Asian Cabbage Slaw with Apple

Looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and savory? This sweet and sour cabbage slaw with apples and Swiss cheese is a flavor-packed side dish perfect for any occasion.

Also, try this Asian zoodle salad with cucumber and carrots, which has another no-mayo dressing made with sesame oil, vinegar, and turmeric.

This Asian apple cabbage salad is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, bold flavors. Whether you serve it as a side, a light meal, or bring it to a gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how you make it your own!

🥗 What's to love about this salad recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• Unique Flavor Combo: Sweet apples, tangy dressing, and creamy Swiss cheese.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Fresh produce packed with fiber and vitamins.
• Customizable: Easy to modify to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Side dish, potluck favorite, or light lunch.

Did you know that in Japan, sesame is on most tables and is used as a flavoring, much like salt and pepper in the West? Please don't skip it in this recipe. It ties the flavors together.

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

For the salad:

• Cabbage: For a shortcut, we use bagged slaw mix, which contains green and red cabbage. They taste similarly, though red is slightly earthier. I love using both for the color contrast, and most mixes also have shredded carrots. Just discard larger, tough cabbage parts from the mix. Prefer shredding it yourself? First, remove any wilted leaves, then thinly slice with a sharp, serrated knife to shred.
• Apple: Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work best with cabbage.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese pairs well with cabbage because its mild, nutty flavor balances cabbage’s slight bitterness and the tartness of the apples.
• Lemon: We put fresh lemon juice over sliced (or chopped) apples to prevent them from browning (oxidation).
• Raisins: I often use craisins instead for their nutrition, sweetness, and chewy texture.
• Sesame: Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch to Asian salads and add a little extra flavor and nutrition. They’re a simple way to make your dish even better!

For the sweet and sour dressing:

• Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar works well in this salad, but you can also use rice vinegar.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for dressings - introducing a strong, peppery flavor.
• Mustard: We use yellow mustard as it has a mild flavor and is less spicy than Dijon mustard.
• Salt and pepper: Sea salt and freshly ground black or Sichuan pepper are my recommendations.

🔪 How to make cabbage apple slaw

Step 1 - Toast the sesame and make vinaigrette

Step 2 - Assemble the salad

1. Place coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Slice the cheese and apples. Squeeze lemon juice over apples to prevent them from browning.
2. Add cheese, apples, and raisins to the cabbage mix, then toss in toasted sesame seeds.
3. Pour salad dressing over coleslaw apple mix and toss to coat.

👩‍🍳 Expert Tips

• Remove the larger, tough pieces of cabbage from the coleslaw mix. Alternatively, and my preference when I have the time, replace the bagged slaw mix with a cabbage head and slice thinly using a serrated knife, a food processor with a shredding blade, or a hand shredder. Remove the wilted leaves and the core, then cut in half before slicing or shredding.
• Chop or slice apple and cheese any way you like (half moons, sticks, etc.). To prevent oxidation, toss them with lemon juice.
• You can toast sesame seeds by baking on an ungreased baking sheet at 350 F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Watch to avoid scorching.
• You can make the dressing up to 3 days ahead. The oil might thicken in the fridge; let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before using it.

🔄 Substitutions or Variations

• Cheese Swap: For a different flavor, replace Swiss cheese with feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, or cheddar.
• Apple Alternatives: Use pears or mango for a fun, fruity twist.
• Make It Vegan: Omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based option.
• Nutty Addition: Add crushed peanuts, cashews, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in sliced chili or a dash of sriracha for heat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌍 More cabbage recipes from around the globe

Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in September 2017 and updated in March 2025 with new photos and recipe tips.