There’s something refreshing about a colorful bowl of Apple Cranberry Coleslaw that instantly brightens up any meal, and brings back fond memories of summer picnics. As I chopped my way through the crisp greens and tart apples, I could almost hear the laughter of friends gathered around the outdoor table. This coleslaw isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, combining the crunch of cabbage, the sweetness of honey, and the zing of apple cider vinegar.
Whether you’re planning a barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight recipe, or simply in need of a vibrant dish to liven up your day, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is about to become your new favorite. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and the added perk of chilling in the fridge, it’s an effortless yet crowd-pleasing addition to any spread. And the best part? It’s a great way to lighten up those heavy meals without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful dish!
Why You'll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries creates a delightful explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Its vibrant colors and textures not only make it visually appealing but also add a fresh touch to any meal.
- Whether served as a side dish or light main, this versatile coleslaw is sure to please a crowd and elevate your dining experience.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Ingredients
For the Base
• Green cabbage – 4 cups, shredded for a crunchy foundation.
• Red cabbage – 1 cup, shredded to add vibrant color and extra crunch.
• Carrots – 1 cup, grated for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Apples – 1 cup, diced to bring juicy freshness and complement the tart cranberries.
• Dried cranberries – 1/2 cup, providing a sweet and tangy burst in each bite.
For the Dressing
• Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup, creamy base that holds everything together.
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons, adding a zesty kick to balance the sweetness.
• Honey – 1 tablespoon, sweetening the dressing naturally and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Salt and pepper – to taste, ensuring each bite is well-seasoned and delicious.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
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Combine the base: In a large bowl, mix together the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, diced apples, and dried cranberries. Blend these ingredients until everything is well-distributed, creating a vibrant and crunchy mixture that invites excitement.
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Whisk the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Aim for a smooth and creamy consistency that perfectly balances sweetness and tang, providing a delightful dressing for your coleslaw.
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Add the dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture. Gently toss everything together until each piece is generously coated, ensuring a delicious flavor in every bite.
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Chill and serve: Cover the coleslaw and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, serving up a crisp and refreshing dish ready for your next meal.
Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts for an added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cranberry Coleslaw preparations are a great way to save time on busy days! You can chop the vegetables and fruits up to 24 hours in advance; just keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Prepare the dressing separately and store it in a jar for up to 3 days—this keeps the flavors vibrant without watering down the coleslaw. When you’re ready to serve, combine the prepped ingredients with the dressing, toss well, and enjoy a refreshing side that tastes just as delightful as when it was made fresh! This meal prep strategy ensures you have a delicious dish on hand, making mealtime a breeze.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Variations
Feel free to put your own twist on this delightful coleslaw recipe and make it uniquely yours!
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Vegan: Substitute mayonnaise with avocado or a vegan mayo for a creamy delight that’s completely plant-based.
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Crunchy Additions: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a surprising burst of heat that livens up every bite.
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Fruit Swap: Experiment by replacing the apples with pears or adding in some fresh pineapple for a tropical twist that will brighten your coleslaw even more.
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Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to infuse the dish with aromatic freshness, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Creamy Alternative: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, protein-packed dressing that offers a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
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Cranberry Boost: For an extra fruity pop, add more dried cranberries or even whole fresh cranberries for a tart surprise.
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Citrusy Zing: Squeeze in some fresh lemon or orange juice to the dressing to give each bite a refreshing brightness that dances on the palate.
What to Serve with Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?
Bring your meals to life with a symphony of flavors that beautifully complement this refreshing dish.
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Grilled Chicken: The smokiness of grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the sweetness and crunch of the coleslaw, enhancing each bite’s dimension. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy chicken, followed by a refreshing mouthful of crisp coleslaw.
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Roasted Vegetables: A mix of colorful roasted vegetables adds earthy flavors that play off the tart cranberries and sweet apples. Their warmth creates a comforting balance against the chilled coleslaw.
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Fish Tacos: The zesty flavors of fish tacos complement the apple and cranberry notes, providing a delightful fusion of textures. Each bite of flaky fish with a refreshing side of coleslaw is sure to please.
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Topping pulled pork with a scoop of coleslaw creates a delicious crunch, cutting through the richness of the meat. The tangy dressing in the coleslaw enhances the savoriness of the pork for a winning combination.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing adds a wholesome aspect to the meal. Its nutty flavors and fluffy texture harmonize perfectly with the crunchy cabbage and sweet apples.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of chilled sparkling apple cider is a refreshing drink that echoes the coleslaw’s flavors. Its sweetness and bubbles make it a delightful pairing for any occasion.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: For dessert, consider serving mini fruit tarts. They offer a sweet finish that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully, ensuring a well-rounded meal experience.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Fridge: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh and crunchy.
Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw for up to a month. Just remember that the texture may change after thawing.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a gentle stir before serving. Freshen it up with a splash of apple cider vinegar if needed.
Serving Tip: For the best flavor, serve chilled after preparing. Letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, ensure you shred the cabbages uniformly for even texture and flavor distribution.
- When mixing the dressing, whisk it thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency that will coat the ingredients properly.
- If you want extra crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts before serving, but remember to wait until just before you serve to maintain their texture.
- For the best results, allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors blend and enhance the overall taste.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe apples for my coleslaw?
Absolutely! When picking apples, look for fruit that feels firm and has a vibrant color. The skin should be free of dark spots or blemishes. Varieties like Granny Smith add a lovely tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp can bring extra sweetness. Feel free to mix different types to create your own flavor profile!
What’s the best way to store leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?
For optimal freshness, store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. I often layer paper towels in the container to absorb excess moisture, which helps keep the coleslaw crunchy. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
Can I freeze Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw for up to 1 month. To do this, prepare it as usual but skip the dressing. Instead, store the cabbage mixture in an airtight freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then mix in the dressing just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What should I do if my coleslaw turns out watery?
If you encounter a watery coleslaw, it’s likely due to excess moisture in the vegetables. To fix this, let the coleslaw rest in a colander for 15 minutes to drain away extra liquid. You can also add a little extra cabbage or shredded carrots to help absorb some of that moisture. This ensures every bite remains crisp and satisfying!
Are there any dietary considerations for this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?
Absolutely! This coleslaw recipe is quite versatile. For those with allergies to nuts, you might want to skip added nuts, or simply replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. Just tweak the sweetness and acidity in the dressing to your liking!
How can I enhance the flavor of my coleslaw?
To elevate the flavors of your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, consider adding a bit of grated ginger or a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing zing. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also brighten up the dish! Mix and match until you discover your perfect combination!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Base
- 4 cups green cabbage shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots grated
- 1 cup apples diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, mix together the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, diced apples, and dried cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture and gently toss until coated.
- Cover the coleslaw and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
