Brighten your table with Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, a crisp, refreshing Summer Salad that blends sweet apples, tart cranberries, and tender cabbage in a creamy dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or light lunches, offering a vibrant, healthy side dish everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a summer standout. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: Prepares in 15 minutes, no cooking required.
- Fresh and Flavorful: A Summer Salad with sweet, tart, and crunchy elements.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to all ages at gatherings or family meals.
- Versatile: Pairs with grilled meats or serves as a light main with protein.
- Healthy Twist: Nutrient-rich ingredients for a guilt-free side.
Explore more refreshing sides in our guide: Summer Sides.
What Makes This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Special?
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw transforms the classic coleslaw into a vibrant Summer Salad with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Crisp apples and tangy cranberries add sweetness, while cabbage provides a tender crunch, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings like picnics or BBQs, this no-cook dish is quick to assemble, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it a go-to for both casual and festive occasions.
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
To make this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw (serves 6), gather these ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp celery seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Tips:
- Cabbage: Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience in Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.
- Apple: Granny Smith adds tartness; Honeycrisp brings sweetness for a balanced Summer Salad.
- Cranberries: Swap with raisins or dried cherries for variety.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or vegan mayo keeps it light and healthy.
- Nuts/Seeds: Omit for nut-free diets or try pecans for a richer crunch.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Prepare Salad Base
Combine 4 cups sliced cabbage, 1 julienned apple, ½ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup almonds (if using), 2 sliced green onions, and ¼ cup chopped parsley in a large bowl.
Mix Dressing
Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp celery seeds (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
Toss Coleslaw
Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.
Chill Salad
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors, enhancing the Summer Salad experience.
Serve Coleslaw
Serve chilled, garnished with extra parsley or cranberries for a vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw presentation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~180 per serving (based on 6 servings)
Servings: 6
Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 2g protein, 8g fat, 3g fiber
Tips for Perfect Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Slice Thinly: Thin cabbage and apple slices ensure a crisp Apple Cranberry Coleslaw texture.
- Prevent Browning: Toss apples in a splash of lemon juice before mixing.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to blend flavors in this Summer Salad.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste dressing and add more honey if needed.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, but add nuts just before serving to maintain crunch.
Creative Variations to Try
Customize this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with these ideas:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a hearty main dish.
- Fruit Swap: Try diced pears or grapes for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Twist: Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for richer flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing.
- Citrus Zest: Stir in lemon or orange zest for a bright, summery note in this Summer Salad.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing Summer Salad for BBQs, picnics, or family dinners. Serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients, or portion into individual cups for a chic presentation. Garnish with extra cranberries, parsley, or a sprinkle of seeds for visual appeal. Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or fish tacos for a balanced summer meal, or enjoy as a light lunch with crusty bread. For gatherings, set out alongside other salads or fruit platters for a vibrant spread.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare salad and dressing separately up to a day in advance; combine before chilling.
- Best Fresh: Enjoy within 2 days for optimal Apple Cranberry Coleslaw crunch.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing softens cabbage and apples, ruining texture.
- Refresh Leftovers: Add fresh apple slices or nuts to revive texture before serving.
FAQs About Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Can I use pre-made coleslaw mix for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw? Yes, it’s a time-saving option that works perfectly.
Which apples are best? Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness in this Summer Salad.
Can I swap the vinegar? White wine vinegar or lemon juice are great substitutes for apple cider vinegar.
Is there a vegan option? Use vegan mayo or Greek yogurt alternative for a plant-based dressing.
How long does it last? Up to 3 days in the fridge, but best within 2 days for crispness.
Can I make it ahead? Prepare a day in advance; toss before serving to refresh Apple Cranberry Coleslaw.
More Summer Recipes You’ll Love
- Peach Cheesecake
- Best Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
- Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe – A Fresh Summer Delight
Conclusion
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a crisp, flavorful Summer Salad that brings a sweet-tart crunch to any meal. Its quick prep and vibrant ingredients make it a go-to for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Toss together a batch, share your creations on social media, and explore more fresh recipes at Food and Tips!
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage thinly sliced (or a coleslaw mix)
- 1 large apple Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds optional, for crunch
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, julienned apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds (if using), green onions, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to taste.
- Toss the Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss everything together until the cabbage and apples are well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold.
Notes
- Customization: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier dish.
- Make Ahead: This coleslaw can be made up to a day in advance.
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