Cranberry Apple Slaw
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This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is a tangy, crunchy, and sweet addition to any meal, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners!
Sweet, tangy, and packed with crunch, this Cranberry Apple Slaw is a super tasty mix of flavors and textures. With crisp cabbage, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts tossed in a creamy mayo and vinegar dressing, it’s a fresh and light way to kick off a meal or the perfect side dish for your favorite mains.
If you’re as big a coleslaw fan as I am, you may also like this traditional creamy coleslaw and my newest favorite, southwest coleslaw.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Cole Slaw
- Make ahead option: Get this coleslaw off your to-do list and make it up to 3 days before you want to serve it. This is a great option if you are expecting a large crowd for the typically busy holidays or a dinner party.
- Change of pace: Adding cranberries and apples gives the coleslaw a bit of a twist for a refreshing change of pace from traditional coleslaw
- Holds up: Cabbage is hearty and holds up well, even when dressed.
- Pairs well: This crunchy salad makes the perfect side dish and pairs well with anything from grilled chicken to hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches or even a holiday meal; I served it for Thanksgiving this year!
Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.
- Green cabbage: You’ll need one small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced, or 2 bags of coleslaw mix. Or, for a more colorful salad, use a combination of green and red cabbage (also known as purple cabbage).
- Apple: Fresh apples add natural sweetness. You can use a Fuji apple or Honeycrisp.
- Craisins: I don’t recommend substituting fresh cranberries as they will be very tart.
- Walnuts: Roughly chopped walnuts make this coleslaw a crunchy side dish. You can leave them out or substitute another nut, like pecans or pistachios.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and celery seeds until smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cabbage (or coleslaw mix), shredded carrots, diced apple, craisins, and walnuts.
Step 3: Mix the Slaw
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
FAQs
It’s not necessary to toss the apples in lemon juice. I find find the vinegar in the dressing keeps the apples from turning brown.
What to serve with this cranberry apple coleslaw recipe
Recipe variations
- Swap the cabbage: Pick up a bag of kale or broccoli slaw instead of cabbage-based coleslaw.
- Use a pear: Mix in a diced pear instead of apple.
- Change the nuts: Try pecans, cashews, or peanuts instead of walnuts.
- Go nut free: Toss in pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free apple slaw recipe.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the salad with feta or goat cheese.
- Use apple cider vinegar: For a slightly sweeter dressing use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
Tips for success
- Make it Healthier: Use a light mayo or swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the tangy dressing.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing for more depth.
More Recipe Inspiration
- Easy Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad With Bacon
- Classic Wedge Salad
- Pecan and Pear Salad With Feta
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Cranberry Apple Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Celery Seeds
- 1 Head Green Cabbage or 2 Bags of Coleslaw Mix thinly slice the cabbage
- 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots
- 1 Apple diced (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup Craisins dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup Walnuts roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and celery seeds until smooth.1 cup Mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon White Vinegar, 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar, 1 teaspoon Celery Seeds
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cabbage (or coleslaw mix), shredded carrots, diced apple, craisins, and walnuts.1 Head Green Cabbage or 2 Bags of Coleslaw Mix, 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots, 1 Apple, 1 cup Craisins, 3/4 cup Walnuts
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
