Are you ready for some barbecue? Tell me, what complements your favorite BBQ recipes? For me, it's a good ol' refreshing coleslaw to cool my breath from those dripping red-hot ribs. Rarely do I like any of the slaw that is served in the restaurants. But, give me some freshly made at home and I am all over it.
There are so many variations to coleslaw that I could share, but we will start with this basic version that is loosely based off another type of salad my mom makes. Aside from the crispy shreds of cabbage, the crunchiness of the apples and almonds sets this to another level. You can add more or less of each ingredient to your liking, and even add in others not listed below, such as dried cranberries, shredded carrots, Dijon mustard, different seasonings, etc. So start out with this formula and see where it takes you!
Crunchy Apple Slaw
Yield: 8-10 servings
½ cup salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip)
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
½ green cabbage, shredded
1 red apple (Braeburn preferred), unpeeled and diced
1 green apple (Granny Smith preferred), unpeeled and diced
1 Tablespoons chopped green onions
¼ cup sliced almonds
Mix together the salad dressing, sugars, vinegar and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to coat. Cover and chill before serving.
Source: Pennies Original
Karen says
I know this is an old post / recipe here but found it awhile back and decided it was PERFECT for Friendsgiving on Saturday night. Can't wait to make it. Thanks!!
lauren says
This is delicious! I have made it three times in the past few months and everyone loves it. I also added 1/4 cup craisins and it adds some nice color and flavor that I like. Thanks for the wonderful summer salad recipe!
Nikki says
Love the idea for craisins! Thanks, Lauren!
Kari says
I made this tonight to go with pulled pork in the crockpot and it was awesome! The only change I made was to omit the almonds because of a nut allergy in the family. Next time I will use my food processor to shred the cabbage and cut the apples. My husband and I both dislike regulars coleslaws so we were pleasantly surprised! Thanks, Nikki.
Nikki says
So glad you liked it, Kari! I'm not a fan of most coleslaws served in restaurants, either, but love this one! 🙂
Jeny says
I made this for a family gathering recently and got rave reviews! My husband told me it was the best he's ever had! 🙂
Sonja says
We made this last week. It was very good!! It kept in the fridge for the next day or two and was great as a leftover.
April says
I think it's the ridiculously HORRIBLE weather Chicago has had this "spring" (and I say that with bitter sarcasm) or the pregnancy but I am DYING for BBQ season! In fact, I'm making hubby give me a grill for mother's day! I am looking forward to all the salads: pasta, macaroni, coleslaw and potato salad. All homemade by me of course. Brats, homemade burgers and chicken. YUM! We may even wind up grilling a month straight when we get the grill, I'm so anxious to have it and use it!
(BTW-saw your Judah at church this morning but I missed you guys. Hope you had a good visit!)
Lorie says
Hi! Would Hellmann's mayo work too? I know it may sound silly, but I think miracle whip has a different taste (I never buy it) so I just want to be sure!
Thanks!
Nikki says
Hi Lorie. Yes, mayo will work as well. Most recipes I've seen for coleslaw have used either one. 🙂
Kelsey says
This looks wonderful! I'm always looking for ways to change up plain ol' slaw. This will definitely be on our table this summer.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I want, I want, I want!!! This is such an awesome alternative to typical and boring coleslaws! I cannot wait for summer to really get here so I can try this out on unsuspecting family members. They will be blown away!
Amy (Sing For Your Supper) says
Mmm, now this looks GREAT! Perfect for grilling season!!
Kari says
I am with you on not liking the restaurant & grocery versions of cole slaw! But this looks like it would be worth trying - and I've been looking for something to go with pulled prk sandwiches. Thanks!
sue says
This is the exact same version I use to make years ago (minus the almonds). I couldn't get my daughters to eat it but I loved it. I think they would both love it today 🙂 I would also add miniature marshmallows to it at times.
Nikki says
Ha! Mom, I remember eating it many times when I was younger and wondered how closely to your version it was. Guess I was spot on! 🙂
angie says
i have a severe dislike of mayoish dressings. any suggestions for alternatives?
🙂
Thanks!
Nikki says
Hi Angie,
Yes, try making it with just vinegar and oil (olive oil or vegetable oil). It's actually another version I'd like to try.
angie says
Thank you 🙂
SweetSugarBelle says
I actually might make this today!
SweetSugarBelle says
This looks SOOOOOOO good. My mouth is actually watering!
Paula says
looks so delicious with such yummy ingredients!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
I don't love regular cole slaw, butt his looks really nice and refreshing with the crisp tart apples.
notyet100 says
ummm delicious,..