Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that dances on your taste buds. Imagine crisp apples mingling with tart cranberries, all wrapped in a creamy dressing that adds just the right amount of zing. sweet chili chicken pairing This dish isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration, perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or just because you want something refreshing and delicious. chicken taco soup Thai chicken curry soup. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe.
Every bite of this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw brings back memories of family picnics where laughter echoed, and everyone raced to grab the last serving. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm inside, like a cozy hug from Grandma after a long day. cheesy ranch potatoes Trust me; you’ll want to whip this up not only for special occasions but also as a quick side to brighten any meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The flavor combination is both refreshing and satisfying
- With vibrant colors and textures, it’s visually appealing on any table
- It’s versatile enough to pair with grilled meats or enjoy as a light lunch
I remember the first time I made this coleslaw for a family reunion; everyone went back for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Green Cabbage: Fresh and crunchy cabbage forms the base of our coleslaw, providing that necessary crunch.
Red Cabbage: Adds color and extra texture; choose vibrant red heads for the best visual appeal.
Carrots: Shredded carrots lend natural sweetness and bright orange color to your slaw.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples add sweetness and tartness; choose firm apples for crunch.
Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart cranberries provide chewy bites that balance the crunch of the cabbage.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise binds everything together; opt for full-fat or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. For more inspiration, check out this Greek Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds tanginess and enhances the apple flavor in the slaw.
Honey: A touch of honey sweetens the dressing without being overpowering; adjust based on your taste.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key! A pinch of salt enhances flavors while pepper adds a bit of spice.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Chop the green cabbage into thin strips, followed by slicing red cabbage for added color.
Shred Those Carrots: Using either a box grater or food processor, shred your carrots until they look like tiny orange ribbons dancing in your bowl.
Chop the Apples: Core and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. If you’re feeling adventurous, leave the skin on for extra texture and color.
Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, apples, and dried cranberries. Toss everything gently until well mixed; you want an even distribution of colors.
Create Your Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste it—if you like it sweeter, add more honey!
Toss Everything Together!: Pour your dressing over the veggie mixture and toss gently until every piece is coated in creamy goodness. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow all flavors to meld beautifully.
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner!
You Must Know
- Apple Cranberry Coleslaw isn’t just a side; it’s a crunchy, tangy delight that brightens up any meal
- The combination of crisp apples and tart cranberries adds a refreshing twist that keeps guests coming back for more
- It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a zesty weekday lunch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw efficiently, start by shredding the cabbage and carrots first. Then, chop the apples and mix all ingredients with the dressing to achieve perfect flavor harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your coleslaw by adding nuts for crunch or swapping out apples for pears. A dash of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Storing & Reheating
Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It tastes best within two days but can last up to five days if kept sealed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a hit, use crisp, seasonal apples for maximum flavor
- Shredding vegetables evenly helps with texture and presentation
- Drizzling dressing just before serving ensures everything stays crunchy and fresh!
Sometimes I wonder how my friends manage to devour an entire bowl of this coleslaw at parties while I’m still trying to save some for myself!
FAQ
What type of apples work best in Apple Cranberry Coleslaw?
Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just remember to dress it right before serving to keep it crunchy.
What are some great add-ins for this coleslaw?
Consider adding nuts, raisins, or even shredded cheese for extra texture and flavor!
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Total Time: 54 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that perfectly balances sweet apples and tangy cranberries, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. This crunchy coleslaw is not only visually appealing but also versatile enough to accompany grilled meats or serve as a light lunch. Ideal for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or just as an everyday treat, this delightful dish will keep your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and shred the green and red cabbages, and shred the carrots.
- Chop the apple into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, apples, and cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently until fully coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Customize with add-ins like nuts or raisins for added texture. Drizzle dressing just before serving to maintain crunchiness.