If you’re on the lookout for a refreshing, vibrant salad that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and crunchy elements, the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is your new best friend. This colorful dish brings together the crispness of apples and coleslaw mix with the tangy bite of dried cranberries and a velvety honey-ginger dressing. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that transforms typical coleslaw into something far more exciting and irresistible, perfect for brightening up any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its delightful flavor and texture. From the fresh crunch of the coleslaw mix to the natural sweetness of honey and apples, every item adds depth and vibrancy to the dish.
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix: Provides the classic crisp texture and colorful base.
- 1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji): Adds sweetness and crunch with a juicy freshness.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Brings a tart contrast and chewy texture.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Offers a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
- 4 green onions, sliced: Injects a mild zing and little pops of color.
- ¾ cup mayo: Creates a creamy base for the dressing, binding everything together.
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Lightens the dressing while adding tanginess.
- ¼ cup honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness.
- ¾ tsp dried ground ginger: Introduces a warm, subtle spice to the dressing.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions together in a large bowl. This mix of textures and colors creates a vibrant foundation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and dried ground ginger. The smooth, creamy blend of these ingredients will bring a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced notes to the coleslaw.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the luscious dressing over the bowl of combined ingredients, then toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every shred of coleslaw and piece of fruit is evenly coated with that dreamy dressing.
Step 4: Optional Lighter Version
If you prefer a lighter version of this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, simply reduce the amounts of mayo and yogurt or sour cream. This will slim down the dressing while still keeping that creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Serve immediately for a crisp, fresh bite or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to marry beautifully, giving the salad even more depth and making it perfect for gathering with friends and family.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few fresh apple slices or a handful of extra chopped walnuts on top. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a sprig of fresh parsley can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making it feel festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even as a tangy side for a holiday roast. Its bright flavors and crunchy textures complement rich or smoky mains perfectly, bringing balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this coleslaw in individual small mason jars for a charming picnic or potluck idea. Alternatively, stuff it into crispy lettuce cups or wrap it inside warm pita pockets for a creative snack or light lunch that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to retain the best texture and freshness, as the apples and walnuts can soften over time.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh produce and creamy dressing, which can separate and lose texture when thawed. Stick to making just enough fresh batches to enjoy immediate or next-day consumption.
Reheating
Since Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. Enjoy it cold as a refreshing side or snack anytime.
FAQs
Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and less chewy, so they can be used but expect a sharper flavor. You might want to balance this by adding a bit more honey to keep that lovely sweet-tart balance in the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are ideal because they offer a sweet crispness without falling apart. Avoid very soft or overly tart varieties to maintain the texture and flavor harmony.
Can I make this vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Swap the mayo and yogurt for vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt alternatives. The flavors still come together beautifully, keeping the essence of the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe intact.
Is it okay to prepare this coleslaw a day ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just toss the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning before mixing everything together and refrigerating. This way, the flavors meld without losing their inviting freshness.
How can I reduce the calories without sacrificing flavor?
Try lowering the amount of mayo and replacing sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Adding more apples or cranberries also boosts flavor and volume, helping keep it satisfying without extra calories.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, it might just become your go-to salad for any season. Its vibrant colors, fresh crunch, and harmonious sweet-tart dressing make it a standout dish at family dinners, picnics, or holiday spreads. Dive in with your favorite meal or enjoy it solo—it’s a simple joy you’ll want to share again and again!
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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing twist on the classic coleslaw, combining crisp coleslaw mix with sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy, tangy dressing flavored with honey and ground ginger. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any meal needing a light, fruity crunch.
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
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾ 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 evenly 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 well incorporated.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture, then toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Adjust for lighter version: If desired, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and yogurt to make a lighter dressing before mixing it into the salad.
- Chill and serve: Serve the coleslaw immediately for a crunchy texture, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and soften the slaw slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream for the plain yogurt based on preference.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before adding.
- This coleslaw tastes great the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the honey by half.
- Chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving for best flavor balance and texture.
