Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! This salad is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, combining the refreshing crunch of cabbage with the sweet-tangy pop of cranberries and apples. I adore making this coleslaw for picnics and potlucks because it never fails to impress—plus, it’s super easy to whip up! The colors are just stunning, and the flavors? Wow! It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with that lovely crunch that makes every bite feel like a treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked, and it’ll become a staple at your gatherings just like it is at mine!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients for my Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded – This adds that classic coleslaw crunch!
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded – For a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor.
- 1 cup carrots, grated – They bring sweetness and a lovely texture.
- 1 cup apples, diced – I love using a tart variety like Granny Smith for that zing!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – They’re the star of the show, giving that sweet-tart kick.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – This makes the dressing creamy and delicious.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – For a little tang that brightens everything up.
- 1 tablespoon honey – This adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – A little seasoning goes a long way!
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a vibrant and tasty coleslaw that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
Let’s dive into the delicious process of making my Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a vibrant and crunchy salad ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl—trust me, you’ll need the space! Toss in the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, diced apples, and dried cranberries. Just throw everything in there and give it a gentle stir. You want the colors to mix beautifully, and the textures to blend, but be careful not to crush anything. It should look like a rainbow, all crunchy and inviting!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up that creamy dressing! In a separate bowl, take your mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You want it to be creamy with a hint of sweetness and tanginess. If you want to taste it (and I totally recommend it), this is the perfect time to adjust the sweetness to your liking!
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Here comes the fun part! Pour that luscious dressing all over your coleslaw mixture. Now, using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until every bite is coated in that creamy goodness. It’s like giving your salad a big, delicious hug! Make sure to get all those nooks and crannies so that the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Finally, cover the bowl with some plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the flavors to mingle and develop. Plus, it makes the coleslaw extra refreshing when served! Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish!
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a bright, tangy taste that’s oh-so-refreshing.
- Crispy Texture: The crunch from the cabbage and carrots gives every bite a satisfying crunch that you’ll crave.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser! It’s great for potlucks, barbecues, or even just a cozy family dinner.
- Adaptable: You can easily customize it by adding nuts, seeds, or even swapping out the dressing to suit your taste!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s best when chilled, so you can prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop.
Tips for Success
Getting my Cranberry Apple Coleslaw just right is all about a few simple tips that make a world of difference. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your coleslaw a bit sweeter, don’t hesitate to add a touch more honey. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out, so start with a little and taste as you go!
- Serve Immediately for Maximum Crunch: For that delightful crunch, serve the coleslaw right after mixing if you can. It’ll retain its crispiness and be even more enjoyable!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the veggies will get, so enjoy it quickly!
- Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to add in extras like chopped nuts or seeds for an added crunch, or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a little flair!
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Trust me, chilling the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a game-changer! It allows the flavors to marry beautifully and makes for a refreshing bite.
With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’ll create a Cranberry Apple Coleslaw that’s bursting with flavor and texture every time!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition in my delightful Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values per serving, keeping in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
This coleslaw is not only refreshing and delicious, but it also packs a punch with fiber and flavor! Perfect for keeping things balanced while you enjoy a tasty side dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will give a tart punch, but keep in mind they might need a bit of extra sweetness since they’re not as sweet as dried ones. You could add a touch more honey to balance that out!
How do I prevent the coleslaw from getting soggy?
To keep your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw nice and crunchy, make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes after mixing, but if you can, serve it immediately for that fresh crunch! Also, avoid adding your dressing until just before serving if you plan to make it ahead of time.
Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
Yes! You can easily make it vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based option and using maple syrup or agave instead of honey. It’ll still be delicious!
What other fruits can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Pears, oranges, or even pineapple can be great additions for a fruity twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly!
How long can I store leftovers?
Your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container, and enjoy it while it’s still crunchy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw properly is essential to keep it fresh and delicious! Here’s how I do it:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but just in case), transfer them to an airtight container. This helps to keep the coleslaw crisp and prevents any funky odors from the fridge mingling with your salad. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days!
- Chilling is Key: When you first make the coleslaw, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures that the veggies stay crunchy. But once it’s been served, try to keep any leftovers in the cold as quickly as possible!
- No Reheating Needed: Honestly, there’s no need to reheat this salad. It’s best enjoyed cold and refreshing! If you find that the veggies have softened a bit after a couple of days, just give it a toss and add a splash more dressing for a quick refresh before diving in.
Follow these simple storage tips, and your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw will be just as delightful the next day as it was when you first made it!
Print
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and tangy salad combining cranberries and apples with crunchy coleslaw.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, apples, and cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For a crunchier texture, serve immediately after mixing.
- This coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Cranberry Apple Coleslaw