites

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup sliced almonds
    • 1 14 ounce slaw mix with green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots
    • 1 apple chopped
    • 3 green onions thinly sliced
    • ⅔ cup dried cranberries
    • ⅔ cup apple cider vinaigrette like Ken's
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Toast the almonds by heating a skillet to medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast until golden brown. Stir often to prevent burning. Allow to cool before adding to the slaw.
      ⅓ cup sliced almonds
    • Combine cabbage, apples, green onions, cranberries, and almonds together in a large mixing bowl. Then add dressing to taste. Transfer to a salad bowl or platter for serving if desired.
      1 14 ounce slaw mix, 1 apple, 3 green onions, ⅔ cup dried cranberries, ⅔ cup apple cider vinaigrette
    • We love comments! Please come back and leave us one after you’ve tried this recipe.

    Notes

    Tips & Tricks
    • Choose a firm apple and chop it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
    • Make sure the bottled dressing you choose is one you enjoy.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes. They will only be visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they will be lost.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

    All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating or pin it for later!

    More Salad Recipes

    • Greek Vinaigrette Dressing (w/ red wine vinegar)
    • AMAZING Lemon Quinoa Salad with Feta
    • Italian Chopped Salad (with options for a crowd)
    • Greek Quinoa Salad Bowl
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    circle profile picture of Danielle and Misty

    Hi! We are Danielle and Misty: a mom and daughter with a serious passion for seeking out the best recipes to serve again and again to those we love. With a mix of everyday favorites and indulgent weekend fare there is something here for you and yours as you develop your own family traditions.

    More about us →

    Easy Healthy Recipes

    • Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
    • AMAZING Lemon Quinoa Salad with Feta
    • Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    • Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
    • Easy Maple Chicken (with Dijon Mustard)
    • Fresh Mango Habanero Salsa (Only 6 Ingredients!)
    • Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes with Sweet and Savory Toppings
    • Greek Quinoa Salad Bowl

    Side Dish Recipes

    • Perfect Roasted Corn (w/ frozen corn)
    • Crispy Hasselback Potatoes (w/ Yukon Gold Potatoes)
    • Easy Fruit Salad Dressing
    • How To Make Cornbread (Moist!)

    Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

    • Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
    • Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese (One Pot!)
    • Easy Green Enchiladas with Honey Lime Chicken
    • Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
    • Electric Skillet Lemon Chicken
    • EASY Carroll Shelby Chili (w/ options for a crowd)
    • Pot Roast Seasoning (2 ingredients!)

    Popular Recipes

    • Easy 4-Ingredient Potato Soup (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
    • Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    • What to Eat with Tzatziki (20 Ideas!)
    • 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast
    • Crock Pot Chuck Roast (SO tender & easy!)
    • Easiest Rhodes Rolls (Frozen Dinner Rolls w/ Butter and Herbs)

    Trending on Pinterest

    • The Best Cast Iron Pan Pizza Recipe
    • Crusted Chicken Romano (Cheesecake Factory Copycat!)
    • Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes (In Muffin Tins)
    • Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    • Italian Chopped Salad (with options for a crowd)
    • The Perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake, Every Single Time

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Social Media

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • Contact
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © Borrowed Bites 2021