Homemade Apple Slaw – Hey Grill, Hey

June 23, 2026

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This crisp, refreshing Homemade Apple Slaw tosses tart Granny Smith apples with shredded cabbage, carrots, and fresh herb in a creamy, tangy dressing spiked with my signature Sweet Rub.

Homemade Apple Slaw

Nothing goes better with a pile of smoky meat than coleslaw, but sometimes the traditional version can be a little… one-note. This recipe fixes that by bringing in tart Granny Smith apples for a sweet crunch and a little of my Sweet Rub to add that classic BBQ flavor profile. This tangy slaw with a light and bright dressing cuts right through the richness of pulled pork or chicken. If you’re looking for a side that’s recognizable but unique, this Homemade Apple Slaw needs to make it onto your cookout menu.

Ingredients for Apple Slaw

One of my favorite things about this slaw is how easily it comes together. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick trip to the produce section, you’ll have everything you need:

For the slaw:

2 apples: I prefer Granny Smith apples for this recipe because the tartness pairs so well with the creamy dressing. Any apple works, though, so use what you love most.
4 cups shredded cabbage: I love using a mix of red and green because the color adds beautiful visual appeal.
½ cup shredded carrots: If you don’t have shredded carrots, is it even a slaw?
¼ cup green onions: These onions add a mild bite to complement the sweetness of the apples.
¼ cup fresh parsley: This ingredient brightens the whole thing up and makes it look as good as it tastes.

For the dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base. You’re going to taste the mayo, so use a brand you like.
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar: You want some tang and acidity, and this amplifies the apple flavor while keeping things light.
1 Tablespoon honey: This rounds out the sweetness while giving the dressing a little thickness.
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard: A little sharpness and depth of flavor that keeps the dressing interesting.
1 Tablespoon Sweet Rub: This is the thing that makes it not only a BBQ classic, but a Hey Grill Hey signature dish.

How to Make Apple Slaw

There’s no grilling or smoking required for this one. Just a little chopping, tossing, and whisking, and you’re ready to go! Follow these simple steps to make your own apple slaw:

Prep the apples. Shred your apples or cut them into thin sticks. Work fast so they don’t brown ahead of time. I recommend doing this right before mixing your slaw so everything stays fresh.
Make the slaw. Add the cabbage, carrots, apples, green onions, and parsley to a large bowl, then mix it all together.
Make the dressing. In a smaller bowl, whisk the mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, and Sweet Rub until you have a smooth dressing.
Toss it together. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss with a rubber spatula until every shred is coated.
Let it rest. You can dig in right away, but give it 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge if you’ve got the time. The flavors meld and the cabbage softens just a touch. If you can manage, it’s worth the wait.

Storing Leftovers

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh for the most crispness. If you have any slaw left once you’re done eating, place it in a zip-top bag, then store in the refrigerator. You can enjoy it again for 3 to 4 days. Just keep in mind it will lose some of the crispness after a day or 2. Slaw doesn’t freeze well, so only make what you’ll eat within a few days.

Susie’s Apple Slaw Pro Tips

If all you do is follow the recipe card, you’ll end up with a delicious slaw. However, I’ve got a few tricks to help you make sure you nail this one every time:

Beat the browning. Apples tend to oxidize fast, so you want to cut them last. I recommend doing this right before you’re ready to mix everything together for the best results.
Shred thin. Bigger chunks won’t hold the dressing as well. The thinner you slice, the better every bite clings together.
Make it your own. Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak things to your liking. Use this recipe as a jumping-off point to create something you and your family love!

More BBQ Side and Condiment Recipes

I came up with this recipe because the sides are what separate ordinary BBQ from the kind of BBQ that makes you a legend. I’ve got dozens more awesome side dish and condiment recipes here on the https://homefrontking.com/, as well as in the Hey Grill Hey App. For now, try one of these hits at your next gathering:

Easy Homemade Apple Slaw

Serve this Homemade Apple Slaw on the side at your next cookout, then get ready for the compliments to roll in. After you’re done enjoying your food and BBQ glory, pop back here to tell me how yours turned out in the comments!

For more recipes to help you become a Backyard BBQ Hero, follow @heygrillhey on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to the Hey Grill Hey YouTube channel.

Prep the apples. Shred your apples, or cut them into thin sticks. You’ll want to do this quickly to avoid browning. I like a tart apple like Granny Smith for this recipe, but you can use any apple you love.

2 large apples
Make the slaw. In a large bowl, add the cabbage, carrots, apples, green onions, and parsley, then mix everything together.

4 cups shredded cabbage, ½ cup carrots, ¼ cup green onions, ¼ cup fresh parsley
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and Sweet Rub until everything is combined.

½ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub
Combine everything. Pour the dressing over the slaw, then toss everything together until evenly coated. Your slaw is ready to enjoy right away, but it’s even better if you let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows all the flavors to meld and intensify.
Serve and enjoy. Pile your slaw on top of pulled pork for sandwiches, serve it alongside smoked chicken, or enjoy it as-is. Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the fridge to enjoy for 3 to 4 days.