Fresh Fall Apple Slaw Recipe with the Best Creamy Dressing

Picture this: crisp, juicy apples, crunchy cabbage, and the most velvety, tangy dressing coming together in a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Fresh Fall Apple Slaw. The first time I made this, I knew it was a keeper. It’s one of those dishes that feels like autumn in a bowl—sweet and savory with a refreshing crunch that’s just irresistible.

Honestly, this recipe was born out of my love for fall farmers’ market trips. Years ago, I stumbled upon the most beautiful apples—bright, shiny, and begging to be turned into something special. After a little experimenting (and a lot of taste tests), this apple slaw became a family favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table pause and say, “Wow.” Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekday lunches, or as a show-stopping side dish for dinner parties—it’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

My family couldn’t get enough of this slaw, sneaking forkfuls before dinner was even served. The creamy dressing ties it all together, adding a layer of indulgence that balances the fresh crunch of the apples and cabbage. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this recipe—it’s destined to be your new fall staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping lists—everything you need is likely already in your kitchen or easy to grab at the store.
• Perfect for Fall: Fresh apples and cabbage bring seasonal flavors to life. It’s great for potlucks, Thanksgiving, or cozy family dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crisp textures and creamy dressing makes this a favorite with kids and adults alike.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The balance of sweetness, tang, and crunch is pure comfort food magic.

What sets this apple slaw apart is the dressing. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—thanks to a touch of honey—and perfectly complements the crunch of the fresh produce. Plus, it’s versatile! You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it solo, it’s guaranteed to impress.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss.

• Apples: 2 medium-sized apples, cored and julienned (Honeycrisp or Gala work great for their sweetness).
• Green Cabbage: 4 cups, finely shredded (use purple cabbage for a color pop).
• Carrots: 1 cup, grated or julienned (adds natural sweetness).
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced (optional, for a sharp bite).
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for a fresh herbal note).

For the creamy dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup (use vegan mayo for a plant-based option).
• Greek Yogurt: 1/3 cup (or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter version).
• Honey: 2 tablespoons (or maple syrup for a vegan twist).
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (adds tang).
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (for depth of flavor).
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Equipment Needed

• Cutting Board: A sturdy one for prepping your apples and vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing apples and cabbage thinly.
• Grater: For shredding carrots (or use a julienne peeler).
• Mixing Bowl: A large one to toss everything together easily.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the creamy dressing to silky perfection.

If you don’t have a grater, you can use a food processor with a shredding attachment to speed things up. And if slicing cabbage feels like a chore, pre-shredded mixes work well too!

Preparation Method

1. Prep your ingredients: Wash and dry the apples, cabbage, and parsley. Core and julienne the apples, shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and chop the parsley.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add the apples, cabbage, carrots, red onion, and parsley.
4. Toss it all together: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Pro tip: If your apples start browning too quickly, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Choose the right apples: Use firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and taste.
• Go fresh: Freshly shredded cabbage and carrots make a world of difference compared to pre-packaged mixes.
• Balance the dressing: Taste and tweak the dressing before mixing it into the slaw—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
• Make ahead: Prep the dressing and veggies ahead of time, but toss them together right before serving to maintain crunch.
• Keep it cold: For maximum freshness, keep the slaw chilled until ready to serve.

Variations & Adaptations

• Dietary Swap: Use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free yogurt for a fully plant-based slaw.
• Seasonal Twist: Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a festive fall vibe.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle a spicy honey into the dressing for heat lovers.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle toasted pecans or slivered almonds on top for extra crunch.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap Dijon mustard for sesame oil and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a new flavor profile.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This apple slaw is best served chilled, making it perfect for warm fall afternoons or cozy evenings. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or as a refreshing side for hearty soups.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, but the crunch might soften slightly. To revive it, toss in a handful of freshly shredded cabbage before serving.

Reheat isn’t necessary, but if you’re serving it with hot dishes, make sure to keep it cold for contrast.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This slaw is packed with vitamins and nutrients:

• Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, perfect for boosting immunity.
• Cabbage: Loaded with antioxidants and great for digestion.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which supports healthy skin and vision.
• Greek Yogurt: A great source of protein and probiotics.

The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to fit vegan or dairy-free diets. Just be cautious if there are honey allergies or sensitivities to mustard.

Conclusion

This Fresh Fall Apple Slaw with Creamy Dressing is a celebration of autumn in every bite. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it at home, it’s a recipe that’ll make everyone go back for seconds.

I love how versatile and forgiving this dish is. You can tweak the flavors to suit your palate, make it ahead for convenience, or enjoy it as-is for pure fall perfection. I’d love to hear how you make it your own—share your thoughts or adaptations in the comments below!

Go ahead, give it a try—you’re just one bowl away from making your fall meals unforgettable.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage saves time and works just as well. Just make sure it’s fresh.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Firm and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced flavor.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this apple slaw is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard and mayonnaise labels to ensure no hidden gluten.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the slaw to prevent browning.

Print