Vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw in a rustic wooden bowl, featuring crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and green onions in a creamy dressing.

Welcome to a truly delightful fall side dish! This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw brings together unique seasonal flavors in a refreshing way. Enjoy its amazing crunchy texture, sweet-tart balance, and overall deliciousness. It’s an ideal choice for holiday meals, family gatherings, or simply a quick weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This recipe is a busy parent’s dream, making baking simple and delicious for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw:

Festive & Flavorful: It’s truly perfect for fall and winter meals, adding a touch of seasonal cheer.
Sweet-Tart Balance: Enjoy the wonderful combination of crisp, sweet fruit with a tangy, creamy dressing.
Crunchy Texture: Every bite is satisfying thanks to the fresh cabbage, crisp apples, and toasted walnuts.
Quick & Easy: This delightful side dish comes together in just about 10 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance to simplify your meal prep and reduce stress.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.

For the Coleslaw:

14 ounce bag 3-color coleslaw mix
1 large apple, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 green onions, sliced

For the Dressing:

3/4 cup mayo
3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup honey
3/4 teaspoon dried ground ginger

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these simple changes.

For the cabbage, a pre-bagged coleslaw mix is a huge time-saver. However, you can use freshly shredded cabbage (green, red, or a mix) or even a broccoli slaw for a different twist. When selecting apples, Honeycrisp or Gala offer sweetness, while Granny Smith provides a nice tart counterpoint.

Cranberries are known for their potential health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants and supporting urinary tract health. You can learn more about the health benefits of cranberries.

Feel free to use dried cherries or golden raisins if you don’t have cranberries. Instead of walnuts, try pecans or sliced almonds, or simply omit the nuts for an allergy-friendly version. You can use finely minced red onion instead of green onions for a sharper flavor. If using thicker Greek yogurt, you might need to thin the dressing with a splash of milk or water. Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar substitute can replace honey. For an alternative spice, use a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon instead of ginger.

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this simple recipe. Just a few basic kitchen tools will get the job done.

Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Instructions

Making this delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time.

Prep vegetables: First, finely chop your apple into bite-sized pieces. Then, thinly slice the green onions, using both the white and green parts.
Combine slaw ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, add the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
Prepare dressing: In the small mixing bowl, combine the mayo, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and dried ground ginger. Whisk these dressing ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well-combined.
Dress the coleslaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed coleslaw ingredients in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to stir everything thoroughly, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Adjust creaminess (optional): If you prefer a less creamy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, use slightly less dressing. Try starting with 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger as a base. Add more if desired.
Chill (optional): While this coleslaw is delicious immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This step enhances the taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve perfect Apple Cranberry Coleslaw every time with these helpful hints. They address common concerns and ensure a delightful dish.

Prevent watery coleslaw: The cabbage can release liquid over time. Dress your coleslaw just before serving to maintain its optimal crunch and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Maintain crunch: If you’re making this coleslaw ahead of time, consider adding the walnuts and dried cranberries right before serving. This keeps them from softening in the dressing.
Prevent apple browning: To keep your chopped apples looking fresh and bright, toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice immediately after chopping. This is due to the citric acid in lemon juice which acts as an antioxidant.
Customize sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding it to the slaw. You can easily adjust the amount of honey to suit your preference for sweetness.
Even coating: Take your time mixing the dressing into the slaw. Ensure every shred of cabbage and every piece of fruit is well-coated for consistent flavor.
Taste and adjust: Always taste your coleslaw before serving. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a bit more honey to balance the flavors perfectly.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is incredibly versatile and easy to store, making it a convenient and flavorful addition to any meal.

Serving Suggestions

This refreshing side dish complements a wide array of meals, adding a burst of flavor and texture.

Main dishes: It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or any BBQ dish.
Holiday meals: Make it a staple for your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, or bring it to your next potluck.
Sandwich topping: Spoon some onto pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even a veggie burger for extra crunch and tang.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your coleslaw stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Refrigerate promptly: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator immediately.
Longevity: For the best taste and texture, try to consume this coleslaw within 24-48 hours.
Drain excess liquid: Before serving leftovers, give it a quick stir and drain any excess liquid that may have accumulated at the bottom.

Creative Variations

Experiment with these ideas to put your own spin on this already fantastic Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

Fruit additions: Stir in finely diced pears or halved red grapes for additional sweetness and color.
Cheese additions: Crumble in some feta, goat cheese, or even a bit of pungent blue cheese for a savory kick.
Spice it up: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or freshly ground black pepper to the dressing for a subtle warmth.
Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten the flavors and add a fresh aroma.
Crunch factor: Boost the crunch with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds alongside, or instead of, the walnuts.

Nutrition Information

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw offers a delicious way to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. The nutrition information below provides an estimated value per serving.

Name	Value
Serving Size	1g
Calories	191kcal
Carbohydrates	16g
Protein	2g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	2g
Polyunsaturated Fat	9g
Monounsaturated Fat	3g
Trans Fat	0.03g
Cholesterol	8mg
Sodium	103mg
Potassium	138mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	13g
Vitamin A	106IU
Vitamin C	14mg
Calcium	42mg
Iron	0.5mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about preparing and enjoying this delightful Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.

Which apples are best for coleslaw? Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples offer a great balance of sweetness and crunch. For a tart flavor, use Granny Smith.
Can I use Greek yogurt in the dressing? Yes, you absolutely can! Greek yogurt will make the dressing thicker, so you might need to add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
How do I make coleslaw less creamy? Simply reduce the amount of mayo and plain yogurt/sour cream in the dressing by about 1/4 cup each. This results in a lighter coating.
Can I prepare this coleslaw ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the slaw ingredients and make the dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Combine them just before serving.
How do I prevent apples from turning brown? Toss your chopped apples with a little lemon juice immediately after cutting them. This simple trick prevents oxidation and keeps them fresh.

Conclusion

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a truly fantastic way to bring the vibrant flavors of fall to your table. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with delightful crunch, and offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw recipe is simple to master. Give this unique side dish a try, and you might just discover a new family favorite! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share your comments and rate the recipe.