Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is the perfect combination of fresh, crunchy, sweet, and tangy. The apples provide a crisp texture and a touch of sweetness, while the cranberries add a tart contrast that brightens up the dish. The creamy dressing pulls everything together, making this coleslaw not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a unique and healthier take on the classic coleslaw, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a standalone salad.

Ingredients

For the Coleslaw:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix of both)

• 1 medium apple, julienned or chopped (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup shredded carrots

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Dressing:

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar as needed.

Assemble the Coleslaw:

2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned apples, dried cranberries, and shredded carrots. Toss to combine.

3. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. If needed, add a little more dressing to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Chill and Serve: For best results, let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!

Serve this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw alongside your favorite dishes, such as grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light and refreshing salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

• Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt or a lighter version of mayonnaise for a healthier dressing option.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

• Add Celery: For more crunch, add chopped celery to the coleslaw mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage and apples may release some moisture, so just give it a quick toss before serving again.

• Reheating: This coleslaw is best served cold and doesn’t need reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coleslaw a day ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop even more.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness. If you prefer fresh, you can try lightly sweetening them to balance the tartness.

Can I add other fruits to this coleslaw?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like pears, grapes, or oranges to give the coleslaw more variety and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the dressing if needed to complement the new ingredients.

Can I use another type of cabbage?

Yes, you can use red cabbage, napa cabbage, or any variety you prefer. The crunchiness of the cabbage is key, but feel free to mix it up!

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a light, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the sweetness of apples and cranberries, combined with a creamy tangy dressing, this coleslaw is a refreshing alternative to traditional slaw. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can even be served as a standalone salad. Easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor, this coleslaw will become a favorite in your recipe rotation!