Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Introduction

When I first made this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, I didn’t expect it to become such a family favorite. The balance of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy cabbage creates an incredibly refreshing side dish that pairs well with so many meals. My family couldn’t get enough of the crunchy texture and tangy, creamy dressing. It quickly became a regular at our dinner table, especially during the holiday season and barbecues. The best part is how versatile this coleslaw is — you can easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste. The addition of apples and cranberries provides a fresh twist on the traditional coleslaw, making it perfect for those looking for a vibrant, healthier alternative to heavier side dishes. Whether it’s for a summer picnic, a winter holiday feast, or a simple weeknight dinner, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a perfect go-to side dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, julienned apple slices, and dried cranberries. These ingredients create a colorful, vibrant base for your coleslaw that’s both sweet and tangy.
2. Make 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 mayonnaise adds creaminess, while the apple cider vinegar provides the tanginess that complements the sweetness of the apple and cranberries.
3. Toss Everything Together:
   Pour the dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture. Toss the ingredients together gently, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Chill and Serve:
   For the best flavor, refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the coleslaw is nice and chilled when served.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 180 kcal

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a versatile and delicious side dish, and there are a variety of ways to serve it:

• As a Side Dish: This coleslaw is perfect as a side for holiday meals, barbecues, or any hearty dinner. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, and even fried seafood.
• On Sandwiches or Wraps: Add this coleslaw to sandwiches or wraps for extra crunch and flavor. It’s especially good on pulled pork sandwiches or turkey wraps.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a light and refreshing complement to the smoky flavors of the grill.
• As a Salad: Enjoy it as a light and fresh lunch on its own, or top it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• For Potlucks: This is an ideal dish for potlucks or family gatherings since it can be made in advance and served cold. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best texture, use fresh apples, crisp cabbage, and crunchy carrots. The freshness of these ingredients makes the coleslaw especially vibrant and delicious.
2. Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the coleslaw by adding more or less honey or sugar, depending on your preference. If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, you can reduce the sweetness slightly.
3. Use a Sharp Apple: Choose an apple variety that is crisp and has a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smith apples are a great option because they provide a nice crunch and a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
4. Try Different Vinegars: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or even balsamic vinegar can be used. Just keep in mind that different vinegars will change the overall flavor of the dressing.
5. Make it Lighter: To make this coleslaw lighter, try substituting Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. This adds creaminess while reducing the calorie count.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutty Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
2. Spicy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for a little heat and a spicy kick. This is especially good if you’re serving the coleslaw with grilled meats.
3. Vegan Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: Substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo or a combination of avocado and lemon juice for a dairy-free version of this coleslaw.
4. Creamy Poppy Seed Coleslaw: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dressing for a unique flavor and a fun texture twist. The seeds add a bit of crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
5. Bacon Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: For an extra savory twist, add crumbled bacon to the coleslaw. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apple and cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

• With Grilled Meats: This coleslaw is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak. The creamy texture and tangy flavor balance the richness of grilled meats.
• On Top of Tacos: Add a scoop of this coleslaw to tacos, especially fish tacos or pulled pork tacos, for a fresh and vibrant topping.
• As a Side to Fried Foods: Pair this coleslaw with fried chicken, fried fish, or even crispy veggie tempura for a delightful contrast in textures.
• With BBQ: This coleslaw is an excellent accompaniment to BBQ dishes like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, bringing a refreshing balance to the smoky flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Coleslaw is not ideal for freezing because the vegetables may become limp once thawed. It’s best to make it fresh and enjoy it within a few days.
• Storage: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw may lose some of its crunch after sitting for a while, but it will still taste delicious.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the coleslaw up to 1 day ahead of time. Just make sure to refrigerate it until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   Fresh cranberries may not provide the same sweetness and chewy texture as dried cranberries, but you can use them if you prefer. Just chop them up and possibly add a bit more honey to balance the tartness.
3. Can I use a store-bought coleslaw mix?
   Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix is a great substitute for the shredded cabbage and carrots. Just make sure to add your own fresh apple and cranberries for the best flavor.
4. How can I make the dressing less creamy?
   To make the dressing less creamy, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
5. Can I make this coleslaw without apple cider vinegar?
   Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
6. Can I add more fruit to the coleslaw?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits like diced pears or grapes for added sweetness and texture.
7. Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
   Yes, this coleslaw is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the mayonnaise you use is also gluten-free.
8. Can I make this coleslaw spicy?
   Yes, adding a bit of jalapeño or cayenne pepper to the dressing will give it a spicy kick if you prefer some heat.
9. What can I serve this coleslaw with?
   This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats, fried foods

, BBQ dishes, and sandwiches.

10. Can I substitute the honey with maple syrup?
    Yes, maple syrup is a good substitute for honey if you prefer a different sweetener. It will add a slight maple flavor to the dressing.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a deliciously refreshing and vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a summer barbecue, or a casual family dinner, this coleslaw is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing, it offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and versatile, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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