Zesty Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic

Whipping up a delightful cranberry apple coleslaw brings unexpected zest to your summer gatherings.

Crisp cabbage mingles with tart berries and sweet apple chunks for a refreshing twist.

Crunchy textures dance alongside bright flavors that surprise and delight.

Seasonal ingredients create a colorful salad that catches everyone’s attention at potlucks and picnics.

Tangy dressing coats each ingredient, balancing sweet and sharp notes perfectly.

Colorful and light, this dish promises to become your new favorite side.

You’ll want to make extra for seconds – trust me!

What Makes Cranberry Apple Coleslaw So Refreshing

• Create Colorful Culinary Art: Blend green and red cabbage for a stunning visual feast that transforms a simple salad into a vibrant masterpiece.
• Craft Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine fresh ingredients like apple, cranberries, and red onion to deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crisp textures in minutes.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: Develop restaurant-quality dressing with basic pantry ingredients, proving that sophisticated taste doesn't require complex cooking skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or alongside main courses, satisfying diverse palates with its universal appeal.

Ingredients For Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp, colorful base that provides a crunchy texture and nutritional foundation for the coleslaw.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing.
• Apple: Brings a sweet and tangy element with a fresh, crisp texture to balance the cabbage.

• Dried Cranberries: Introduces a sweet-tart burst of flavor and additional texture to the coleslaw.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, rich base for the dressing that binds all ingredients together.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the vinegar's sharpness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the coleslaw.

• Fresh Parsley, Sliced Almonds: Offer a fresh herb note and crunchy texture as a final touch to the dish.

How To Make Crisp Cranberry Apple Slaw

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Grab green and red cabbage, washing them thoroughly under cool water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels, removing any wilted outer leaves to ensure crisp, fresh texture.

Step 2: Shred Cabbage Masterfully

Slice cabbage into delicate, thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for consistent, elegant ribbons that will create beautiful color contrast in the coleslaw.

Step 3: Chop Supporting Ingredients

• Apple
• Red onion
• Dried cranberries

Cut apple into neat, small cubes. Finely mince red onion to distribute flavor evenly. Set dried cranberries aside for later mixing.

Step 4: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a tangy and sweet flavor base.

Step 5: Combine Coleslaw Components

Toss shredded cabbage, apple cubes, red onion, and dried cranberries in a large serving bowl. Pour dressing over the mixture, gently folding to ensure complete coverage.

Step 6: Let Flavors Develop

Allow coleslaw to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, letting ingredients marry and develop complex taste profiles.

Step 7: Add Final Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and sliced almonds on top. This adds delightful crunch and visual interest to the dish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Chill for 10 minutes if desired, or serve immediately as a vibrant, refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or picnics.

Best Tips For Coleslaw That Pops

• Prep Like a Pro: Wash cabbage thoroughly and dry completely to prevent soggy coleslaw and ensure crisp, fresh texture.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin cabbage strips for consistent bite and professional appearance.
• Speed Up Apple Prep: Dice apples quickly to prevent browning, keeping the fruit fresh and vibrant in the salad.
• Flavor Distribution Magic: Mince red onion finely to spread its sharp taste evenly throughout the coleslaw.
• Marinate for Maximum Taste: Let coleslaw rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and intensify before serving.

Twists On Cranberry Apple Coleslaw To Try

• Vegan Cabbage Slaw: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or cashew cream. Use maple syrup instead of honey for plant-based sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener. Increase nuts and reduce apple quantity to lower carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add finely chopped jalapeños, replace parsley with fresh mint, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• No-Onion Alternative: Eliminate red onion and substitute with thinly sliced fennel or celery for similar crunch and subtle pungent notes.

What Pairs Well With This Coleslaw

• Elevate Crisp Cabbage Crunch Pairing Experiences
• Grill Master's Protein Partner: Serve alongside smoky barbecue pulled pork or grilled chicken for a tangy, refreshing contrast that cuts through rich meat flavors.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Complement the coleslaw's crisp, sweet-tart profile with a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity matches the salad's vibrant notes.
• Picnic Perfect Sidekick: Pack with classic summer favorites like burgers, hot dogs, or fried chicken, creating a balanced meal where the coleslaw's crunch and zesty dressing enhance hearty main dishes.

Storing Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Right

• Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep crisp by placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Before serving refrigerated coleslaw, gently drain any accumulated liquid and give the salad a quick stir to redistribute ingredients and revive texture.
• Skip freezing this coleslaw, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery, compromising the salad's creamy consistency and fresh vegetable crunch.
• Let chilled coleslaw sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften slightly, making it more enjoyable and easier to mix.

FAQs About Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

• Why use both green and red cabbage?

Green and red cabbage add beautiful color contrast and provide different nutritional benefits, creating a more interesting and healthier coleslaw with varied textures and flavors.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this coleslaw 1-2 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

• Is this coleslaw healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is packed with nutrients from cabbage, apples, and cranberries. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and provides a good balance of vitamins and antioxidants.

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp cranberry apple coleslaw delivers a refreshing twist on classic salad traditions. Tangy fruit and crunchy cabbage combine for a delightful side dish you’ll savor with every colorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish/Optional:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and dry green and red cabbage, ensuring all outer leaves are clean and crisp.
2. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, shred both cabbage varieties into thin, uniform strips, creating a vibrant mixed base for the coleslaw.
3. Carefully dice the apple into small, consistent cubes, preventing browning by working quickly.
4. Finely mince the red onion to distribute its sharp flavor evenly throughout the salad.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing becomes smooth and well-integrated.
6. Combine shredded cabbages, diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped red onion in a large serving bowl.
7. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
8. Allow the coleslaw to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, enabling flavors to meld and develop.
9. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and sliced almonds on top for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Chill for an additional 10 minutes if desired, or serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

• Prep Cabbage Carefully: Ensure thorough washing and drying prevents excess moisture, keeping coleslaw crisp and preventing soggy texture.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Work quickly when dicing apples or toss immediately with lemon juice to maintain fresh, bright appearance.
• Customize Dressing Flexibility: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter version or use vegan mayo for plant-based alternative.
• Enhance Nutritional Profile: Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra protein and crunch, making salad more substantial and nutritionally balanced.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg