Print

Creamy Coleslaw with Apples and Poppy Seed Dressing

creamy coleslaw with apples and poppy seed dressing - featured image

A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw featuring crisp apples and a luscious poppy seed dressing, perfect for summer parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about half a medium head)
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 large crisp apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely shred the green and red cabbage. Optionally rinse and spin dry to remove excess water.
  2. Peel and grate the carrot, then thinly slice the apple (no need to peel). Toss these with the cabbage and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl or jar, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Whisk or shake until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and apple mixture. Gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to crush the apple slices.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, honey, or vinegar as needed.

Notes

Do not overmix to keep apple slices intact and cabbage crunchy. Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Dressing can be lightened by substituting half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives. Chill adequately before serving. Prepare cabbage ahead and add apples and dressing just before serving to avoid browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, apple coleslaw, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, barbecue side, easy coleslaw recipe