When I think of coleslaw, only one comes to mind. The coleslaw from the famous, fast food, fried chicken restaurant. Addicting. Unfortunately, my MSG-sensitive body no longer tolerates fast food. I enjoy only a bite once or twice a year to satisfy my craving. Once you have had that famous fast food coleslaw, everything else wanes in comparison, and for that reason, I have never truly enjoyed coleslaw anywhere else (until this recipe). I don’t like coleslaw too tangy, and I don’t like white vinegar. If you like it very tangy and not sweet, don’t worry; this recipe is flexible.
Table of Contents
Coleslaw is a great accompaniment to meats—BBQ, grilled, broiled, baked, roasted, or placed on sandwiches—burgers, hot dogs, or paninis.
Roasted chicken(on the grill), rice and beans, coleslaw (using store-bought 14 oz coleslaw mix along with chopped scallions and the dressing recipe below)
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes or stands alone as a refreshing salad.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, tanginess, or texture to suit your preferences.
- Healthier Alternative: Fresh ingredients and no MSG.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the salad:
- Cabbage (green and red): Provides a crunchy base.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red Bell Pepper: Optional, but adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Green Onion (Scallion): Offers a mild oniony kick.
- Red Apple: Adds sweetness and a soft crunch.
- Granny Smith Apple: Brings a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness.
For the dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dressing to perfection.
- Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and a light tang.
- Heavy Cream: Enhances creaminess.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.
Tips for Success
- Slice Thinly: Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor for evenly shredded cabbage and apples.
- Prevent Browning: Toss chopped apples in lemon juice immediately to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the coleslaw to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning to your liking.
Health and Nutrition Information
This coleslaw is packed with fresh vegetables and fruits, making it a nutrient-rich side dish. To make it suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets, replace the mayonnaise with Vegenaise® or another vegan mayo. Use plant-based cream alternatives like coconut cream to maintain the creamy texture. For a lighter option, swap mayo entirely for olive oil or Greek yogurt. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this coleslaw is a healthy addition to any meal.
Variations
- Sweeter Slaw: Add more brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
- Tangier Flavor: Increase the lemon juice or substitute with apple cider vinegar.
- Raisin Twist: Add raisins for bursts of sweetness.
- Lighter Option: Swap mayo for olive oil or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Time-Saving Tip: Use a preservative-free pre-packaged coleslaw mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions – With Photos
Thinly slice cabbage using a knife
…….or use one of these very convenient thing-ah-mijiggys aka mandoline
Finely chop bell pepper using a food processor, knife or one of these..handy dicers…
Chop, chop and you are done in less than a minute…say “wow” again…I know, I can’t live without this thingy…
Assemble in a large bowl….drum roll, please….
Add the yummylicious deliciousness…
Creamy & Crunchy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups cabbage finely chopped or shredded (green and red)
- 1 small carrot grated
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped (optional)
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- 1 red apple cored and julienned or finely chopped (optional), or Granny Smith apple, optional
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise or vegan alternative
- 2-3 tbsp brown sugar or to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, green onion, and apples. Toss gently.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, brown sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to taste.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Enjoy as a side dish or on sandwiches and wraps.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Did You Love This Recipe? Leave a Rating and Comment!
If this Creamy & Crunchy Apple coleslaw recipe brightened up your meal, I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a 5-star rating on the recipe card above. Don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel for more recipes like this one.
Questions or Concerns? Write Me!
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about this recipe, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at [email protected]. I’m here to help make your cooking experience as enjoyable and successful as possible. Happy cooking!
This was absolutely amazing! I wanted to eat all of it! Thank you for a great recipe!