Crisp Apple & Fennel Coleslaw with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette

Crisp Apple & Fennel Coleslaw with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

A bright and crunchy coleslaw featuring crisp apples, aromatic fennel, and green cabbage, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for any season!
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This crisp apple and fennel coleslaw is not your average salad! It’s crunchy, sweet, and bursting with flavor.

When we think of coleslaw, most of us picture shredded carrots and cabbage tossed in heavy mayo. Well, this coleslaw is so much more than that!

This crisp apple and fennel coleslaw is not your average salad

There are two components that set this salad apart: the veggies and fruit combo and the light and tasty dressing.

Instead of carrots, we have substituted apples and fennel. These ingredients have a delightful crunch and add sweetness and aniseed flavor to the coleslaw.

the veggies and fruit combo and the light and tasty dressing

Instead of mayonnaise, we have used a dressing made from olive oil, mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar that is bright and light. This combination is fresh and will dance on your tastebuds.

Why you will love this Coleslaw recipe…

  • Great texture- The apple, fennel, and cabbage have a distinct crunch that is further amplified if you choose to add the nuts.
  • Sweet with some heat- The combination of honey and Dijon mustard in the dressing strikes the perfect balance.
  • Showstopping side- Wow your guests at a picnic or BBQ with this amazing salad option.
  • Make ahead- It tastes even better once the flavors have timed to meld together in the fridge.
  • Quick and easy- The whole dish takes just 156 minutes to make.
Why you will love this Coleslaw recipe
Coleslaw with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette recipe

Crisp Apple & Fennel Coleslaw with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette

A bright and crunchy slaw featuring crisp apples, aromatic fennel, and green cabbage, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for any season!
Rate this recipe!
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Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 266 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ head green cabbage
  • 1 large crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 medium fennel bulb (fronds reserved for garnish)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for a bit of sharpness)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds or toasted walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

For the Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Ingredients

  • Coleslaw Ingredients
  • Finely shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl. Thinly slice the apple and fennel (use a mandoline for ultra-thin slices if you have one!). Toss them into the bowl with the cabbage, along with the red onion and parsley.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
    Coleslaw Recipe Instruction - Make the Vinaigrette
  • Coleslaw Recipe Instruction - mix until smooth and emulsified
  • Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw and toss well until everything is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
    Coleslaw Recipe Instruction - Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw
  • Just before serving, sprinkle with slivered almonds or toasted walnuts for extra crunch. Garnish with fennel fronds for a pretty, fresh touch.
    Coleslaw Recipe Instruction - sprinkle with slivered almonds

Nutrition

Calories 266kcal (13%)Carbohydrates 27g (9%)Protein 4g (8%)Fat 17g (26%)Saturated Fat 2g (13%)Polyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 12gSodium 387mg (17%)Potassium 621mg (18%)Fiber 8g (33%)Sugar 18g (20%)Vitamin A 540IU (11%)Vitamin C 58mg (70%)Calcium 111mg (11%)Iron 2mg (11%)
Keyword Coleslaw
Tried this recipe?Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

This coleslaw is the ideal side for a weekend BBQ or a family meal during the week. It’s super delicious served alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or tacos.

Here are a few dishes this coleslaw would work perfectly with:

This coleslaw is the ideal side for a weekend BBQ

Expert Tips🧑‍🍳

  • Always use the fennel fronds. They look great and add an extra herbaceous flavor to the coleslaw.
  • Make it ahead. This will save you time and the flavor will be even better.
  • Make it creamier. Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
  • Add some spice. Sprinkle in some red chili flakes.

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Place in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the coleslaw will lose some of its crunch the longer you store it.

Coleslaw FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Yes! This will add a little extra color and depth of flavor to the dish

What’s the best type of apple to use?

Honeycrisp and Granny Smiths have the best balance of sweetness and sourness to bring this coleslaw to life.

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Amy Hand
About the author
Amy Hand
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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