If you’re looking to brighten up your table with something fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is an absolute game changer. It beautifully marries the crisp crunch of coleslaw with the natural sweetness of apples and the tart pop of dried cranberries, creating a harmony that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re bringing a dish to a summer barbecue, looking for an easy weeknight side, or just want a vibrant salad that’s full of texture and personality, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is going to become one of your go-to favorites before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance of ingredients is what makes this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe truly shine. Each component is simple and plays a vital role in building layers of texture and taste—from the creamy dressing to the sweet and tart bursts you get in every bite.
- 3-color coleslaw mix (14 oz bag): This blend of shredded cabbage varieties provides the perfect crunchy base and vibrant color.
- Large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji): Adds a juicy sweetness and crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the cabbage.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): These give the coleslaw an inviting tartness and chewy bite that brighten every spoonful.
- Chopped walnuts (½ cup): For a satisfying nutty crunch that brings a lovely depth of flavor and texture.
- Green onions, sliced (4): Their mild oniony flavor adds a fresh and slightly pungent note to balance the sweetness.
- Mayo (Âľ cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing, making the salad rich without overpowering it.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream (Âľ cup): Adds tanginess and lightens the dressing, giving it a wonderful smooth finish.
- Honey (ÂĽ cup): Provides natural sweetness that complements both the fruit and the creamy dressing.
- Dried ground ginger (Âľ tsp): Adds a subtle warm spice that enhances the overall complexity of the flavors.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing your 3-color coleslaw mix into a large bowl. Then toss in the chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. This base layer is already bursting with texture and color, laying the perfect groundwork for the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, mix the mayo, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and ground ginger together until nice and smooth. This dressing strikes a wonderful balance of creaminess, sweetness, and spice that elevates the simple veggies and fruit.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour your freshly made dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every bite to have a little bit of that delicious creaminess wrapped around it, making each forkful exciting and flavorful.
Step 4: Adjust to Your Liking
If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of mayo and yogurt in your dressing. This tweak allows you to tailor the creaminess and tang to exactly how you like it, without sacrificing that signature flavor.
Step 5: Chill to Marry the Flavors
You can enjoy this coleslaw immediately, but letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. The apples and cranberries soften just enough, and the dressing deeply soaks into every shred of cabbage.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a few whole dried cranberries on top not only looks delightful but also adds that satisfying little crunch and pop of sweetness when you serve it. A few fresh herb leaves, like parsley or mint, can also brighten the visual appeal and add a fresh aromatic kick.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even as a vibrant side salad to your favorite sandwich. It’s especially fantastic alongside smoky barbecued meats where its sweet and tangy notes cut through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this coleslaw in individual mason jars for a charming picnic-friendly presentation. You could also pile it high on top of a burger or use it as a colorful taco slaw for a fun twist. The combination of colors and flavors make it a star wherever it lands on your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop slightly, but the crisp textures remain surprisingly fresh if eaten within that window.
Freezing
Because of the fresh apple and dressing, freezing this coleslaw is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the apples and coleslaw mix would suffer upon thawing, turning soft and less appetizing.
Reheating
This coleslaw is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and would alter the texture and freshness that make this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are preferred for their crispness and sweetness, Granny Smith or Gala apples can also work well depending on your taste for tartness or sweetness.
Is there a vegan alternative for the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the mayo and yogurt with vegan versions or use a plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise. Maple syrup or agave can replace honey to keep it entirely vegan.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of honey or dried cranberries, or swap the dried cranberries for fresh cranberries if you prefer a tarter bite.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! The flavors blend nicely after a few hours in the fridge. Just keep it chilled until serving to maintain crispness.
What if I don’t have green onions on hand?
You can replace green onions with finely chopped red onion or shallots for a slightly different but equally tasty flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe that makes it stand out from everyday salads. Its perfect balance of sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy is a surefire way to brighten up any meal and bring smiles around your table. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’s going to become a beloved staple in your recipe box—so go ahead and dive in, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw combining crisp three-color coleslaw mix with sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy honey-ginger dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for any meal or picnic.
Ingredients
Salad
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix
- 1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
Dressing
- Âľ cup mayo
- Âľ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ÂĽ cup honey
- Âľ tsp dried ground ginger
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions until well distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and dried ground ginger until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing for consistent flavor.
- Adjust for lighter version: To make the coleslaw lighter, reduce the amounts of mayo and yogurt accordingly without compromising the balance of flavors.
- Serve or chill: Serve the coleslaw immediately for crisp freshness or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- Best to use crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for optimal flavor and texture.
- Refrigeration enhances the melding of flavors but avoid storing too long to maintain crunchiness.
- This recipe is versatile; swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
