If you are on the hunt for a refreshing and vibrant salad that sings with the colors and flavors of fall, then this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe should be your next go-to delight. The crisp crunch of cabbage mingles effortlessly with the sweet-tart burst from dried cranberries and the refreshing snap of fresh apples, all joined by a creamy, tangy dressing that ties each bite together. This is not just any coleslaw; it’s a celebration of contrasting textures and harmonious tastes that will brighten your table and satisfy your taste buds with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful ingredients that bring a balance of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. Each component plays a vital role, from the green cabbage’s crisp base to the subtle nuttiness of almonds or sunflower seeds, making the salad as exciting to eat as it is easy to prepare.
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced: The crunchy foundation of the coleslaw, providing a fresh and mild backdrop for all the flavors.
- 1 large apple, julienned or thinly sliced: Adds sweet juiciness and a crisp texture; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect choices for vibrant flavor.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Imparts a tart sweetness that brightens the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (optional): For those who love an added crunch and a touch of earthy nuttiness.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional): Introduces a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Offers a fresh, herbaceous note to elevate the salad’s complexity.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing, with Greek yogurt as a lighter, tangy alternative.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally, enhancing the fruit flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Delivers a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional): Offers a mild, savory hint to round out the flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the salad together.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by tossing together the thinly sliced green cabbage, julienned apple, dried cranberries, and if you like, the sliced almonds, green onions, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl. This combination forms the layered, crunchy, and colorful heart of your coleslaw, giving you that irresistible texture and burst of freshness with every bite.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
Next, create the creamy dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter touch), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and celery seeds in a small bowl. Season this mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the sweetness or tanginess until it perfectly suits your palate. This dressing is the glue that brings all the ingredients into a lovely balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together. Make sure the cabbage and apples are evenly coated with the dressing, so each forkful has that delightful combination of creamy and crunchy elements. It’s important not to mush the salad; gentle tossing keeps the textures intact.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors marry beautifully; the apples and cranberries absorb the dressing’s zest, while the cabbage softens just a touch, creating a perfectly balanced and refreshing salad experience.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra flair, sprinkle some additional sliced almonds or sunflower seeds right before serving for fresh crunch. A few fresh parsley leaves scattered on top will add a pop of green and a hint of brightness that makes the dish visually inviting and lively to the palate.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. It’s a fantastic side for grilled chicken, pork chops, or even alongside a hearty turkey sandwich. The sweet and tart notes cut through richness, making it an excellent choice to refresh your taste buds during any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw in hollowed-out apple halves or inside small lettuce cups to create charming, bite-sized salads perfect for parties or potlucks. Alternatively, consider layering it in clear glasses for a visually stunning presentation that showcases the colorful layers of cabbage, apple, and cranberries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, as it may settle or separate while chilled.
Freezing
Because this coleslaw relies on crisp, fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of the apples and cabbage, making them limp and watery once thawed, which takes away from the salad’s appealing crunch.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised since warmth will wilt the cabbage and fruit, not to mention change the refreshing nature of the dish. Just remember, a quick toss and a chill will bring it right back to life!
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative?
Absolutely! You can use vegan mayonnaise or even a cashew cream to keep the creamy texture while making the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe plant-based and suitable for vegan diets.
What type of apples work best for this coleslaw?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they maintain their crispness and offer a lovely balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the dried cranberries perfectly.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Chopped pears or fresh pomegranate seeds can be excellent additions, adding different layers of flavor and texture to your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.
Is it okay to make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This can help flavors deepen, and it saves you time when you’re ready to assemble the coleslaw.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a lighter vegan yogurt alternative, and consider reducing the amount of nuts or seeds. This tweak keeps the dish delicious but with fewer calories.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe that makes it not just a side dish but a highlight of any meal. The explosion of crisp textures, tart-sweet fruitiness, and creamy, tangy dressing will have you coming back for seconds and eager to share it with friends. So grab those fresh ingredients and make this beautiful coleslaw your new seasonal favorite—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed coleslaw without it.
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing and colorful salad combining crisp cabbage, sweet-tart apples, and dried cranberries, tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or light meals, this coleslaw offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors with optional crunchy nuts or seeds for added bite.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (or a coleslaw mix)
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, julienned or thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds or sunflower seeds if using, green onions, and chopped fresh parsley. This mix forms the base of your coleslaw with a mix of crunchy and chewy textures.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, celery seeds if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning as needed to balance tanginess and sweetness.
- Toss the Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the prepared salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all components are well coated with the creamy dressing for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully. Serve the coleslaw cold as a side dish or a light meal accompaniment.
Notes
- For a lighter coleslaw, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- You can add nuts or seeds of choice for extra crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Celery seeds add a subtle herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Chilling the coleslaw enhances the flavors for a more cohesive taste.
