Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
There’s something truly delightful about a dish that balances crisp freshness with a touch of sweetness, and that’s exactly what this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe delivers. Imagine the crunchy bite of a vibrant three-color coleslaw mix paired with the juicy tartness of fresh apple and the chewy burst of dried cranberries, all brought together by a creamy, slightly tangy dressing. It’s a perfect medley of textures and flavors that will brighten any meal, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving a guilt-free side packed with color and crunch. Trust me, once you try this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays its role, from the fresh crunch of the slaw mix to the natural sweetness of honey, making the final dish both refreshing and satisfying.
- 3-color coleslaw mix (14 ounces): The foundation of this dish, providing a crisp and colorful crunch.
- 1 large apple (chopped): Adds juicy sweetness and a little snap that complements the slaw perfectly.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These chewy gems bring a burst of tartness and vibrant red color.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying nutty crunch and a rich, earthy flavor.
- 4 green onions (sliced): Offers a subtle onion flavor that lightens and brightens the salad.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing, ensuring every bite is smooth and luscious.
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightness to balance the mayonnaise.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally, enhancing the fruit’s flavors without overpowering.
- 3/4 teaspoon dried ground ginger: Provides a warm, spicy note that lifts the entire salad.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in your 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. This combination sets the stage for a mix of textures and flavors you’ll love, from crunchy to chewy to crisp.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and dried ground ginger. Taking a moment here ensures the honey is evenly distributed and the ginger flavor is fully blended into the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and stir thoroughly but gently, ensuring every shred and chunk is coated with that luscious, flavorful dressing. This step is where your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe truly comes alive with balanced creaminess and vibrant fruity accents.
Step 4: Optional Creaminess Adjustment
If you prefer a less rich coleslaw, simply adjust the dressing use to 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. This tweak keeps all the flavor but lends a lighter texture that’s perfect for summer days.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a few dried cranberries on top before serving adds an inviting visual touch and an extra bit of texture. A small dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a sprig of fresh parsley can bring a touch of sophistication too, making your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe feel like a celebration on the plate.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, turkey burgers, or even alongside a hearty pulled pork sandwich. The crispness and sweetness help balance richer, savory mains, making it a perfect companion to almost any barbecue or picnic spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or on a bed of mixed greens to transform it into a stunning centerpiece salad. You can also scoop it into small cups or lettuce wraps for easy-to-eat party bites, elevating the experience for your guests while keeping preparation simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this coleslaw is dressed in a mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is not recommended. Freezing will negatively affect the texture, especially the crispness of the coleslaw mix and apples, resulting in a soggy salad once thawed.
Reheating
This coleslaw is always best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Allow it to sit out for about 10 to 15 minutes after refrigeration if you want to soften it slightly without losing that fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe?
Absolutely! While a crisp apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works beautifully for their tartness and crunch, feel free to experiment with sweeter or softer varieties depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop them fresh to keep the texture crisp.
Is there a vegan version of this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by swapping the mayonnaise and yogurt for plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the natural sweetness intact.
Can I add other nuts or seeds instead of walnuts?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds make excellent substitutes. They’ll all add a nice crunch and complement the apple and cranberry flavors really well.
What’s the best way to keep the apples from browning in this recipe?
Toss the chopped apple with a little lemon juice before mixing them into the coleslaw. The acidity helps slow down the browning process while adding a subtle brightness to the salad.
Can the dressing be made ahead of time for the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This can actually help the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing with the coleslaw ingredients to make sure everything is smooth and even.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fresh, colorful, and delicious side dish that’s quick to whip up and sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, the balance of tart, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements makes it a real winner. So go on, try it out and watch how it transforms your meal into something truly special!
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw that combines crisp coleslaw mix with sweet apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a creamy honey-ginger dressing. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or light lunches.
Ingredients
Coleslaw Mix
- 14 ounce bag 3-color coleslaw mix
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3/4 teaspoon ground dried ginger
Instructions
- Combine Coleslaw Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions until well combined.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and ground dried ginger until smooth and evenly blended.
- Toss Coleslaw with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Optional Creaminess Adjustment: For a less creamy texture, reduce mayonnaise and yogurt to 1/2 cup each, honey to 3 tablespoons, and ginger to 1/2 teaspoon before mixing.
Notes
- Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for better balance with the sweet cranberries.
- Chop walnuts can be toasted lightly to enhance their flavor before adding.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste depending on preferred sweetness level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayo.
- Coleslaw can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
