Tangy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe: A Refreshing Twist

Crisp autumn days inspire incredible apple cranberry coleslaw that bursts with seasonal flavors and unexpected textures.

Colorful cabbage mingles with sweet apple chunks and tart cranberry bits for a vibrant side dish.

Fresh ingredients create magic in your kitchen when combined thoughtfully.

Crunchy vegetables provide delightful contrast against smooth dressing components.

Nutritious and light, this recipe promises to become a quick favorite for gatherings.

Quick preparation means you can focus on enjoying delicious results instead of spending hours cooking.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated salad that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Mix-Ins and Variations for Coleslaw Lovers

• Vegan Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or cashew cream, and use agave nectar instead of honey for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap apples with jicama or radish for a crunchy, low-carb alternative that maintains the salad's texture.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas to transform the coleslaw into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha sauce to give the coleslaw a zesty, warming flavor profile.

Best Ways to Present Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork sandwiches for a refreshing summer meal.
• Festive Holiday Companion: Bring this colorful slaw to Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings as a vibrant side dish that complements roasted meats.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the coleslaw into a light, satisfying main course salad.
• Texture Adventure: Sprinkle extra toasted almonds just before serving to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall eating experience.

How to Store Fresh Coleslaw Properly

• Transfer leftover coleslaw to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep crisp by placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture.
• Do not freeze coleslaw, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh apples will separate and become watery, ruining the texture and taste.
• Before serving leftovers, drain any excess liquid and gently stir to redistribute the dressing. Add a few fresh sliced almonds for crunch if desired.
• Enjoy coleslaw within 48 hours for optimal flavor and texture, as ingredients like cabbage and apples will gradually lose their crispness over time.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with red cabbage or napa cabbage for a different flavor and texture.

• Is this coleslaw healthy?

This recipe is relatively healthy, packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, and using a moderate amount of mayo with apple cider vinegar for added nutrition.

• How long can the coleslaw stay fresh?

The coleslaw stays crisp and fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing this coleslaw a few hours or even a day before serving allows the flavors to meld and become more delicious.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Crisp Salad Standouts

• Whip Up Quickly: Prepare this vibrant coleslaw in mere minutes with simple ingredients easily found in your kitchen, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks.
• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Packed with fresh cabbage, crisp apples, and sweet cranberries, this dish delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for a healthy meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: The perfect balance of tangy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and sweet-tart fruits creates an irresistible side dish that appeals to all taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a refreshing side for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or alongside grilled meats, making it a flexible addition to any meal plan.

Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Flavor

• Cabbage: Fresh, crisp vegetable that provides the main texture and crunch for the coleslaw.
• Apple Slices: Sweet and tart fruit that adds a refreshing flavor and extra crunch to the salad.
• Carrots: Colorful root vegetable that brings additional sweetness and nutritional value.

• Dried Cranberries: Tangy and sweet dried fruit that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sliced Almonds: Crunchy nut that provides a nutty flavor and additional texture to the coleslaw.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Black Pepper: Creamy and tangy ingredients that create a balanced and flavorful dressing to coat the salad ingredients.

Method for Fresh and Crunchy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Step 1: Chop and Prep Crisp Vegetables

Finely slice green and red cabbage into thin, delicate strands.

Core and dice sweet, crunchy apples into small cubes.

Peel and grate carrots into fine, colorful shreds.

If desired, roughly chop almonds for extra texture.

Step 2: Create Tangy Dressing

Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, zesty apple cider vinegar, golden honey, sharp Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Combine Fresh Components

Toss the prepared cabbage, apples, carrots, and dried cranberries in a large serving bowl.

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over the mixture, using tongs or salad servers to coat every ingredient thoroughly.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Sprinkle sliced almonds across the top for a delightful crunch.

Gently fold the nuts into the coleslaw to distribute them evenly throughout the dish.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious salad.

Step 6: Garnish and Present

Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir.

Optional garnishes include fresh parsley or additional sliced almonds.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

Top Tips for Tangy and Sweet Coleslaw Success

• Cut apple slices thin and uniform to ensure even distribution and texture throughout the coleslaw.
• Adjust vinegar and honey amounts to create a perfect sweet-tangy balance that complements the fresh ingredients.
• Toss apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain their crisp, white appearance.
• Lightly toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch before adding to the salad.
• Make the coleslaw a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more harmonious taste profile.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp apple cranberry coleslaw brings zesty Mediterranean flair to summer picnics with its tangy blend of fresh ingredients. Refreshing cabbage and sweet-tart apples create a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup carrots, shredded

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced (optional)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Slice and dice fresh cabbage, crisp apples, and carrots into thin, uniform strips, creating a colorful and textured base for the coleslaw.
2. Sprinkle dried cranberries and sliced almonds throughout the vegetable mixture, adding bursts of sweetness and crunchy texture.
3. Whisk together a creamy dressing in a separate container, blending tangy apple cider vinegar, smooth mayonnaise, golden honey, and zesty Dijon mustard until perfectly combined.
4. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Gently drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, carefully folding and tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
6. Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while chilling the salad.
7. Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, ensuring a vibrant and fresh presentation.
8. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light accompaniment to summer meals, garnishing with additional almonds if desired.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-rich version that’s lower in calories and adds a tangy twist.
• Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex crunch to the coleslaw.
• Use green apples for extra tartness or sweeter Honeycrisp varieties depending on your flavor preference and desired balance in the dish.
• Keep coleslaw crisp by draining excess liquid from cabbage and adding dressing just before serving to prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 157 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 185 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg