If you’ve been searching for a vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic dish, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Bursting with the crispness of fresh cabbage, the sweet tang of tart cranberries, and the delightful crunch of apples and nuts, this coleslaw perfectly balances textures and flavors. Whether you’re aiming to brighten up a holiday spread or just crave a healthy, colorful side, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that sing in harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crisp cabbage that forms the base to the sweet notes from cranberries and apples, every element plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout.
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a crunchy, mild foundation perfect for soaking up flavors.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds a vibrant purple hue and a slightly earthier taste to the mix.
- 1 large carrot, grated: Brings sweetness and bright orange color for visual appeal.
- 1 green apple, julienned or thinly sliced: Offers a crisp, tart bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Injects bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the apples perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds subtle sharpness and a fresh finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Introduces a nutty crunch, elevating texture and flavor depth.
- For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy coating to bring everything together.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings gentle acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds delicate sweetness that balances the tartness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle kick and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a hint of warmth to round out the dressing.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the fresh ingredients
Start by gathering your shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, julienned apple, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and nuts if you’ve chosen to include them. Toss these colorful ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, mixing gently to create an inviting medley of textures and colors that will soon be coated in a luscious dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the dressing
In a smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. You want it smooth and well combined. This dressing brings a beautiful balance of creaminess, tang, and sweetness to the slaw.
Step 3: Coat and refrigerate
Pour the dressing over the bowl of veggies and fruit. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything until each bite is wonderfully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is essential for the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften just slightly, making the slaw irresistible.
Step 4: Final toss and serve
Before serving, give the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe one last gentle toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. This refreshes the flavors and ensures every mouthful is perfectly dressed and delicious.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate this slaw beautifully. Consider sprinkling toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch, or a light dusting of poppy seeds for a subtle nutty note. A few fresh herb leaves like parsley or cilantro can add a fresh, vibrant touch that makes your plate pop.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe pairs wonderfully alongside a variety of dishes. Think about serving it with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even pulled pork for a festive BBQ vibe. It also shines with veggie burgers or as part of a summer picnic spread, adding a crisp and refreshing contrast to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving the coleslaw in small mason jars or clear glass bowls to showcase the layers of colorful cabbage, apples, and cranberries. Another fun idea is to spoon it onto lettuce leaves for easy, handheld slaw wraps that are perfect for casual get-togethers or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This coleslaw keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors continue to develop, but best not to wait too long as the cabbage will soften more and the nuts might lose their crunch. Just give it a fresh toss before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe because the fresh ingredients and creamy dressing do not hold up well to freezing. You risk losing the crisp texture and ending up with a watery slaw after thawing.
Reheating
Because this dish is best served chilled and fresh, reheating is unnecessary and could compromise both texture and flavor. Simply enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While a green apple offers a nice tart contrast, you can substitute with Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile. Just adjust the sweetness in the dressing accordingly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan or plant-based alternative, and ensure your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully plant-based and delicious.
Can I add more vegetables to the slaw?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some thinly sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced fennel, or even shredded kale for added nutrition and variety, just keep the balance so the flavors stay harmonious.
Is it okay to prepare this slaw in advance?
Yes, making this coleslaw up to one day ahead is perfect. It actually benefits from some resting time to let the flavors meld, but be mindful to stir it well before serving to refresh the texture.
What type of nuts work best in this coleslaw?
Pecans and walnuts both add great crunch and complement the fall flavors wonderfully. If you have allergies or want to skip nuts, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can be a crunchy and nutritious alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of textures, flavors, and colors that can brighten any meal. Its easy preparation and make-ahead convenience make it a go-to for busy weekdays or special occasions alike. Trust me, once you try this coleslaw, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a whirl and watch it become your own personal favorite!
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw combining crunchy green and red cabbage with sweet green apple and tart dried cranberries, tossed in a creamy, tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. This no-cook side dish is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or anytime you want a healthy, flavorful salad with a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 green apple, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, grated carrot, julienned or thinly sliced green apple, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Mix well to evenly distribute all the fresh ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing provides a creamy and tangy coating for the slaw.
- Toss and Coat: Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is nicely coated with the dressing, enhancing the flavor and texture of the salad.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to soften just enough while maintaining their crunch.
- Serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly for a fresh, crisp, and flavorful bite every time.
Notes
- Best served chilled to maintain crispness and flavor.
- Can be prepared up to one day in advance and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise.
- Add poppy seeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and a fun crunch.
- Ensure apples are sliced thinly to blend well with the slaw and avoid overpowering the texture.
