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!

We have a whole collection of Vegetable Side Dish Recipes that you'll want to make again and again!

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 an Asian slaw salad that's just as easy. And if you're looking for a main dish that includes apples instead, try our tender Roast with Apples.

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 for coleslaw with apples

• 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.

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.

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.

What to serve with apple slaw

• Pulled pork or Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef sandwiches
• Raspberry BBQ Chicken Sandwich
• Grilled pork chops
• Grilled hamburgers, turkey burgers, or hot dogs.
• Tri-tip Sandwich
• Grilled chicken - 4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade, Best Ever Chicken Marinade, or Hot Honey Chicken Marinade

FAQs

Tips and 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.
• This Spinach Avocado Salad is the perfect healthy side dish that's packed with flavor!
• Try this Strawberry Arugula Salad Recipe for a flavorful spring side dish that'll never get boring!