Applebee’s Coleslaw Recipe

You know those summer days when the sun feels extra warm, and all you want is something cool and fresh on your plate? That’s me every weekend when I fire up the grill.

And every time I make chicken, I crave something creamy, crunchy, and cold to go along with it. For me, that perfect side is coleslaw.

Now, I’ve always loved the coleslaw from Applebee’s. It has just the right mix of crunch and creaminess with a tiny tang that makes it so tasty.

But we don’t have an Applebee’s nearby, and honestly, even if we did, it’s not something I want to buy every time.

This Applebee’s Coleslaw Recipe is my homemade copycat version that I now make all summer long. It’s super easy, tastes just like the one from the restaurant.

Why I Love This Coleslaw: 5 Simple Reasons

This coleslaw isn’t just a side-it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at the table. Here’s what makes it a go-to favorite:

1. It’s Super Easy to Make

Everything goes into one bowl, and it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. No cooking, no fancy tools-just fresh chopping and mixing.

2. The Flavors Balance Perfectly

The mix of creamy mayo, crisp apples, and a little lemon gives it a sweet-tangy taste that feels just right-not too strong, not too bland.

3. It Adds Color and Life to My Plate

Between the green cabbage, orange carrots, and red apple pieces, this slaw brings a pop of color that makes even simple meals look and feel better.

4. It Helps Use Up Leftover Veggies

Sometimes I have half a cabbage or a couple of carrots left in the fridge. This recipe helps me turn them into something fresh and tasty instead of wasting them.

5. It’s Budget-Friendly and Fills You Up

You don’t need anything expensive, and it makes a big bowl that lasts a few meals. Great when you want something affordable and satisfying.

Applebee’s Coleslaw Ingredients

Helpful Swaps

1. Mayo alternatives: Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter dressing.
2. Sugar substitutes: Honey or maple syrup (use ½ tbsp less to avoid sogginess).
3. Cabbage swap: Red cabbage adds color but may bleed into the dressing.
4. Onion fix: Soak chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.

Kitchen Appliances

1. Large grater: For grating apples and carrots.
2. Sharp knife: To chop cabbage and onions finely.
3. Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prep.
4. Large mixing bowl: To combine all ingredients.
5. Spoon or spatula: For mixing the dressing and veggies.
6. Measuring spoons: To get the dressing amounts just right.

How To Make Applebee’s Coleslaw

Step 1 | Prep the apples

Slice your apples, remove the core, and peel them. Grate them using a large grater. Pour 4 tablespoons of lemon juice over the grated apples and mix well to keep them from browning. This step keeps them fresh and adds a zesty kick.

Step 2 | Chop the veggies

Finely chop or shred the 2.2 pounds of green cabbage. You want thin, bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch. Next, finely chop the 3 ounces of white onion. Grate the 5 ounces of carrots using the same large grater.

Step 3 | Mix it all together

In a large mixing bowl, toss in the cabbage, carrots, onion, and grated apples. Add 6 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything well until the dressing coats all the veggies and apples evenly.

Step 4 | Taste and adjust

Give it a quick taste. If you want it sweeter, add a pinch more sugar. Need more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice.

Step 5 | Chill and serve

Pop the coleslaw in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve it cold for the best taste.

Tips + Tricks

• Prep ahead: Chop veggies the night before; mix with dressing 1 hour before serving.
• Cabbage: Buy pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time.
• Extra crunch: Add sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
• Dressing tip: Stir the slaw every 10 minutes while chilling for even flavor.

What to Serve With Applebee’s Coleslaw

This coleslaw goes with so many dishes, you’ll find yourself making it often. I love serving it with fried chicken, grilled meats, or even on top of pulled pork sandwiches. It adds a refreshing crunch that balances out heavier dishes.

Sometimes, I even eat it with simple oven-baked fish or a turkey sandwich. The creamy dressing pairs well with just about anything.

It’s also a great side when you’re short on time but want something fresh on your plate.

I’ve also packed it in lunch boxes, and it stays crisp until lunchtime. You can even scoop some into wraps or pita bread for a crunchy twist.

Storing + Freezing Tips

You can store this coleslaw in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container so it stays fresh and crunchy.

After a day or two, the cabbage may release a little water, but just stir it up before serving and it’ll be good to go.

Freezing isn’t recommended for coleslaw with mayonnaise because the texture changes once it thaws. It can get watery and separate.

Applebee’s Coleslaw Recipe FAQs

1. Is there a way to make this coleslaw lighter?

If you want a lighter version, use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt. This keeps the dressing creamy but cuts down on calories and adds a little tang.

2. Why is my coleslaw watery?

Cabbage naturally releases water after it’s chopped. To help with that, mix and chill the coleslaw right before eating. If it gets watery later, just drain a bit of liquid and stir again.

3. Can I add other veggies?

Sure! Feel free to toss in shredded purple cabbage, celery, or bell peppers if you like more crunch and color. This recipe is very flexible.

Continue to Content

Yield: 8 servings

Applebee’s Coleslaw Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Make This copycat creamy and crunchy Applebee’s coleslaw recipe in just 50 minutes! A perfect summer side dish that’s quick, fresh, and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

• 2.2 lb green cabbage, finely chopped or shredded
• 5 oz carrots, peeled and grated
• 7 oz apples, peeled, cored, and grated (Granny Smith or Fuji recommended)
• 3 oz white onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1 | Prep the apples

Slice your apples, remove the core, and peel them. Grate them using a large grater. Pour 4 tablespoons of lemon juice over the grated apples and mix well to keep them from browning. This step keeps them fresh and adds a zesty kick.

Step 2 | Chop the veggies

Finely chop or shred the 2.2 pounds of green cabbage. You want thin, bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch. Next, finely chop the 3 ounces of white onion. Grate the 5 ounces of carrots using the same large grater.

Step 3 | Mix it all together

In a large mixing bowl, toss in the cabbage, carrots, onion, and grated apples. Add 6 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything well until the dressing coats all the veggies and apples evenly.

Step 4 | Taste and adjust

Give it a quick taste. If you want it sweeter, add a pinch more sugar. Need more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice.

Step 5 | Chill and serve

Pop the coleslaw in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve it cold for the best taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8 servings

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 165Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 340mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 3gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g

This Applebee’s Coleslaw Recipe is one of my go-to side dishes because it’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

I’ve made it many times, and every time it disappears fast. I hope you try it out and enjoy it as much as I do!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!