If you are looking for a refreshing, tangy, and colorful salad that bursts with the flavors of fall, then this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is about to become your new go-to! With the crisp sweetness of apples, the tart pop of cranberries, and the crunch of walnuts all tossed in a creamy, subtly spiced dressing, this coleslaw feels like a festive celebration in every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled dishes or packing it for a picnic, this recipe brings together simple, vibrant ingredients that make for a truly irresistible side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in the overall flavor and texture of your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe. From the crunchy coleslaw mix to the creamy dressing, everything comes together with ease and harmony.
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix: Provides the essential crunchy base with green, purple, and orange cabbage for color and texture.
- 1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji): Adds natural sweetness and a crisp bite that perfectly complements the tart cranberries.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Brings a tangy, chewy contrast that livens up each mouthful.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Offers a satisfying crunch and a rich nutty flavor that deepens the salad’s complexity.
- 4 green onions, sliced: Gives a fresh, mild sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- ¾ cup mayo: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that binds everything beautifully.
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds a slight tang and lightness to the dressing, keeping it from feeling too heavy.
- ¼ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps mellow the tartness from the cranberries and ginger.
- ¾ tsp dried ground ginger: Introduces a warm, aromatic hint that lifts the flavors and offers a subtle spiced twist.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and sliced green onions. This mixture is the heart of the salad, where color, crunch, and bursts of sweetness start to build the foundation of flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the mayo, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and dried ground ginger until the mixture is silky and smooth. This homemade dressing is the magic that ties all those fresh goodies together while adding creaminess and a subtle zing.
Step 3: Toss to Combine
Pour the luscious dressing evenly over the coleslaw mixture. Use gentle but thorough tossing to ensure every bite will have the perfect balance of creamy and crisp. This step sets the stage for an incredibly harmonious salad.
Step 4: Adjust for Lighter Versions
If you’re looking for a lighter variation, feel free to reduce the amounts of mayo and yogurt to suit your taste. This flexibility makes the recipe approachable no matter your dietary preferences.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe immediately for a fresh crunch, or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Letting it chill allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making every forkful even more delicious.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or fresh green onion slices on top right before serving to add a lovely finishing touch. If you want to enhance the festive vibe, a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a few pomegranate seeds make beautiful and tasty additions.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. It’s a fantastic side for grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or even Thanksgiving dinner. Its sweet, tart, and creamy profile complements smoky and savory dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, try serving this coleslaw in individual mason jars or clear glass bowls to show off all the vibrant colors. You can also pile it atop leafy lettuce or inside crisp pita pockets for a delightful twist that adds visual appeal and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The apples may soften slightly over time, but the flavors only deepen and become richer.
Freezing
Because of the fresh apple and creamy dressing, freezing this coleslaw is not ideal as it may alter the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
This coleslaw is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so it doesn’t require reheating. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been chilled.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are preferred for their sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith or Gala apples can work well too depending on your taste preference.
Is there a good substitute for mayo in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter, tangier dressing. Just keep in mind it will change the texture slightly.
Can I add fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so if you choose to use them, consider lightly cooking or sweetening them first to balance the flavors in the salad.
How long can I prepare this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?
For the best texture and flavor, prepare it up to a day in advance. Make sure to keep it well refrigerated until serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday potluck?
Definitely! The festive colors and seasonal flavors make this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe a standout dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time, making it a beloved addition to any meal. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. You’ll love how it brightens up your table and your taste buds!
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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a vibrant and refreshing side dish combining crunchy coleslaw mix with sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. Dressed in a creamy honey-ginger dressing, this easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or a light, healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾ tsp dried ground ginger
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, 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 mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust dressing if desired: For a lighter version, reduce the quantities of mayonnaise and yogurt accordingly, and mix again until balanced to taste.
- Serve or chill: Serve the coleslaw immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- This coleslaw can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator for better flavor melding.
- Using tart apples like Granny Smith can add more contrast if you prefer a less sweet salad.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds for different textures and flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, add walnuts just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
