What the heck is this?
Looking for a side dish that adds crunch, color, and a little zing to your meal? Meet Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! This isn’t your ordinary slaw – it’s a fresh twist on the classic, with crisp green cabbage, sweet apples, and tart dried cranberries, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes this slaw more than just a side dish – it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re serving it with BBQ, grilled meats, or at your next holiday spread, this slaw will have everyone going back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A fresh and crunchy alternative to traditional coleslaw
Sweet apples and tangy cranberries make it feel like a holiday treat
The creamy dressing ties everything together perfectly
Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side for any meal
It’s quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
Totally customizable – swap ingredients to your liking!
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Slaw:
4 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1/2 medium head)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 large apple, julienned or diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped green onions or scallions (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Apples
Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots. If you’ve got a mandolin slicer, now’s the time to use it for perfect, thin shreds. Next, core the apple and cut it into thin slices, then dice or julienne. You can leave the skin on for extra color and nutrition, but feel free to peel it if you prefer. Toss everything in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a bit more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Add the dressing to the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Make sure all the vegetables and fruits are well mixed with the creamy dressing. Stir in the dried cranberries and optional green onions for an added pop of flavor and color.
Step 4: Let It Chill
For best results, cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the slaw to get nice and crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve it chilled as a side to your favorite grilled meats, pulled pork sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is as refreshing as it is delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with a BBQ feast or grilled chicken for a classic combo.
Add it to a sandwich or wrap for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve alongside a hearty soup or stew to add a fresh element to your meal.
Switch It Up
Go nutty: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Add more fruit: You can add other fruits like pears or grapes to mix things up.
Make it spicy: Stir in a little jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Make-Ahead Tips
This coleslaw gets even better after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to make it a day ahead.
If you’re making it ahead of time, consider leaving the dressing on the side until you’re ready to serve to keep the cabbage from wilting.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage?
A: Absolutely! You can use red cabbage for a different color and flavor, or even a mix of both green and red cabbage.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based version and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: How long will this keep in the fridge?
A: It will stay fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Crisp, Sweet & Tangy Side Dish You’ll Love
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Looking for a side dish that adds crunch, color, and a little zing to your meal? Meet Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! This isn’t your ordinary slaw – it’s a fresh twist on the classic, with crisp green cabbage, sweet apples, and tart dried cranberries, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes this slaw more than just a side dish – it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re serving it with BBQ, grilled meats, or at your next holiday spread, this slaw will have everyone going back for more.
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
4 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1/2 medium head)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 large apple, julienned or diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped green onions or scallions (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Apples
Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots. If you’ve got a mandolin slicer, now’s the time to use it for perfect, thin shreds. Next, core the apple and cut it into thin slices, then dice or julienne. You can leave the skin on for extra color and nutrition, but feel free to peel it if you prefer. Toss everything in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a bit more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Add the dressing to the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Make sure all the vegetables and fruits are well mixed with the creamy dressing. Stir in the dried cranberries and optional green onions for an added pop of flavor and color.
Step 4: Let It Chill
For best results, cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the slaw to get nice and crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve it chilled as a side to your favorite grilled meats, pulled pork sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is as refreshing as it is delicious!
Notes
Pair it with a BBQ feast or grilled chicken for a classic combo.
Add it to a sandwich or wrap for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve alongside a hearty soup or stew to add a fresh element to your meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~150 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 20g per serving
- Protein: ~2g per serving