Zingy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe for Fresh Fall Flavors

Crisp summer days call for a delightful apple cranberry coleslaw that brings zesty freshness to your plate.

Crunchy cabbage mingles with sweet-tart apple slices for an unexpected flavor burst.

Juicy cranberries add vibrant color and tangy notes to this classic side dish.

Shredded carrots provide additional texture and a subtle earthy undertone.

Creamy dressing binds the ingredients with a light, refreshing touch that makes you want to dig right in.

Each forkful promises a delectable balance of sweet, tart, and creamy elements.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple yet impressively delicious for any gathering or quick meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how these ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

What Makes Apple Cranberry Coleslaw a Favorite

• Boost Flavor Variety: Combines classic coleslaw with sweet-tart apple and cranberry elements, creating a vibrant twist on traditional recipes that excites taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Companion: Requires minimal chopping and simple mixing, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility: Adaptable side dish that works brilliantly at potlucks, barbecues, holiday gatherings, and family meals, appealing to different age groups and preferences.
• Healthy Nutritional Punch: Packed with fresh vegetables and fruits, offering a crunchy, nutritious alternative to heavy, mayonnaise-laden salads while delivering great taste and texture.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Ingredient Checklist

• Green Cabbage: A crisp and crunchy vegetable that provides the main texture of the coleslaw.
• Red Cabbage: Adds vibrant color and extra crunch to the salad.
• Carrots: Brings a sweet and earthy flavor with additional crispness.

• Apple Slices: Provide a fresh, sweet-tart taste and juicy element to the coleslaw.
• Dried Cranberries: Offer a chewy texture and tangy-sweet burst of flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey (or Sugar), Salt, Pepper: Create a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that binds the ingredients together and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Putting Together the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Step 1: Chop and Slice Fresh Produce

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Thinly slice green cabbage and red cabbage into delicate shreds.

Grate carrots using a box grater for thin, wispy strands. Core and dice crisp apples into small, bite-sized cubes.

Sprinkle in vibrant dried cranberries for bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Carrots
• Apples
• Dried cranberries

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine creamy mayonnaise with tangy apple cider vinegar.

Drizzle in golden honey for natural sweetness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended.

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Blend and Coat

Pour the zesty dressing over the chopped vegetables and fruits.

Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss and coat every morsel. Ensure each piece gets a lovely, even coating of the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the coleslaw and slide into the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

The resting time helps the ingredients blend beautifully, creating a more delicious and harmonious dish.

Top Advice for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Success

• Add apple slices just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent browning.
• Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the dressing to deeply penetrate the vegetables and enhance overall taste.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version that's lower in calories.
• Use a mix of green and red cabbage for a more vibrant color and varied crunch in every bite.
• This coleslaw can be prepared a day in advance, with flavors becoming more pronounced and delicious overnight.

Creative Mixes with Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

• Nutty Crunch Coleslaw: Add toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and rich, earthy flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Coleslaw: Mix in diced jalapeños, cilantro, and replace honey with lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Greek Yogurt Version: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter dressing that boosts protein content.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: Replace apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, add sesame oil, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an oriental touch.

Tasty Foods That Match Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Complement the crisp, tangy slaw with juicy grilled chicken, tender pulled pork, or succulent barbecue ribs for a balanced meal that highlights the coleslaw's refreshing crunch.
• Match with Robust Red Wines: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to enhance the slaw's sweet and tart notes, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the overall dining experience.
• Serve Alongside Hearty Sandwiches: Nestle this vibrant coleslaw next to pulled meat sandwiches, classic burgers, or hearty club sandwiches to add a zesty, crunchy element that cuts through rich flavors.

Storing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw for Later Use

Store coleslaw in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping crisp texture and fresh taste intact.

Skip freezing this dish since mayonnaise-based dressings separate and vegetables become watery and lose crunchiness when thawed.

Drain any excess liquid, gently stir ingredients, and add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to revive flavors before serving leftovers.

Serve directly from the refrigerator for optimal taste and crispness, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the apple cranberry coleslaw.

FAQs

• Is this coleslaw healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients from cabbage, carrots, and apples. The fresh ingredients provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants while being low in calories.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to blend. You can prepare it a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal. They add crunch and a bright flavor that complements the creamy dressing.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp and zesty apple cranberry coleslaw brings refreshing summer flavors to your picnic table. Crunchy cabbage mingles with sweet apples and tart cranberries, creating a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 apple, julienned or thinly sliced

Dried Fruits and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Finely shred green and red cabbage varieties, creating a vibrant base with textural contrast and visual appeal.
2. Julienne crisp apples and grate carrots to add sweetness and crunch to the salad mixture.
3. Scatter dried cranberries throughout the vegetable blend for bursts of tangy flavor and ruby-red color accents.
4. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, zesty apple cider vinegar, golden honey, and a pinch of seasoning to create a harmonious dressing.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage medley, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and glistening.
6. Refrigerate the coleslaw for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to intermingle and develop a robust, refreshing profile.
7. Before serving, give the slaw a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and revive its vibrant texture.

Notes

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that reduces calories and adds a tangy twist.
• Include toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating textural complexity.
• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance sweetness and provide vibrant, fresh flavor.
• Prepare coleslaw no more than 4 hours before serving to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg