Fresh Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe: A Zingy Autumn Twist

Crisp cabbage dances with sweet-tart apple cranberry coleslaw, creating a vibrant side dish that bursts with fresh flavors.

Summer picnics and backyard gatherings call for this delightful blend of textures and colors.

Crunchy cabbage mingles with juicy apple slices and tangy cranberries in a creamy dressing that sings with brightness.

Each forkful promises a delectable crunch and perfect balance of sweet and zesty notes.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing salad that feels both rustic and elegant.

Colorful and refreshing, this coleslaw delivers a spectacular complement to grilled meats or as a standalone light meal.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this irresistible culinary creation.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw’s Cool and Crisp Appeal

• Enjoy a delightful mix of sweet and tangy notes that dance on your taste buds, combining crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts.
• Whip up this colorful salad in minutes with minimal chopping and just a few easy steps, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a hassle-free side dish.
• Pack in extra nutrients with a variety of textures and ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Serve as a refreshing side with grilled meats, picnic lunches, or as a light standalone meal that adapts to different dining occasions.

Ingredients Bursting With Fall Coleslaw Flavor

• Coleslaw Mix: A pre-shredded blend of fresh cabbage that provides the crisp base for this salad.
• Apple: A sweet and crunchy fruit that adds a fresh texture and natural sweetness to the coleslaw.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy berries that bring a burst of vibrant flavor and color to the dish.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that offer a rich, nutty flavor and provide additional texture to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream: Creamy bases that create a smooth and tangy dressing foundation.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds a gentle sweetness.
• Ground Ginger: A warm and slightly spicy spice that enhances the overall flavor profile of the coleslaw.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onions that add a subtle sharp flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.

Kitchen Helpers for Fresh Coleslaw Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together dressing components.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping apples, green onions, and nuts.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise, clean cuts on fruits and vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate tools for portioning ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for mixing coleslaw and ensuring even coating.

Step-by-Step Coleslaw Magic in Minutes

Step 1: Gather Colorful Produce

Grab a crisp cabbage mix, tart green apples, ruby-red dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and bright green onions.

Wash and prep all ingredients carefully, ensuring they’re fresh and ready for mixing.

Step 2: Chop and Slice

• Dice the green apples into small, uniform cubes
• Slice green onions into thin rings
• Roughly chop the walnuts for added texture

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Plain yogurt
• Honey
• Ground ginger

Blend until smooth and well incorporated, creating a silky and tangy sauce.

Step 4: Combine All Components

Toss the chopped produce in a large serving bowl.

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the mixture, gently folding everything together until each ingredient is perfectly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the coleslaw for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

This resting time allows the ingredients to become friends and develop a more complex taste profile.

Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light lunch accompaniment.

Secrets for Zesty, Crunchy Apple Coleslaw

• Toss chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration in the salad.
• Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispness to the coleslaw.
• Swap full-fat mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Adjust the amount of yogurt or mayo to control the dressing's thickness and ensure perfect coating of the vegetables.

Coleslaw Remix Creative Add-In Inspirations

• Vegan Delight: Replace mayo with vegan mayonnaise, use coconut yogurt instead of dairy yogurt, and swap honey with maple syrup for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute coleslaw mix with shredded cauliflower, use sugar-free sweetener instead of honey, and add more nuts for extra crunch.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Mix in grilled chicken or canned tuna, use Greek yogurt for additional protein, and sprinkle with sunflower seeds for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free mayonnaise, and verify no cross-contamination during preparation.

Best Ways to Plate Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

• Fresh Flavor Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork for a tangy, crisp complement that balances rich meats with bright, sweet notes.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this coleslaw as a refreshing side dish for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or summer potlucks where guests crave something light and zesty.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Pile this apple cranberry coleslaw into pulled turkey sandwiches or use as a crunchy topping for burgers to add extra texture and vibrant flavor.
• Gourmet Salad Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top and serve over mixed greens for a sophisticated lunch that transforms this coleslaw into an elegant main dish.

Storing Your Coleslaw For Maximum Freshness

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the coleslaw crisp and fresh in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Before serving leftovers, gently drain any accumulated liquid to maintain the salad's crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
• Skip freezing this coleslaw, as the yogurt and fresh ingredients will separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Gently mix the coleslaw just before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients' vibrant flavors.

FAQs

• What makes the dressing unique in this coleslaw?

The dressing combines mayo with yogurt or sour cream, adding a tangy twist and creamy texture while honey and ground ginger provide a subtle sweet and warm flavor profile.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a few hours before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and mix again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Are there any nutritional benefits to this coleslaw?

The recipe includes apples for fiber and vitamins, cranberries for antioxidants, walnuts for healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and cabbage for low-calorie crunch and nutrients.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp apple cranberry coleslaw brings together tangy and sweet flavors in a refreshing side dish. Crunchy cabbage and tart apples mingle with sweet cranberries, creating a perfect complement to grilled meats or picnic spreads you’ll enjoy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) 3-color coleslaw mix
• 1 large apple, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts
• 4 green onions, sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) plain yogurt or sour cream

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
• 3/4 teaspoon dried, ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Shred the coleslaw mix into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Dice the crisp apple into uniform small cubes, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the dish.
3. Scatter dried cranberries and roughly chopped walnuts over the shredded vegetables, adding layers of color and crunch.
4. Thinly slice green onions diagonally, sprinkling them across the mixture for a subtle, sharp flavor accent.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, and ground ginger until the dressing becomes smooth and fully integrated.
6. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the coleslaw mixture, gently folding and turning the ingredients to ensure complete and even coating.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste profile of the salad.
8. Before serving, give the coleslaw a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version that’s lower in calories and fat.
• Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the coleslaw.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the cabbage and prevent sogginess from the dressing.
• For a vegan alternative, replace mayo and yogurt with cashew cream and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the creamy, sweet profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg