Starting with Memorial Day weekend and continuing all the way through Labor Day weekend, summer is a season of cookouts and picnics. I love getting together with friends and family, especially when we share the responsibility of preparing the food. I’ve discovered some of my favorite recipes at these potluck events since we all tend to bring our cherished family favorites to share with one another. At a cookout years ago, I remember a friend bringing what she called “Apple Slaw.” Unfortunately, I didn’t get the recipe from her at the time, but I think I’ve come pretty close after a couple of experiments. This cacophany of sweet and sour, crisp and creamy deliciousness is a flavorful twist on a picnic standard. I call it Apple Coleslaw Salad.
Don’t be put off by the strange list of ingredients. I know they don’t seem like they should all be combined together, but I promise the result is better than what you’d expect. Also, your apples should be julienned, but I cut mine to look like french fries to entice the children to eat it (I do whatever I can to get my kids to eat vegetables without complaining!). If you prefer to make your own coleslaw mix, you can substitute one medium cabbage (finely shredded) and two carrots (peeled and julienned) for the packaged coleslaw.

This is a great recipe for get togethers!
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pkg coleslaw mix
- 4 Fuji apples peeled, cored, and julienned
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In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, honey, salt and pepper. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and apples.
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Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mix and apples. Toss until well blended.
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Refrigerate for at least one hour (can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight). Toss well before serving.
Do you have more than one picnic to attend this summer? If you don’t want to bring the same side dish every time, here are some other great options from a few of my friends.
Greek Pasta Salad from Feeding Big
Wild Rice and Bean Salad from Close to Home
Summer Salad with Garden Vegetables from Organized 31
Spanish Summer Salad from Homemade for Elle
Corinne Schmitt
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Tara says
July 10, 2015 at 1:21 pmI think this would be a big hit at our next summer BBQ! Can’t wait to try!
Winnie says
June 21, 2015 at 9:31 amThis is definitely a great twist to a regular coleslaw salad π
I have all the ingredients at home, so I might just try it. I’m sure we’re going to love it
Andrea says
June 19, 2015 at 6:23 pmI love homemade coleslaw, and I also love pairing fruit with salads, so this looks like a dish I would love! It would go perfect with bbq chicken for a salad π Thanks for the recipe – I can’t wait to try it!
Cynthia L says
June 19, 2015 at 9:24 amI love the crunchiness of this salad. I am a fan of coleslaw for cookouts, but have never tried it with apple. I am up for trying new things though and I will give this one a try!
Susan says
June 18, 2015 at 10:57 pmCorinne, I admit that I might have balked at trying this cole slaw at first because it uses apples, but I trust you and will try it soon when we grill out.
Mila says
June 18, 2015 at 7:56 pmIt sounds so summery! Perfect for picnics π
Thanks for hosting ‘This is how we roll’.
I hope you’ll find the time to link up with Idea Box this week:
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/06/idea-box-thursday-link-party-15.html
Hugs,
Mila