Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant side dish that packs a delightful punch of flavor and color, look no further than this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe. Brimming with crisp cabbage, sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and a creamy dressing with just the right hint of zest, this slaw is everything you want in a crowd-pleasing salad. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making it a standout addition to weeknight meals and holiday feasts alike!

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a truly irresistible salad. Each item in this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe brings its own unique character—whether it’s crunch, color, or a burst of flavor, every ingredient has an important role to play!

  • Green cabbage (4 cups, shredded): This classic slaw base is crisp and mild, soaking up all the tangy, creamy dressing.
  • Red cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds a gorgeous pop of color and a slightly earthier crunch.
  • Apple (1 large, julienned or chopped): Honeycrisp or Gala apples give sweetness and juiciness; don’t skip the fresh apple for the best flavor!
  • Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): These chewy gems offer tartness and a little chew that plays beautifully with the crunchy cabbage.
  • Carrots (1/4 cup, shredded): For a touch of sweetness and extra color—plus, they blend right in with the slaw’s texture.
  • Green onions (2 tablespoons, chopped): Their gentle bite brightens up each forkful without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing, creating that quintessential coleslaw texture.
  • Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds necessary tang, balancing the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
  • Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Just a hint of natural sweetness elevates the whole dish—choose your favorite!
  • Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): For a touch of sharpness and depth in the dressing.
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t forget a generous pinch.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Produce

Start by shredding your green and red cabbage—either with a sharp knife or a mandoline for super-thin slices. Chop or julienne the apple (leaving the skin on gives lovely color and extra fiber), shred the carrots, and finely slice the green onions. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes assembly a total breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Slaw Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, apple, dried cranberries, carrots, and green onions. Toss them together gently so everything is evenly mixed—the colors alone will make you want to dig in right away!

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This dressing is the secret weapon of the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe—it’s sweet, tangy, and lusciously creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything together until every bit of cabbage and apple is coated in that dreamy dressing. Take a moment to admire how the dressing brings all the ingredients together!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer the coleslaw to the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften just enough, giving you the best possible texture and taste.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle the top with extra dried cranberries, a handful of chopped walnuts, or even a few sunflower seeds for added crunch. A few sprigs of fresh parsley or extra green onions also make the salad look especially inviting.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is a natural fit alongside barbecue classics like pulled pork or grilled chicken. It also pairs beautifully with roast turkey or ham at holiday gatherings, and even works as a crunchy topping for sandwiches or tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the coleslaw in individual mason jars for picnics and potlucks, or pile it high on a bed of leafy greens for a more elegant presentation. You can even use it as a fresh, tangy layer in sliders or wraps—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, but keep in mind that the cabbage will soften over time.

Freezing

Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and the water content of the cabbage and apples. Freezing can lead to a soggy, separated texture, so it’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this coleslaw—it’s meant to be served chilled! If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Gala are favorites for their sweetness and crunch, feel free to use any apple variety you love. Granny Smith apples will give a tart edge, while Fuji or Pink Lady add a bit more sweetness.

Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise?

Yes! For a lighter take on the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, swap out the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy texture with extra protein and a little tang.

How far in advance can I make this coleslaw?

You can make the slaw up to a day ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. If you want to keep the apples extra crisp, add them just before serving.

What can I use instead of dried cranberries?

If cranberries aren’t available, try using dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor twist but will work beautifully in the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.

Can I add nuts or seeds for more crunch?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds are fantastic additions. Just sprinkle them in before serving to keep them crunchy and fresh.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine. It’s a refreshing, colorful, and versatile side dish that brightens up any table. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat—give it a try and let the flavors win you over!

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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 20 minutes chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw perfect for fall, combining crunchy cabbages, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing. This gluten-free and vegetarian side dish is easy to prepare with no cooking required, making it an ideal complement to grilled meats, holiday roasts, or as a healthy snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 large apple, julienned or chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries


Instructions

  1. Combine Vegetables and Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, julienned or chopped apple, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions. Toss them to distribute evenly.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
  3. Mix Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 20 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften, enhancing the overall taste.
  5. Serve: After chilling, give the coleslaw a final toss and serve as a refreshing side to your favorite grilled meats or holiday meals.

Notes

  • For added crunch, sprinkle in chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds before serving.
  • This slaw complements pulled pork, grilled chicken, and holiday roasts beautifully.
  • To lighten the dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 3/4 cup
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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