What I love most about this apple cabbage slaw is how adaptable it is. You can easily scale it up for summer BBQs, make it ahead for a weeknight meal, or customize it with different apples, cheeses, or seeds depending on what you have in the pantry.
It’s also a great recipe for using up garden harvests. Whether you have green cabbage, red cabbage, or purple cabbage you can use them all. Use a mix of crisp apples from your local orchard. This slaw is versatile enough to be a side dish, a topping for sandwiches, or even a fresh addition to grain bowls. Making it a real winner for any meal.
Unique Tangy Flavor
If you love a crunchy, tangy, and flavorful slaw, you’re going to adore this apple cabbage slaw recipe. Unlike a creamy classic coleslaw, this version adds fresh apples and a touch of sauerkraut, giving it a unique flavor and a little probiotic boost.
Apples and cabbage are a classic pairing for a reason. They complement each other perfectly in both flavor and texture. The crunchy cabbage adds a satisfying bite, while the sweet and tart apples bring a natural sweetness that balances the tang of the sauerkraut and the slight richness of the maple-mayo dressing.
This combination makes the slaw not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with fiber, vitamins, and probiotics. It’s a simple way to sneak extra fresh vegetables and fruit into your day without any extra fuss.
Harvesting Cabbage from Our Garden
It’s fall, and the cabbage in the garden is finally ready! That means soup, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, cabbage casseroles, and coleslaw.
This apple-cabbage slaw is one of my favorites because it’s simple, quick, and full of flavor. Crisp green cabbage, red cabbage, sweet or tart apples, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a little sauerkraut come together for a unique and perfect coleslaw.
This recipe serves two, but can be easily doubled for a family meal or gathering.
Wholesome Apple Cabbage Slaw Recipe for Every Meal
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- 1 Cup Cabbage shredded, this can be green cabbage or red cabbage or a mixture of both
- 1 Medium Apple thin slices or julienned, (Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or green apples all work.)
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 Cup Sauerkraut
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and sliced apple. Toss gently to mix.1 Cup Cabbage, 1 Medium Apple
- Stir in the sauerkraut and Parmesan cheese. These add both tang and crunch.2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1/4 Cup Sauerkraut
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup, 1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise, Salt, Pepper
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is lightly coated. The dressing should enhance, not weigh down, the slaw.
- Enjoy right away or chill for the best flavor. Let the slaw sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld beautifully.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips & Variations
Make it creamier. Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise for a richer slaw.
Change the cheese. Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar or feta for a new flavor twist.
Switch the apples. Use tart apples for tang, or sweet apples like Gala or Honeycrisp for a softer sweetness.
Add onions. Thinly sliced sweet onions, red onions, or green onions add depth and crunch.
Bright citrus kick. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice to balance the sweetness.
Tangy twist. Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for a refreshing zing.
Subtle spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat for those who like it.
Mustard flavor. Mix in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a savory, tangy layer.
Nutty crunch. Sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts on top for texture.
Mason jar prep. Layer the slaw in a mason jar for grab-and-go meals or social media-worthy presentation. Just make sure the add the salad dressing to the bottom of the jar before layering in the other ingredients.
How to Serve
This apple cabbage slaw is versatile. The perfect side dish that pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled or roasted meats, like chicken, pork, or beef
- Farm fresh sandwiches or wraps
- Picnic or potluck meals
- Tacos or grain bowls, for added crunch and freshness
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- If the apple releases extra juice, just toss before serving.
- Best served fresh, but also great for make-ahead meals or busy weeknights. Make the day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.
This apple cabbage slaw recipe is a fresh twist on traditional coleslaw, blending crisp cabbage, sweet apples, a hint of maple syrup, and tangy sauerkraut for a unique flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or packing a next picnic meal, this slaw brings a bright, fresh crunch to any table.
A delicious new coleslaw recipe.