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Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad Recipe

4.6 from 103 reviews

Sweet and Tangy Apple Coleslaw Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish combining crisp coleslaw mix with tart Granny Smith apples and a warm, flavorful dressing made from apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Perfect for summer BBQs or pairing with sandwiches, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

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

For the Dressing

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple matchsticks, diced celery, and finely sliced green onions to create the base for your salad.
  2. Prepare Dressing Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk the apple cider vinegar, granulated white sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved to create a warm, tangy dressing.
  3. Add Mayonnaise: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the mayonnaise until the dressing is smooth and creamy, combining all flavors thoroughly.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the warm dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the slaw to chill, enhancing the taste and texture before serving.

Notes

  • To make the dressing vegan-friendly, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative or prepare a homemade vegan mayo.
  • This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes or simple sandwiches for a quick meal.
  • For a fruity twist, try variations with pineapple or grapes to add sweetness and crunch.

Keywords: apple coleslaw, sweet tangy salad, coleslaw recipe, apple cider vinegar dressing, summer salad, BBQ side dish