Name: Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Looking for a refreshing, crisp, and colorful side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is here to save the day! This vibrant slaw takes the classic coleslaw we all know and love and gives it a fun, fruity twist. The combination of tart apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy cabbage, all tossed in a creamy dressing, is absolutely irresistible. It’s perfect for everything from casual barbecues to festive holiday dinners, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and you can make it ahead of time, which means less stress when it’s time to eat. Plus, the crisp apples and juicy cranberries add a burst of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. I’m telling you, this is the side dish everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This coleslaw isn’t your average side dish—it’s packed with flavor, texture, and just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Sweet & Tangy: The apples bring a crisp, sweet bite, while the cranberries add a tangy kick that cuts through the creamy dressing.

Crunchy and Fresh: The cabbage gives this slaw its signature crunch, and the apples add an extra layer of freshness.

Simple & Quick: With just a handful of ingredients, this coleslaw comes together in no time. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen without breaking a sweat.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a picnic, having a holiday feast, or just looking for a fresh and healthy side, this coleslaw fits the bill. It’s versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make it a few hours or even a day ahead of time! The flavors get better as they sit, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance.

Ingredients

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw uses simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cabbage

The classic base for any coleslaw! The cabbage adds crunch and body to the dish, creating the perfect foundation for the sweet and tangy additions.

Apples

I love using tart apples like Granny Smith for this recipe, as they add a nice balance to the sweetness of the cranberries. The apples add freshness and a satisfying crunch.

Dried Cranberries

These little gems add bursts of sweetness and tartness to the coleslaw. The dried cranberries are chewy and tangy, giving the dish an extra pop of flavor.

Carrots

Grated carrots add an extra layer of crunch and a touch of sweetness, rounding out the texture of the slaw.

Mayonnaise

This creamy dressing binds everything together and creates that classic, smooth coleslaw texture. You can use full-fat or light mayonnaise, depending on your preference.

Apple Cider Vinegar

For that tangy kick! The apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries and adds a nice zing to the dressing.

Honey

A little honey brings a natural sweetness to the coleslaw and ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness.

Salt & Pepper

To taste! These simple seasonings help enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this colorful, crunchy, and creamy coleslaw!

Prep the Veggies and Fruits

Start by shredding the cabbage finely. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to make this step easier. Then, grate the carrots and dice the apples into small pieces—leave the skins on for an extra pop of color and texture. Finally, measure out the dried cranberries and set everything aside.

Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—if you want more tang, add a little more vinegar, or for extra sweetness, add a touch more honey.

Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, diced apples, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until the veggies and fruit are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Chill & Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it gets!

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing, crunchy, and tangy coleslaw as the perfect side dish to your next meal!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition breakdown for this vibrant and tasty coleslaw:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180

Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This sweet and tangy slaw pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, and it’s versatile enough to go with almost anything:

Grilled Meats: It’s the perfect side for grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers. The crisp texture and tangy flavor balance out the richness of grilled meats.

Barbecue: Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a classic side for any barbecue. It adds a fresh contrast to smoky or spicy flavors.

Sandwiches & Wraps: Pile it on top of a sandwich or wrap for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Salads & Bowls: It’s a fantastic topping for grain bowls, salads, or taco salads, adding a bit of sweetness and crunch to any dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw even more delicious:

Use Fresh Cranberries: If you’re feeling fancy and have access to fresh cranberries, you can use them instead of dried ones. Just toss them in with the apples and cabbage, but keep in mind they’ll add more tartness.

Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, try adding some toasted walnuts or pecans to the coleslaw. They’ll complement the sweetness of the apples and cranberries beautifully.

Swap the Mayo: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this coleslaw, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a creamy, tangy alternative.

Make It Ahead: This coleslaw gets even better the longer it sits! Feel free to make it a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a stress-free meal.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add a little more honey or try adding a splash of orange juice for an extra fruity twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of apple you like, but I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A2: Sure! Fresh cranberries will add a more tart flavor. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, dried cranberries are a better choice, but fresh cranberries will work just fine.

Q3: Can I make this coleslaw the night before?
A3: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. Just cover it and refrigerate overnight.

Q4: How long does this coleslaw last in the fridge?
A4: It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Q5: Can I add other fruits to this coleslaw?
A5: Absolutely! You can add grapes, pears, or even pomegranate seeds for more fruity flavor and texture.

Q6: Is this coleslaw vegan-friendly?
A6: If you substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version (like avocado or plant-based mayo), this coleslaw can easily be made vegan.

Q7: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A7: You can swap the apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a slightly different tangy kick.

Q8: How can I make this coleslaw spicier?
A8: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a bit of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a little heat!

Q9: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A9: Yes, you can definitely use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience. It’ll save you some prep time!

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
A10: Of course! Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl to toss everything together and adjust the dressing as needed.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a fresh, flavorful, and fun twist on the classic coleslaw. It’s sweet, tangy, and packed with crunch—perfect for a side dish that stands out at any gathering. With its quick prep time and make-ahead convenience, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to sides. Enjoy!

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw