If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic cole slaw, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a vibrant symphony of crisp cabbages, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and fresh, juicy apple slices, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing that sings on your taste buds. This salad is not only easy to make but also offers a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that brighten up any meal or picnic. Trust me, once you try this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to summer side or a fresh addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe right starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role. From crunchy cabbages to sweet apples and the perfect zesty dressing, every component adds a layer of flavor, color, or texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a classic, crisp base full of crunch and freshness.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthier flavor to the mix.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange.
- 1 apple, julienned or thinly sliced: Offers juicy, sweet-tart contrast with a refreshing crisp bite.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Delivers chewy bursts of tangy sweetness to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds subtle sharpness and a fresh oniony aroma.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious base for the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Gives a bright, tangy kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Sweetens the dressing naturally and balances the vinegar.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the slaw.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Veggies and Fruit
Start by tossing together the shredded green and red cabbages, shredded carrots, julienned apple, and dried cranberries in a large mixing bowl. This colorful medley forms the heart of the coleslaw, giving you a mixture of crunchy textures and naturally sweet bites that are essential for that perfect balance.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is smooth and well blended. This dressing is crucial because its creamy richness and tangy brightness tie the whole salad together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Dress the Slaw
Pour your homemade dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture, then gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. The key here is to be gentle to keep the cabbage crisp and the apple slices intact while making sure every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least one hour before serving. This chill time is magical because it lets the flavors marry beautifully and gives the coleslaw that satisfying cool crunch that’s just so refreshing on a warm day.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor of your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Fresh chopped parsley or a light zest of lemon over the top can also add a lovely freshness that brightens the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even a hearty veggie burger. It’s the ideal refreshing side to cut through richer main dishes, making every bite a balanced explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or holiday tables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe in individual mason jars or crisp lettuce cups for a charming appetizer or portable snack. You can also layer it in a clear bowl to show off the vibrant colors, making it a showstopper at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining its crisp texture and bright flavors. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this coleslaw since the fresh cabbage, apples, and dressing can become soggy and lose their delightful crunch once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled.
Reheating
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is best served cold and does not require reheating. Keep it chilled for that refreshing bite and creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular cabbage instead of green and red cabbage?
Absolutely! While using a mix of green and red cabbage provides that gorgeous color contrast and nuanced flavor, you can use all green cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. The texture and taste will still be fantastic.
What type of apple works best in this coleslaw?
For a perfect balance of sweet and tart, try using crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape well and add a refreshing crunch that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise alternative, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. The flavors will remain just as bright and delicious.
Is it okay to prepare this coleslaw ahead of time for a party?
Definitely—preparing the coleslaw a few hours in advance lets the flavors meld wonderfully. Just wait to add the apples if you want them extra crisp, or toss everything together up to an hour ahead for best results.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the coleslaw?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped apples and cranberries are the stars here, but adding toasted pecans, walnuts, or even some sliced grapes can elevate the texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the balance of the original Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is a true delight—bright, crunchy, and bursting with the kind of fresh flavors that make every bite feel special. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side for summer cookouts or a unique salad to brighten up any meal, this recipe has got you covered. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy and rewarding it is to whip up a dish that looks stunning and tastes even better.
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines shredded green and red cabbage, crisp julienned apples, and sweet dried cranberries. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey, this coleslaw is perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light, flavorful snack. The mixture is chilled to blend the flavors, offering a sweet and tart crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 apple, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the vegetables and fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced apple, and dried cranberries. This colorful mix creates a refreshing base for your coleslaw.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined. The vinegar adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness of the apple and cranberries.
- Toss the coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to chill. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the honey or sugar according to taste.
- Use fresh cranberries instead of dried for a more tart flavor, though they should be lightly cooked or blanched first.
- This coleslaw can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
