Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: A 1-Bowl Amazing Side

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw has been a staple at my family gatherings ever since I first whipped it up for a summer BBQ years ago. I remember everyone asking for the recipe, surprised by how refreshing and different it was from traditional coleslaws. The vibrant colors and the unexpected burst of sweet-tart flavor from the cranberries truly make this an autumn apple cranberry slaw that stands out. It’s become my go-to easy apple cranberry coleslaw recipe, perfect for any occasion. The crunch of the cabbage, the crispness of the apple, and that tangy dressing just sing together. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

I truly believe this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw will become a new favorite in your home. Here’s why I love making it:

• It offers a wonderfully sweet and tangy apple cranberry slaw flavor profile that perfectly balances richness with a refreshing bite.
• Preparation is incredibly quick, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks.
• This is a genuinely healthy apple cranberry coleslaw side dish, packed with fresh fruits and vegetables to nourish your body.
• The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, proving that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to break the bank.
• It’s a fantastic way to introduce more vibrant veggies and fruits to your family’s diet, even the picky eaters!
• This festive slaw adds a beautiful pop of color to any table, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals.

Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Curious about what are the ingredients in apple cranberry coleslaw? Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing side dish. I’ve carefully selected each component to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures in our apple cranberry slaw.

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage – the base of our coleslaw, providing that essential crunch.
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage (optional) – I love adding this for a beautiful pop of color and extra fiber.
• 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned or thinly sliced – choose a crisp, slightly tart apple to complement the cranberries.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – these add a wonderful chewiness and a burst of sweet-tart flavor to the apple cranberry coleslaw.
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots – for sweetness and an earthy note.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional) – a subtle oniony kick that brightens the whole dish.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – forms the creamy foundation of our dressing.
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream – I use this to add tang and lighten the dressing a bit.
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – crucial for that irresistible tangy flavor in the dressing.
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – balances the tartness and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – a secret ingredient that adds depth and a little spice.
• Salt to taste – always season to your preference.
• Black pepper to taste – fresh ground is best for maximum flavor.
• Juice of 1 lemon – essential for keeping the apples bright and adding a zesty finish.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Learning how to make apple cranberry coleslaw is incredibly simple, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the result! This easy apple cranberry coleslaw recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any meal.

1. Step 1: First, let’s prepare the star of our slaw – the apple. Core and thinly slice one large apple, opting for a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best crunch and flavor. To keep those beautiful slices from browning, immediately toss them with the juice of one lemon in a small bowl. This simple trick ensures your slaw stays vibrant.
2. Step 2: Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded green cabbage. If you’re like me and love extra color and nutrients, add the shredded red cabbage too. Stir in the shredded carrots, the delightful dried cranberries, and your lemon-tossed apple slices. This colorful medley is already starting to look amazing!
3. Step 3: Next, we’ll whisk up the creamy dressing that brings this apple cranberry coleslaw to life. In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these until they are perfectly smooth. Then, add the honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and season with salt and black pepper to your taste. I always taste and adjust here to get that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
4. Step 4: Pour your freshly made dressing generously over the vegetable and apple mixture in the large bowl. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until every shred of cabbage and every apple slice is beautifully coated. You’ll see the colors meld and the slaw start to look irresistible.
5. Step 5: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate your apple cranberry coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften just slightly, creating a more harmonious and delicious side dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

I’ve made this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every single time. These expert tips will help you elevate your slaw from good to absolutely unforgettable.

• Always use fresh, crisp cabbage and apples for the best texture. Limp ingredients will result in a soggy slaw.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice on the apples; it’s crucial for preventing browning and adding a bright, zesty note.
• Allow the slaw to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning of your dressing before mixing it with the vegetables. This ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?

The real secret lies in the balance of textures and the vibrant, tangy creamy apple cranberry coleslaw dressing. I always make sure to use a good quality mayonnaise and fresh ingredients. The combination of crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and crunchy cabbage, all coated in that delicious dressing, is what makes this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw truly shine.

Can I make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetable mixture and the dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. I recommend combining them no more than 1-2 hours before serving to maintain the optimal crunch of the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?

One common mistake is over-dressing the slaw, which can make it soggy. Start with less dressing and add more if needed. Another pitfall is not letting it chill; the flavors need time to develop. Lastly, don’t use soft apples; a crisp variety is key for the best texture in your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

You might be wondering, what is apple cranberry coleslaw good with? I’ve found this vibrant side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Its sweet and tangy profile cuts through richness and adds a refreshing crunch to almost anything.

I love serving this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw alongside grilled meats, especially pork tenderloin or chicken. The crispness and fruity notes are a perfect contrast to savory main courses. It also makes an excellent addition to a pulled pork sandwich, adding a bright lift to the hearty flavors.

For a lighter meal, I sometimes use this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw as a topping for fish tacos or as a side with a simple grilled salmon. Its fresh ingredients make it a fantastic companion to any summer barbecue or a festive addition to your holiday table, offering a delightful alternative to heavier traditional sides.

Nutrition Facts for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional value of this delicious side dish, so I’ve put together the estimated facts for our Apple Cranberry Coleslaw. These values are based on one serving of this recipe:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and ingredients you choose for your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty. I always recommend placing any leftovers in an airtight container immediately after your meal. This prevents air exposure, which can lead to wilting and flavor loss.

So, how long does apple cranberry coleslaw last? When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your coleslaw will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! However, due to its fresh ingredients and creamy dressing, I don’t recommend freezing this particular Apple Cranberry Coleslaw. The cabbage and apples tend to lose their crisp texture and become watery upon thawing, and the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate.

Since this is a cold dish, reheating isn’t necessary. Just pull it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to let it come to a slightly cooler-than-fridge temperature, give it a good stir, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones in this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?

You certainly can! If using fresh cranberries, I recommend chopping them finely to distribute their tartness evenly throughout the slaw. You might also want to increase the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing slightly to balance the extra tartness. Fresh cranberries will add an even brighter, juicier pop to your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

Why add cranberries to coleslaw?

I love adding cranberries to coleslaw because they bring a fantastic sweet-tart complexity and a chewy texture that elevates the dish beyond a traditional slaw. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing and complements the crisp apples, creating a more dynamic and interesting flavor profile. They also add a beautiful festive color, especially in an autumn apple cranberry slaw or holiday apple cranberry coleslaw.

What are some good substitutions if I don’t have certain ingredients for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works perfectly in the dressing. For the apple, any crisp, slightly tart variety like Fuji or Gala would be delicious. If you’re out of dried cranberries, raisins or even dried cherries can offer a similar sweetness and chewiness. You can also experiment with different vinegars, like white wine vinegar, though I find apple cider vinegar gives the best flavor to this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

Is this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, it can easily be made vegan! Simply swap out the mayonnaise for a good quality vegan mayonnaise and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. Ensure your Greek yogurt or sour cream alternative is plant-based, and you’ll have a delicious, dairy-free Apple Cranberry Coleslaw that everyone can enjoy. It’s a fantastic healthy apple cranberry coleslaw side dish for any dietary need.

Variations of Apple Cranberry Coleslaw You Can Try

I absolutely adore this classic Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! Here are a few ways I’ve experimented with this recipe to keep it fresh and exciting, perfect for exploring different fall coleslaw recipes or adapting to various dietary needs.

• Lighter Dressing: For a healthier twist on your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, I often reduce the mayonnaise and increase the Greek yogurt, or even swap out half the mayo for a light vinaigrette. This makes for a tangier, less creamy version that’s still incredibly flavorful.
• Nutty Crunch: To add another layer of texture and a boost of healthy fats, I love tossing in some toasted pecans or walnuts. Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the apples and cranberries, making this a more robust autumn apple cranberry slaw.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny bit of finely minced jalapeño to the dressing. It creates a surprising and delightful contrast to the sweetness of the fruit in your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.
• Tropical Twist: For something truly unique, I sometimes add a handful of shredded coconut and a squeeze of lime juice to the dressing. This unexpected combination gives the cranberry apple coleslaw recipe a bright, tropical flair, perfect for summer gatherings.

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