Golden Curry Coleslaw with Apple, Raisins, Toasted Almonds & Creamy Dressing
Golden Curry Coleslaw with Apple, Raisins, Toasted Almonds & Creamy Dressing is a colourful, crunchy slaw that combines crisp green and red cabbage with sweet apple, chewy raisins, and toasted almonds. Everything is coated in a creamy curry dressing made with Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
It’s quick to prepare, easy to make ahead, and brings a lovely balance of sweet, tangy, savoury, and gently spiced flavours to the table. Honestly, the combination of crisp cabbage, juicy apple, golden curry dressing, and crunchy toasted almonds makes this coleslaw anything but ordinary.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
- 5 cups (450 g) finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup (100 g) finely shredded red cabbage
- 1 large crisp apple, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins
- 1/3 cup (40 g) sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup (25 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
For the Creamy Curry Dressing
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup (80 g) Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How to Make It
1. Toast the Almonds
Place the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Remove the almonds from the heat and transfer them to a plate to cool. Keep an eye on them while toasting because sliced almonds can brown quickly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Add the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, sliced or julienned apple, fresh parsley, and green onions to a large mixing bowl.
Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly and create a colourful base for the coleslaw.
3. Add the Raisins
Add the raisins to the cabbage mixture and stir gently until they are evenly distributed. Their natural sweetness pairs especially well with the curry dressing and crisp apple.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, honey, curry powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and evenly coloured. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
5. Combine Everything
Pour the creamy curry dressing over the cabbage, apple, raisin, and herb mixture. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
Take care not to crush the cabbage or apples so the finished coleslaw keeps its fresh, crunchy texture.
6. Add the Almonds
Fold most of the toasted almonds into the coleslaw, reserving a small handful for garnish. Mixing them in at this stage gives every serving a little nutty crunch.
7. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes. This gives the flavours time to come together while allowing the cabbage to soften slightly without losing its crunch.
8. Garnish
Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds over the top along with a little fresh parsley. This adds extra colour and keeps some of the almond crunch especially noticeable.
9. Serve
Serve chilled as a colourful side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, sandwiches, wraps, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This curry coleslaw works because it combines contrasting flavours and textures in every bite. Fresh cabbage provides plenty of crunch, while crisp apple adds natural sweetness and a juicy texture.
The raisins bring a chewy sweetness that works beautifully with the warm flavour of curry powder. Toasted almonds add a delicate nuttiness and satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley and green onions keep the slaw tasting bright.
The creamy dressing brings everything together with a balance of tangy lemon, mellow honey, savoury Dijon mustard, and aromatic curry powder. Greek yogurt adds freshness to the mayonnaise-based dressing without making it overly heavy.
Tips for the Best Curry Coleslaw
- Use fresh cabbage: Freshly shredded cabbage gives the slaw its best crunch and colour.
- Choose a crisp apple: A firm, sweet-tart apple holds its texture well and balances the creamy dressing.
- Toast the almonds carefully: Keep the heat moderate and stir often to prevent them from burning.
- Chill before serving: A short rest in the refrigerator allows the flavours to blend beautifully.
- Add some almonds at the end: Reserving a portion for garnish gives the finished slaw extra crunch.
- Don’t overdress: Toss gradually if you prefer a lighter coating, adding more dressing only if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This golden curry coleslaw is an excellent side for grilled chicken, roasted turkey, pulled chicken sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats. Its creamy texture and crisp vegetables also make it a refreshing addition to a barbecue or family gathering.
For a lighter meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or chickpeas with warm flatbread. It can also be added to wraps and sandwiches for extra crunch, colour, and flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the coleslaw several hours before serving and keep it refrigerated. The flavours become more developed as the slaw rests, while the cabbage retains much of its crunch.
What type of apple works best?
Crisp apples with a sweet-tart flavour work especially well. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Granny Smith, or similar firm varieties are all good choices.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of some of the mayonnaise?
Yes. You can increase the Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter, tangier dressing. The consistency may be slightly less rich.
Can I use another type of nut?
Absolutely. Toasted pecans, cashews, or walnuts can be used instead of almonds. Each one gives the coleslaw a slightly different nutty flavour and texture.
Can I use green cabbage only?
Yes. Red cabbage adds beautiful colour and extra crunch, but you can use additional green cabbage if that is what you have available.
How long does curry coleslaw keep?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a few days for the best texture and freshness. The cabbage and apples will gradually soften as they sit in the dressing.
Nutrition & Timing
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | Approx. 285 per serving |
| Protein | Approx. 5g per serving |
Final Thoughts
Golden Curry Coleslaw with Apple, Raisins, Toasted Almonds & Creamy Dressing is a fresh and colourful twist on classic coleslaw. The crisp cabbage and apple provide plenty of texture, while raisins and honey add a touch of sweetness and the toasted almonds bring a delicious nutty crunch.
The creamy curry dressing is what brings the whole dish together, combining bright lemon, Dijon mustard, honey, and aromatic curry powder. Serve it chilled as a side dish, add it to sandwiches and wraps, or bring it to your next family gathering for an easy make-ahead salad.
Print
Golden Curry Coleslaw with Apple, Raisins, Toasted Almonds & Creamy Dressing
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
A colourful, crunchy coleslaw combining crisp green and red cabbage with sweet apple, chewy raisins, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs. Everything is coated in a creamy curry dressing made with Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, savoury, and gently spiced flavours.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
5 cups (450 g) finely shredded green cabbage
1 cup (100 g) finely shredded red cabbage
1 large crisp apple, thinly sliced or julienned
1/2 cup (75 g) raisins
1/3 cup (40 g) sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup (25 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
For the Creamy Curry Dressing
1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
1/3 cup (80 g) Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Place the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
2. Add the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, sliced or julienned apple, fresh parsley, and green onions to a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine.
3. Add the raisins and stir gently until evenly distributed.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, honey, curry powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and evenly coloured.
5. Pour the creamy curry dressing over the cabbage, apple, raisin, and herb mixture. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
6. Fold most of the toasted almonds into the coleslaw, reserving a small handful for garnish.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes to allow the flavours to come together while keeping the cabbage pleasantly crisp.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds and a little fresh parsley over the top.
9. Serve chilled alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cabbage for the best crunch and colour.
Choose a crisp, firm apple with a sweet-tart flavour such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
Toast the almonds over moderate heat and stir frequently because sliced almonds can brown quickly.
Chill the coleslaw before serving so the flavours have time to blend.
Reserve some toasted almonds for garnish to keep extra crunch on top.
Toss gradually with the dressing if you prefer a lighter coating.
You can replace some of the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Toasted pecans, cashews, or walnuts can be used instead of almonds.
Green cabbage can be used on its own if red cabbage is unavailable.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days for the best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
