Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with delightful crunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, this vibrant side dish combines crisp cabbage, juicy apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts dressed in a creamy honey-ginger dressing. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone light lunch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Coleslaw Mix: The pre-packaged 3-color mix provides the perfect base with minimal effort. The different colors make this dish visually appealing while giving you a variety of cabbage textures.
• Apple: Adds a juicy sweetness and refreshing crunch that takes this coleslaw to the next level. The natural sweetness balances the tanginess of the dressing beautifully.
• Dried Cranberries: These little ruby gems contribute chewy texture and bursts of tartness that complement the sweet apple and creamy dressing. They also add a gorgeous pop of color!
• Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that makes this coleslaw feel substantial. They also add healthy fats and protein.
• Green Onions: Offer a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. They add a subtle bite that cuts through the creaminess.
• Mayo: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. It’s the foundation of that classic coleslaw texture we all love.
• Yogurt/Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and lightens up the dressing. Using yogurt makes the dressing slightly healthier without sacrificing creaminess.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness that ties all the flavors together and balances the tang from the yogurt.
• Dried Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that elevates this coleslaw from ordinary to extraordinary. It pairs perfectly with the apples and cranberries.

Variations

Want to customize your coleslaw? Try these tasty alternatives:

• Fresh Cabbage Swap: Skip the pre-packaged mix and shred your own cabbage for extra freshness and crunch.
• Broccoli Boost: Use broccoli slaw instead of traditional coleslaw mix for added nutrition and a different texture profile.
• Pear Perfection: Add or substitute sliced pears for a softer, more delicate sweetness.
• Onion Options: Swap green onions for thinly sliced red onion for a more pronounced flavor, or omit onions entirely if they’re not your thing.
• Berry Switch: Try dried cherries instead of cranberries for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Apple Adventures: Experiment with different apple varieties – tart Granny Smith, sweet Gala, crisp Honeycrisp, or mellow Golden Delicious all bring their own character to the dish.
• Cheese Please: Crumble in some feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a creamy, tangy dimension.
• Nut Variations: Substitute pecans, almonds, or pistachios for the walnuts, or leave them out for a nut-free version.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite contains all those delicious components.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and dried ground ginger. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust the sweetness or ginger level if desired.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the creamy dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Take care not to overmix as you want to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.

How to Serve

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw works perfectly in so many scenarios:

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or burgers for a refreshing contrast to savory, smoky flavors.

On Sandwiches

Pile it onto fish tacos or use as a topping for barbecue sandwiches instead of traditional coleslaw.

Holiday Meals

The festive colors of this coleslaw make it a perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner tables, offering a lighter counterpoint to rich holiday foods.

Potluck Superstar

Take it to your next gathering – the vibrant colors and flavors will stand out on any buffet table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage will soften slightly but will still taste delicious.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare all the components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dressing separately from the dry ingredients and combine them just before serving for maximum crispness.

Freezing

This coleslaw doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo-based dressing and the crisp vegetables, which would lose their texture when thawed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is one of those recipes that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated. The combination of crisp cabbage, sweet-tart apples, chewy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or alongside your holiday meal, this colorful side dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

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