Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Autumn’s vibrant hues are mirrored in this delightful Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe, a refreshing and surprisingly flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Forget the usual creamy, mayonnaise-heavy coleslaw; this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and slightly tangy notes, perfectly complementing any fall or holiday meal. Imagine the juicy crunch of crisp apples, the tart burst of cranberries, and the subtle zest of apple cider vinegar all coming together in a harmonious dance of flavors. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken, adding a delightful pop of color and texture to your plate. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a casual get-together, or simply looking for a healthy and satisfying lunch, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is guaranteed to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Prepare to be amazed by how easily this recipe comes together, using simple ingredients and minimal effort to create a culinary masterpiece. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw isn’t your average coleslaw; it’s a culinary masterpiece that elevates the humble side dish to a whole new level. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The unique blend of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and tangy apple cider vinegar creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a delightful departure from traditional coleslaw’s often heavy creaminess.
• Textural Delight: The crispness of the coleslaw mix, the juicy crunch of the apples, and the slightly soft texture of the cranberry sauce combine to create a symphony of textures in your mouth. It’s a truly multi-sensory experience.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and time. The simple preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time, yet the result is impressive enough for any occasion. It’s a testament to the idea that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
• Healthy and Refreshing: Compared to traditional coleslaws laden with heavy mayonnaise, this recipe is a lighter, healthier option. The addition of apples and cranberries boosts the nutritional value, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s the perfect side dish for those watching their calories, too!
• Versatile and Adaptable: This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is incredibly versatile. It’s equally delicious served chilled as a side dish or as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or even sandwiches. The recipe is also easily customizable, allowing you to experiment with different types of apples and add-ins to suit your preferences.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the apples and cranberries make this coleslaw a feast for the eyes, adding a pop of color to any table setting. This makes it a perfect side for holidays, or even as a feature in your holiday spread! Perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.

Why You Should Try This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Beyond its deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to give this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw a try:

• Seasonal Delight: This recipe perfectly captures the essence of fall and winter with its use of seasonal ingredients like apples and cranberries. It’s the ideal side dish for your autumn or holiday gatherings. Imagine enjoying it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas dishes! This recipe really captures that fall feeling.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This coleslaw has universal appeal. It’s a delicious side that both adults and children will enjoy, making it a great addition to any gathering. You’ll be surprised how many people are impressed with this simple recipe.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The best part? You can prepare this coleslaw ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully when refrigerated, making it even more delicious as time goes on. This means you can prepare it ahead of your holiday dinner and have one less thing to worry about.
• Improves with Age: Unlike some salads that wilt quickly, this coleslaw actually gets better as it sits in the refrigerator. The flavors blend and deepen, creating a richer, more complex taste. This is an ideal make-ahead recipe for parties or holidays!
• Perfect for Potlucks: This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or gathering. It travels well, stays fresh, and is guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. It’s a simple and tasty dish everyone will enjoy.
• Boosts your Health: This coleslaw is a delicious and healthy way to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet. The cranberries are packed with antioxidants, while the apples provide fiber and vitamins.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients and having the proper tools at hand will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Let’s take a closer look:

Detailed List of Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) bag Coleslaw Mix: This is the foundation of your coleslaw. Look for a pre-shredded mix containing a combination of cabbage and carrots for the best texture and flavor. You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots for a more personalized touch.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This adds that essential tartness and bursts of sweet-tart flavor. Whole berry sauce is preferred for its texture, but jellied cranberry sauce can be used as well (though it might change the final consistency slightly).
• 1 Medium Apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose a crisp and juicy apple variety for the best taste and texture. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are excellent choices, but you can also experiment with other varieties like Gala or Pink Lady. Avoid overly tart or mealy apples.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides the creamy base for the dressing. You can use full-fat mayonnaise or a reduced-fat alternative, but the taste will vary slightly. Consider using a high-quality brand for better flavor.
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides the tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Apple cider vinegar adds a depth of flavor to your coleslaw.
• 2 tablespoons Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for this recipe, but you can use brown sugar if you like a richer, deeper flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking based on the sweetness of your apples and cranberries.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: This adds a touch of sharpness and complexity to the dressing. Dijon mustard complements the other flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon Celery Seed: This adds a subtle earthy and slightly bitter note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Celery seed is a classic coleslaw ingredient, but you can omit it if you don’t like its flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the dressing and enhancing the overall flavor of the coleslaw. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Large Bowl: A spacious bowl is needed to easily combine all the ingredients for the coleslaw.
• Medium Bowl: This is for preparing the dressing separately before adding it to the coleslaw mix.
• Whisk: A whisk is ideal for smoothly combining the dressing ingredients. A fork can also be used, but a whisk ensures a smoother consistency.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Needed for dicing the apple. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and prevents bruising the apples.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the desired flavor balance in the dressing.
• Serving Bowl: Once the coleslaw is ready, transfer it to an attractive serving bowl to enhance its presentation. A clear glass bowl will showcase the vibrant colors nicely.
• Colander (Optional): If using freshly shredded cabbage, using a colander to thoroughly wash and drain the cabbage will ensure a crispier final result. This step is especially important if you’re not using a pre-washed coleslaw mix.
• Airtight Container (for Storage): Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Detailed Steps for Making the Perfect Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Follow these steps for a perfect Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, and remember, the flavors truly develop over time, so chilling it is key!

1. Prepare the Apple: Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the apple. Core the apple and dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size for even cooking and a pleasant texture. **Avoid cutting the apples too far in advance; they will start to brown.**
2. Combine the Coleslaw Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the coleslaw mix, diced apple, and the entire can of whole berry cranberry sauce. **Be gentle when mixing to avoid bruising the cabbage and apples.** This ensures a crisp and refreshing final product.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed. **Whisk vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.** This creates a smooth and creamy base for your dressing.
4. Season the Dressing: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. **Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and gradually add more until you achieve your desired level of seasoning.** Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
5. Dress the Coleslaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl. **Gently toss the coleslaw until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.** Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the coleslaw soggy.
6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. **This chilling step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.** The longer it chills, the better it tastes, up to 2-3 days. Serve the coleslaw chilled for the best texture and flavor. Garnish with extra chopped apple or cranberries before serving, for an extra touch of flair!

Tips and Variations for Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Here are some helpful tips and exciting variations to elevate your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw experience:

• Alternative Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith apples add a sharper, more tart flavor, while Braeburn apples offer a sweeter, more aromatic note.
• Add-ins: Consider adding other ingredients to customize the flavor and texture. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries provide an extra burst of tartness. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro adds a fresh herbal note.
• Spice it Up: For a zesty kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. A dash of Worcestershire sauce also adds a unique depth of flavor.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Many brands offer delicious vegan mayonnaise options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional mayonnaise.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your mayonnaise and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. Taste the dressing before adding it to the coleslaw and adjust the sweetness as needed.
• Avoid Soggy Coleslaw: Don’t over-dress the coleslaw. Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated but not overly saturated.
• Make it Ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it a day or two ahead of time to maximize its flavor potential.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw isn’t just delicious; it’s also a surprisingly healthy side dish. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits:

(Note: The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. These values are estimates.)

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients used).
• Protein: Low in protein, primarily from the mayonnaise.
• Fat: Moderate in fat, mainly from the mayonnaise and apples. Using a reduced-fat mayonnaise can lower the fat content.
• Carbohydrates: Moderate in carbohydrates, primarily from the coleslaw mix, apples, and cranberries.
• Fiber: Apples and cranberries are good sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are a good source of Vitamin C, while cranberries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin K. Cabbage offers Vitamin K and folate.
• Antioxidants: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and protect cells from damage. They are particularly beneficial for urinary tract health.

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw provides a healthy balance of nutrients in a delicious and satisfying package. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful and refreshing side dish as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw recipe is a delightful culinary creation. The combination of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors, coupled with its ease of preparation and stunning visual appeal, make it a perfect addition to your fall and holiday gatherings. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this wonderful recipe, and we strongly encourage you to try it! Don’t forget to share your experience and photos in the comments below! Let us know how your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw turned out. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our other recipes like Turkey Cheese Ball or Green Bean and Potato Casserole. You can also find more festive recipes on our blog, such as our Eggnog Cream Pie!

And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Check out our Pinterest page for more delicious recipes!

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with a Tangy Twist

A vibrant and flavorful coleslaw featuring sweet cranberries, crisp apples, and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces Coleslaw Mix
• 15 ounces Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce Can, whole berry
• 1 Honeycrisp or Fuji Apple Medium, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Celery Seed
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt Or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, cranberry sauce, and diced apple. Gently toss to combine.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed to your preference.
4. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
5. Gently toss the coleslaw until evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the coleslaw soggy.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for at least 1 hour or longer.
7. Serve chilled. Garnish with extra chopped apple or a sprinkle of toasted pecans, if desired.

Notes

For a sweeter coleslaw, increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons. You can also add other ingredients such as chopped pecans, raisins, or shredded carrots for added texture and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.