Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Get ready for a fresh, zesty twist on a classic side dish with this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe! Bursting with crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy cabbage, and almonds, this colorful slaw balances sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. With a creamy, slightly tangy dressing and a pop of color from red and green cabbage, it’s the show-stopping salad that brightens any meal—from backyard barbecues to holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe keeps things straightforward yet vibrant. Each ingredient brings something special, from crunch and color, to sweetness and zest. Let’s celebrate how each part makes this dish irresistible.
- Green Cabbage: The crisp, fresh base that gives the slaw its signature crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor.
- Red Cabbage: Adds color and a slightly peppery bite, making the salad as pretty as it is tasty.
- Carrots: Sweet crunch and a vibrant orange hue liven up both taste and appearance.
- Apples: Choose your favorite crisp variety for sweetness and a juicy bite; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully.
- Dried Cranberries: Chewy, tart, and sweet pops of flavor are what set this coleslaw apart from the rest.
- Sliced Almonds (toasted): Nutty crunch that brings an extra layer of texture—don’t skip the toasting for best flavor!
- Green Onions: Bright and mild, these add just the right amount of sharpness without overwhelming.
- Mayonnaise: The backbone of the creamy dressing—use full-fat for richness, or swap half with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends a gentle tang that wakes up all the flavors in the slaw.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the vinegar and binds the dressing together.
- Dijon Mustard: A subtle kick and depth of flavor, making the dressing anything but boring.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and ensures the slaw is well-seasoned.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a whisper of heat and complexity to round out the taste.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prep All Your Veggies and Fruit
Start by shredding the green and red cabbages as finely as you can for that classic slaw texture. Grate your carrots, and then julienne the apples—no need to peel them unless you prefer! Slice the green onions thin so they blend in nicely, and have your dried cranberries and toasted almonds ready to join the bowl.
Step 2: Toss Together the Coleslaw Base
Place all the prepped veggies, apples, cranberries, almonds, and green onions in a spacious mixing bowl. Take a moment to admire the rainbow colors—they’re a big part of what makes this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe so festive. Gently toss everything together so the mix is even and each bite will have a little of everything.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is completely smooth and glossy. This tangy, sweet, and slightly sharp mixture is what ties all the textures and flavors together in our Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and use salad tongs or two big spoons to toss it all until every piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this resting time lets the flavors meld, and lets the cabbage soften ever so slightly for the perfect bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Give your coleslaw a final toss just before serving to redistribute any dressing that’s settled at the bottom. Scoop into your favorite serving dish and get ready for compliments! This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe tastes best chilled and fresh.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of extra toasted almonds or a handful of additional dried cranberries makes every serving look enticing. If you want an herby flourish, try a shower of fresh parsley or chives. Not only do these touches give the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe extra visual appeal, but they also add more flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This colorful slaw shines next to barbecue classics like pulled pork, grilled chicken, or smoky ribs. For holiday spreads, it offers a crisp counterpoint to roast turkey or ham. The freshness also works wonders served alongside sandwiches, sliders, or even as a bed for grilled fish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn individual servings into a chic appetizer by piling the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe into small mason jars or pretty glass bowls. For a buffet, serve it in a hollowed-out red cabbage “bowl.” You can even wrap it in lettuce leaves or tuck it into tacos for a fresh twist on familiar favorites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen and become more harmonious after a day, though the cabbage will soften a little. It holds up well for about 2 days before the crunch starts to fade.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe. The fresh veggies, especially cabbage and apples, lose their texture and become watery after thawing. Enjoy this slaw at its crunchiest by keeping it in the fridge only.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dish—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it sits in the fridge for longer than a day, just give it a good toss before serving to freshen things up.
FAQs
Can I make the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it up to a day ahead! In fact, letting it rest overnight in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and makes the slaw even tastier, though the cabbage will soften a bit.
What apple variety is best for this recipe?
Crisp, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith are perfect. They hold their shape well and add a refreshing bite to the coleslaw.
Can I make this vegan or lighter?
Absolutely! Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan version or use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt for a lighter touch, as suggested in the notes. The Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe adapts easily to your needs.
Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes, all of the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Double-check any store-bought mayonnaise or other condiments to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
How can I make the coleslaw even crunchier?
Toss in extra toasted almonds, roasted sunflower seeds, or even pumpkin seeds for additional crunch and flavor. Just add these right before serving to keep their texture at its best.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that livens up the table with bold colors and exciting flavors, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is your new go-to. It’s every bit as easy as it is delicious, and one bite is sure to bring smiles. Don’t be surprised when friends and family ask you for the recipe—so go ahead, give this irresistible slaw a try!
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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw, featuring a combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and toasted almonds tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
Coleslaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 2 apples, julienned
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Coleslaw Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, apples, cranberries, almonds, and green onions.
- Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again just before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or holiday turkey.
- Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
