If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with delightful flavors and textures, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes with the satisfying crunch of fresh cabbage and walnuts, making it an irresistibly refreshing dish that’s as lovely on a picnic table as it is at a holiday feast. What makes this coleslaw truly special is the harmony between crisp apples and tart dried cranberries, all tied together with a luscious honey-ginger dressing. It’s a beautiful, colorful side that stands out without stealing the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings a unique flair—whether it’s crispness, sweetness, or a creamy touch—that comes together into an unforgettable mix of flavors and textures.
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix: A colorful combination of shredded cabbages and carrots that provides the fresh, crunchy base.
- 1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji): Adds a juicy, sweet-tart crunch that brightens every bite.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: These little bursts of tangy sweetness complement the apple perfectly.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: For an irresistible nutty crunch and a dose of healthy fats.
- 4 green onions, sliced: A mild, fresh onion flavor that adds depth without overpowering.
- ¾ cup mayo: Creamy richness that binds the salad beautifully.
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Provides tanginess and a lighter feel to the dressing.
- ¼ cup honey: Natural sweetness that balances tart and savory notes.
- ¾ tsp dried ground ginger: A warm, subtle spice that lifts the entire dish with a gentle zing.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and mixing your 3-color coleslaw mix with the chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. This combination already looks inviting with all those vibrant colors and offers a delightful range of crunch and sweetness in every forkful.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk the mayo, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and dried ground ginger until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing. This dressing is the heart of the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, bringing everything together with its sweet and slightly spicy harmony.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour your luscious dressing over the coleslaw mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. The goal is to evenly coat each piece, ensuring no crunch or burst of flavor is left untouched.
Step 4: Adjust to Your Preference
If you want a lighter version, feel free to reduce the mayo and yogurt quantities to suit your taste. This step makes the recipe super versatile, letting you customize the richness without losing any of the essential flavor profiles.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
You can serve the coleslaw immediately if you’re in a hurry, but I highly recommend refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes. This allows those flavors to mingle and develop, giving you an even more satisfying and integrated taste experience.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe visually and texturally, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a handful of fresh green onion slices right before serving. This gives wonderful contrast, and those fresh bites of crunch look incredibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or a hearty holiday roast. Its crisp, tangy character provides a refreshing balance to richer main dishes, making it a versatile side that many will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve this coleslaw in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for easy, mess-free portions at any gathering. You can also use it as a topping on tacos or burgers to add a bright, fruity crunch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the apples may soften slightly over time. It’s best to enjoy it while it’s still crisp and vibrant.
Freezing
This coleslaw is not ideal for freezing because the fresh apples and coleslaw mix will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Just give it a quick stir before serving chilled, and the flavors will still shine beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are ideal for their crispness and sweetness, you can substitute with Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter bite. Just be mindful that softer apples may result in a less crunchy texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! You can swap out the mayonnaise and yogurt for dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut or almond milk yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture and tangy flavor without using dairy.
How far in advance can I prepare this coleslaw?
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe can be made a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated. However, avoid preparing it more than 24 hours in advance to maintain crispness and prevent the apples from browning too much.
Can I add more spices or herbs to the dressing?
Feel free to experiment! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice can add a different dimension to the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the dish, depending on your preference.
What’s the best way to keep the apples from browning?
Tossing the chopped apples immediately in the dressing helps slow oxidation, which causes browning. You can also briefly soak apple pieces in a mixture of water and lemon juice before adding them to the coleslaw to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a lively family gathering or enjoying it as a refreshing weeknight side, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face and a burst of color to your plate. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to coleslaw for every occasion!
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw featuring a colorful mix of coleslaw vegetables, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts all tossed in a creamy honey-ginger dressing. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Coleslaw Mix
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix
Fruits and Nuts
- 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 main ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 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 you achieve a smooth, well-combined dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust for lighter dressing (optional): If desired, reduce the amounts of mayonnaise and yogurt to create a lighter version of the dressing to suit your taste and preference.
- Serve or chill: Serve the apple cranberry coleslaw immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop deeper taste.
Notes
- Using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples ensures a sweet, crisp texture that complements the tart cranberries.
- For a dairy-free version, replace yogurt or sour cream with a vegan alternative and use a dairy-free mayo.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Refrigerating the coleslaw for a few hours enhances the melding of flavors but may soften the crunch slightly.
- This coleslaw pairs excellently with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side dish in picnics and festive meals.
