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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

apple cranberry coleslaw - featured image

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a fresh, crunchy, and colorful side dish featuring crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or holiday tables, it’s easy to make, allergy-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/2 medium head, 300g)
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/4 medium head, 150g)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated (about 1 cup, 100g)
  • 2 medium apples, diced or julienned (about 1 1/2 cups, 180g; Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (60g)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (80g; vegan mayo if desired)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (60g; dairy-free yogurt if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5ml)
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (10ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional, 30g)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or dill (optional)
  • Lemon juice (for tossing apples, optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred green and red cabbage using a sharp knife, box grater, or food processor. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and grate carrots; add to the bowl with cabbage.
  3. Core and dice or julienne apples. Toss with a squeeze of lemon juice if prepping ahead to prevent browning. Add to the bowl.
  4. Stir in dried cranberries and sliced green onions (if using). Add chopped toasted nuts and fresh herbs if desired.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss gently with tongs or clean hands until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften slightly.
  8. Before serving, toss again. Adjust seasoning if needed. Drain any excess liquid if the slaw seems watery.
  9. Serve chilled, garnished with extra cranberries, nuts, or herbs if desired.

Notes

For best texture, keep apples and dressing separate until just before serving if making ahead. Adjust dressing sweetness or tang to taste based on apple variety. Optional add-ins like nuts or fresh herbs add extra flavor and crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; drain excess liquid before serving if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cranberry coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, healthy side dish, potluck salad, gluten-free coleslaw, vegan coleslaw, holiday side, BBQ salad, crunchy salad, easy coleslaw