Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is not just another side dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal. Fresh, crunchy, and full of sweet-tart flavor, this coleslaw is a delightful addition to summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or casual family gatherings. The combination of crisp cabbage, juicy apples, and chewy dried cranberries creates a beautiful contrast that makes this slaw visually appealing as well as delicious. With a simple but tasty dressing of mayo or Greek yogurt mixed with honey and apple cider vinegar, this dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different occasions and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side to complement a hearty meal or a colorful dish to serve at a potluck, this coleslaw fits the bill. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Packed with vitamins and fiber, you can enjoy it guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
- Quick and Easy: Fast preparation means you can whip it up in no time!
- Flavorful: The sweet and tangy dressing perfectly complements the crunchy veggies.
- Health Benefits: Packed with fiber and vitamins from fresh produce.
- Customizable: Easily add different ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfectly Accompanies Any Meal: Great as a side for BBQs, dinners, and parties.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into creating your delicious Cranberry Apple Coleslaw, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by clearing your workspace, ensuring you have enough room to chop, slice, and mix your ingredients effectively. For this recipe, you’ll need a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for slicing and julienning your apple and veggies. A box grater works well for shredding the cabbage and carrot, ensuring even pieces that make for a more visually appealing salad.
Additionally, have a large mixing bowl ready for combining all the ingredients, and a smaller bowl for whisking together your dressing. Having all your ingredients measured and prepped will make this process seamless, allowing you to focus on creating a delicious dish without any hassle. This preparation phase not only saves time but also reduces stress, ensuring that your cooking experience is enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced or julienned
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 carrot, shredded
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Veggies
Begin by prepping your vegetables. Shred the cabbage either with a box grater or by slicing it thinly with a knife. If using red cabbage, you’ll add a vibrant pop of color! Next, shred your carrot using the box grater. For the apple, thinly slice or julienne it—whichever you prefer—ensuring even pieces for easy mixing. If desired, slice the red onion thinly as well, adding a sharpness that complements the sweet apple.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re smooth and well blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper according to your preference. This step is crucial as it defines the overall flavor of your coleslaw.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the shredded cabbage, sliced apples, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and sliced red onion. Toss these ingredients gently to combine them thoroughly. The mixture should look colorful and inviting. After they are well mixed, pour your dressing over the salad base, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are fully coated in the dressing.
Step 4: Chill
To let the flavors blend beautifully, cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing’s flavor while maintaining their crunch. The slaw can be made a few hours, or even a day, in advance for an enhanced flavor experience!
Step 5: Top & Serve
Once you’re ready to serve, give your coleslaw a quick toss to refresh it. For an added crunch, sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds right before serving. This final touch adds texture and enhances the visual appeal of your dish, turning a simple coleslaw into a show-stopping side!
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken or bacon bits for a heartier salad.
- Vegetables: Mix in some shredded Brussels sprouts or finely chopped bell peppers for more crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or even some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
Cooking Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the mayo with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples; Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
- This slaw can be prepared a day ahead, making it a convenient choice for parties or gatherings.
- The dressing can also be adjusted based on your taste; add more or less vinegar for tanginess.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled meats for a refreshing complement.
- Pair with sandwiches for a delightful crunch.
Tips
- If you’re short on time, pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be used as a shortcut.
- For a creamier dressing, increase the amount of mayonnaise or yogurt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; it can be enjoyed for up to three days.
- Always toss before serving, as ingredients may settle during refrigeration.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
FAQs
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together, so feel free to make it a day ahead of serving.
What type of apple is best for coleslaw?
For a sweet and tart balance, Granny Smith is great; however, feel free to use your favorite variety!
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure any prepared ingredients (like mayo) are also gluten-free.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While dried cranberries are sweeter and deliver a chewy texture, fresh cranberries can add a delicious tartness; just be sure to sweeten them before mixing.
Conclusion
Bringing together the delightful flavors of cranberry and apple in a crunchy, refreshing slaw, this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of taste and texture that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard BBQ or a simple weeknight meal, this coleslaw adds the perfect touch of color and flavor. So, go ahead and make it your own by trying different ingredients or variations. We’d love to hear how you made this dish uniquely yours! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and happy cooking!
Print
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal. It’s fresh, crunchy, and full of sweet-tart flavor, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced or julienned
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 carrot, shredded
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by prepping your vegetables. Shred the cabbage either with a box grater or by slicing it thinly with a knife.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Whisk together until smooth.
- In a large bowl, add the shredded cabbage, sliced apples, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and sliced red onion. Toss to combine.
- Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Before serving, refresh the coleslaw and garnish with walnuts or sunflower seeds.
Notes
This slaw can be prepared a day ahead and is most flavorful after chilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 2 g