HONEYCRISP POBLANO SLAW

I love coleslaw because it’s basically a blank canvas. You can start with a simple slaw mix and completely change it depending on what you add to it.

I originally made this one specifically for my Cherry Cider BBQ Chicken Sandwich, but it turned into such a good fall slaw that it definitely deserves its own recipe. 

Honeycrisp apples are my favorite apples, so that part was easy. They’re sweet, crisp and have the perfect amount of tartness for a slaw. And poblanos are a favorite in our house, so I knew I wanted those in there too. They add another layer of flavor without completely taking over the dish.

Then there’s the cilantro. I know cilantro can be one of those love-it-or-hate-it ingredients, but for me, it’s perfect in this. It gives the creamy dressing that fresh flavor it needs and works so well with the apple and poblano.

The dressing itself is super simple — mayo, apple cider vinegar, a splash of apple cider, lemon, cilantro, salt and pepper. Nothing complicated. Once everything is tossed together and gets a chance to sit in the fridge, all those flavors really come together.

That’s what I love about slaw. You can really mix it up and make it your own. This version is creamy, crisp, fresh and a little sweet, and the Honeycrisp apple makes it feel perfect for fall. 

It’s SO good piled onto the Cherry Cider BBQ Chicken Sandwich, but I’d happily eat a bowl of it straight from the fridge too. ♥

Honeycrisp Poblano Slaw

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Make Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Slaw

  • 2 cups bagged coleslaw mix
  • ¼ Honeycrisp apple, sliced into matchsticks
  • ½ small poblano pepper, sliced into matchsticks

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Splash of apple cider
  • Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, cilantro, lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust the consistency as needed — add a little more mayonnaise if it’s too thin or another splash of apple cider if it’s too thick. You want the dressing pourable, but not too thick or too thin.
  2. Add the coleslaw mix, Honeycrisp apple and poblano pepper to a large bowl.
  3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let all the flavors come together.
  5. Serve cold and enjoy! 

- Creamy, crisp and fresh with sweet Honeycrisp apple and poblano — the perfect fall slaw. ♥


What I Used

I used my Pyrex measuring cup to mix the creamy dressing and my Pyrex mixing bowl to toss everything together until the slaw was evenly coated.

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Jesse’s Kitchen Tip

Let the slaw chill for at least 1 hour before serving. That little bit of time makes a big difference — the apple and poblano stay crisp while the flavors in the dressing have time to come together. 

Serving Suggestions

♥ Cherry Cider BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
♥ Grilled or roasted chicken
♥ Burgers or sliders
♥ BBQ chicken bowls
♥ Apple Cider Margarita

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving. Do not freeze — the apple and vegetables will lose their crisp texture.

Make Ahead

Make the slaw a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. For the best crunch, make it the same day you plan to eat it.

Variations

♥ Add jalapeño for extra heat
♥ Add toasted pepitas for crunch
♥ Swap lemon for lime
♥ Add dried cranberries
♥ Add a drizzle of honey for sweetness

Baby Friendly?

For baby, set aside some of the apple, poblano and slaw mix before adding the dressing and prepare them in an age-appropriate texture. A small taste of the dressed slaw can also be offered when appropriate. 

RDH Tip

Crunchy apples are a great addition to meals, but they still contain natural sugars. Offer water afterward to help rinse the mouth. 

FAQ

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes. It’s actually better after it has had at least an hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to come together.

Is poblano pepper spicy?
Poblanos are generally mild, so they add lots of pepper flavor without making the slaw overly spicy.

Can I use a different apple?
Yes, but I love Honeycrisp here because it stays crisp and gives the slaw that sweet-tart flavor.

Can I make the dressing thinner?
Yes. Add another small splash of apple cider until it reaches the consistency you like.

What can I serve this with?
It’s especially good on my Cherry Cider BBQ Chicken Sandwich, but it also works with grilled chicken, burgers, sliders or BBQ bowls.


Not Your Basic Coleslaw ♥

This started as the finishing touch for one sandwich, but it ended up being a recipe I’d make all on its own.

The Honeycrisp gives you that sweet fall crunch, the poblano adds another layer of flavor, and the cilantro makes everything taste fresh. It’s simple, but it’s exactly why I love starting with coleslaw and seeing where I can take it. 

And yes — definitely pile a big spoonful onto that Cherry Cider BBQ Chicken Sandwich. 

- From our kitchen to yours. ♥

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