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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: Easy Holiday Slaw Recipe You’ll Love

apple cranberry coleslaw - featured image

This vibrant apple cranberry coleslaw combines crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing, colorful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks, and comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/2 medium head)
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/4 medium head)
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and shredded (2 medium)
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • Splash of lemon juice (for apples, optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred green and red cabbage using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and shred carrots using a box grater or julienne peeler. Add to the bowl.
  3. Core and thinly slice the apple. Toss slices with lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
  4. Stir in dried cranberries. If cranberries are chewy, soak in warm water for 5 minutes and drain.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and poppy seeds (if using) until smooth.
  6. Pour dressing over veggies and toss until everything is well-coated.
  7. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors mingle, or serve immediately.
  8. Before serving, toss again and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.

Notes

For best crunch, add apples and dressing just before serving. Soak dried cranberries if they’re chewy. Adjust dressing to taste—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang. Garnish with parsley or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. Can be made vegan with vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cranberry coleslaw, holiday slaw, easy coleslaw, Thanksgiving side, Christmas salad, gluten-free coleslaw, vegetarian slaw, potluck recipe, cabbage salad, creamy coleslaw