If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious twist on a classic favorite, the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is just what you need. This salad bursts with crisp textures and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that come together beautifully. The crunchy cabbages paired with juicy apples and tart cranberries create an irresistible medley that will brighten any meal or gathering. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and packed with colorful ingredients that not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe shine. Each component brings something special, whether it’s crunch, sweetness, tang, or creaminess, working together to create a harmonious dish that’s as tasty as it is visually appealing.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage: The sturdy crunch and mild flavor provide the perfect base for the coleslaw.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthier taste to balance the mix.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweetness and bright orange hue lighten up the salad’s appearance.
- 1 apple, julienned or thinly sliced: Fresh, juicy, and crisp, apples bring a natural sweetness and crunch.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add chewy texture and a delightful tangy burst that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Provide subtle sharpness and freshness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy element that ties all ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds the essential tang to brighten the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the acidity and tartness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhance all the flavors, making each bite exciting.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing together the shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, sliced apple, and dried cranberries in a large mixing bowl. This mixture builds a colorful and refreshing base, where each bite offers crisp textures and bursts of natural sweetness and tang. Don’t worry about mixing too much just yet; you want the ingredients evenly scattered but still distinguishable.
Step 2: Whisk Your Dressing
In a separate bowl, blend the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar), seasoning with salt and pepper until everything is smooth and well combined. This dressing strikes the perfect balance by bringing creamy richness alongside tangy and sweet notes, complementing the fresh produce so well. The apple cider vinegar sharpens the flavors, waking up the palate without overpowering the salad.
Step 3: Gently Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over your cabbage and fruit mixture. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, carefully toss to ensure every shred and slice is coated with the luscious dressing. Be gentle here to maintain the crispness of the cabbage and apple slices while distributing the flavors evenly throughout the salad.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Pop the coleslaw into the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the ingredients a chance to soften slightly while staying crisp. When you’re ready, give it a quick toss again, and your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is perfectly ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few finishing touches can elevate your coleslaw so it looks as good as it tastes. Consider sprinkling a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness. A few fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley can add a pop of green and freshness to the presentation, making your dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled chicken and baked fish to barbecued meats. Its crisp textures and bright flavors provide a refreshing contrast to rich, smoky, or savory dishes, making it an excellent accompaniment for picnics, holiday dinners, or casual weeknight meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, try serving the coleslaw in small individual mason jars or colorful bowls for parties and potlucks. Another delightful idea is to spoon the coleslaw over toasted baguette slices or inside whole wheat pita pockets for a fresh and fun appetizer. You can even layer it in clear glass parfait cups with some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a sophisticated presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the apples may soften slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later for that perfect crunch.
Freezing
Due to the fresh and crunchy nature of the ingredients, especially the cabbage and apples, freezing this coleslaw is not recommended. The texture will not hold up well once thawed, turning soggy and mushy, which takes away from the enjoyment of this dish.
Reheating
Since this recipe is served cold and fresh, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. For best flavor and texture, enjoy the coleslaw straight from the fridge as a cool and crisp side dish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with apples like Granny Smith for extra tartness or Fuji for a sweeter crunch. Just choose apples that are firm and fresh to keep that delightful texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan or plant-based version, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this coleslaw?
Definitely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add wonderful crunch and complexity. Just sprinkle them on top before serving so they stay crisp.
How long should I chill the coleslaw before serving?
At least one hour in the fridge allows all the flavors to come together and helps soften the cabbage slightly for a better mouthfeel.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it stores well for a couple of days and provides a fresh, crunchy salad option ready to accompany your meals.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe enough. It’s such an easy yet delightful dish to whip up, bringing vibrant color, refreshing flavors, and satisfying textures to your table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a tasty side for dinner, this coleslaw will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’re going to love how simple ingredients can turn into something truly special!
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
A vibrant and refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw that combines shredded green and red cabbage with julienned apple and 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 picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.
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, add the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced apple, and dried cranberries. Mix well to create a colorful and crunchy base for the coleslaw.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This dressing gives the coleslaw a perfect balance of creaminess and tang.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill before serving: Transfer the coleslaw to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the texture of the dish before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sugar in the dressing according to taste.
- The coleslaw can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated; it tastes even better after resting overnight.
- Use crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the freshest flavor and texture.
- Add toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, if desired.
