Zesty Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe: A Fresh Twist

Crisp autumn days call for a vibrant apple cranberry coleslaw that bursts with seasonal flavors and textures.

Tangy cranberries dance brilliantly through this colorful slaw, creating a perfect balance of sweet and zesty notes.

Crunchy cabbage provides a robust base for the delightful mix of ingredients.

Tart green apples add a refreshing brightness that complements the creamy dressing.

Every forkful promises a delightful crunch and a symphony of complementary tastes.

This simple yet elegant side dish brings a touch of elegance to any meal.

Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a standalone refreshing salad that celebrates the best of autumn’s bounty.

Serving Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

• Festive Picnic Companion: This coleslaw shines as a vibrant side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings where fresh, crisp flavors are welcome.
• Protein Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, or baked fish to add a tangy, sweet crunch that complements rich main course proteins beautifully.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Scoop this coleslaw directly into sandwiches like pulled pork or turkey clubs for an extra layer of texture and bright, zesty flavor that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Holiday Table Star: Bring this colorful salad to thanksgiving or winter holiday dinners as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier traditional dishes, adding a light and fruity element to the spread.

Store Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Properly

• Freshness First Storage: Keep this vibrant coleslaw chilled in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain crisp textures and maximum flavor intensity.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare dressing separately and store vegetables chopped but uncoated to prevent soggy ingredients. Mix components just before serving for optimal crunchiness and taste.
• Ingredient Separation Technique: Store nuts and fruits in separate small containers to prevent moisture buildup. This approach helps maintain the salad's delightful textural contrasts during storage.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always refrigerate coleslaw below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Allow minimal time at room temperature during serving to ensure food safety and quality preservation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

• Coleslaw Mix: Pre-shredded cabbage blend offering instant texture and convenience.
• Green Onions: Sharp, zesty herbs that add fresh punch and vibrant color to the salad.

• Apple: Crisp, sweet element that brings juicy brightness and delightful crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Tangy jewels that provide bursts of concentrated fruity sweetness.
• Walnuts: Rich, earthy nuts delivering satisfying crackle and wholesome nutrition.

• Mayonnaise: Silky base creating smooth, luxurious coating for the salad.
• Yogurt, Sour Cream: Tangy dairy options adding light richness and balanced acidity.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens dressing and complements other ingredients.
• Ground Ginger: Warm, subtle spice introducing gentle aromatic complexity.

Coleslaw-Making Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping apples, green onions, and preparing other ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise chopping of fruits and nuts.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the dressing.

Making Apple Cranberry Coleslaw at Home

• Fresh Veggie Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in crisp shredded cabbage blend, creating a vibrant foundation for your zesty salad.

• Fruit and Crunch Layer

Dice a juicy apple into tiny cubes, sprinkle ruby-red cranberries, and add crunchy chopped walnuts for delightful texture and unexpected flavor bursts.

• Green Accent

Slice delicate green onions to add a mild, sharp note that complements the sweet and nutty elements already in the mix.

• Creamy Harmony

Whip together a smooth dressing using tangy yogurt, silky mayonnaise, golden honey, and a whisper of warming ginger to bind all ingredients with a luscious coating.

• Final Blend

Gently fold the creamy mixture into the vegetable medley, ensuring every morsel gets dressed evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning for a perfect balance of flavors that dance on your palate.

• Serving Suggestion

Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile that will surprise and delight your guests.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Tips & Variations

• Replace yogurt with Greek yogurt for extra protein and tanginess, creating a richer, more luxurious coleslaw experience.
• Add sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for additional texture and nutty flavor that complements the apple and cranberries.
• Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle hot sauce for those who enjoy a subtle kick in their coleslaw.
• Prepare the dressing and chopped ingredients separately, combining just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy vegetables.

Crisp Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade apple cranberry coleslaw blends crisp cabbage with sweet-tart fruit for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy textures and balanced flavors make this salad perfect for summer gatherings or holiday meals you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz (396 g) 3-color coleslaw mix
• 1 large apple, chopped
• ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
• 4 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
• ¾ cup (180 ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• ¾ tsp dried ground ginger
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (optional lighter version)
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain yogurt (optional lighter version)
• 3 tbsps honey (optional lighter version)
• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional lighter version)

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Instructions

1. Prep Base: Combine coleslaw blend in a large mixing bowl, dicing crisp apples and scattering dried cranberries throughout the mixture for vibrant color and tangy sweetness.
2. Add Texture: Integrate chopped walnuts and finely sliced green onions, creating a multi-dimensional crunch that elevates the salad’s sensory experience.
3. Craft Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, and ground ginger in a separate bowl until the sauce transforms into a smooth, well-integrated emulsion with balanced flavor notes.
4. Dress and Blend: Pour the creamy dressing over the coleslaw, gently folding to ensure every ingredient receives an even, luxurious coating without compromising the delicate textures.
5. Final Touch: Season with strategic pinches of salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to harmonize the salad’s complex flavor profile, then refrigerate briefly to allow ingredients to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Customize Crunch: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for varied texture and personalized flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance, storing dressing and vegetables separately to maintain crisp integrity.
• Smart Substitution: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing without compromising creamy consistency.
• Seasonal Swap: Use fresh cranberries during autumn or frozen berries when seasonal availability is limited for consistent tartness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg