Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing side dish that’s as delightful as it is healthy, then you’ve come to the right place! This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It perfectly balances the crispness of fresh cabbage with the sweetness of apples and the tartness of cranberries. Plus, it features a creamy dressing that brings everything together in a way that will make your taste buds dance!

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something quick for busy weeknights, this coleslaw shines in any setting. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your meals year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This coleslaw comes together in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those days when you need a tasty side without much fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the crunch and sweetness, making it an easy way to sneak in some veggies!
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can prepare it ahead of time! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a little while.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Colorful Presentation: The bright colors make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious, adding a lovely touch to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! They are simple, wholesome, and likely things you already have at home. This coleslaw is all about using fresh produce and creating a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.

For the Coleslaw

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add More Crunch: Toss in some shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for extra texture and color.
• Switch Up the Nuts: Try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of nuts for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat!
• Vegan Option: Substitute mayonnaise with your favorite plant-based mayo for an equally creamy dressing.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for shreds about 1/8 inch thick. Place these gorgeous green shreds in a large bowl. This helps ensure that each bite has that lovely crunch we all crave!

Step 2: Dice the Apples

Core and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl with the cabbage. The apples add sweetness and freshness that balance beautifully with the tangy dressing.

Step 3: Mix in Cranberries and Nuts

Add the dried cranberries to the bowl. If you’re opting for nuts, chop them coarsely and toss them in too. The cranberries bring a nice tartness while nuts add extra crunch—so good!

Step 4: Chop Fresh Parsley

Chop the parsley finely and add it to the bowl. Not only does parsley brighten up this dish visually, but it also adds a fresh flavor that complements everything else.

Step 5: Whisk Up Your Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard until smooth. This dressing is what ties everything together, adding creaminess and tanginess.

Step 6: Season Your Dressing

Add in celery seeds, salt, and pepper to your dressing mixture. Whisk all ingredients together until they create a luscious blend; this will elevate your coleslaw’s flavor significantly!

Step 7: Combine Everything Together

Pour this dreamy dressing over the cabbage, apple, cranberry, and nut mixture in your large bowl. Gently toss all ingredients together until they are evenly coated with dressing—every bite should be bursting with flavor.

Step 8: Chill Out!

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) before serving. Allowing it to chill develops its flavors beautifully!

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, take a moment to taste your coleslaw and adjust seasoning as needed. Sometimes all it needs is a little extra salt or pepper!

Step 10: Serve Chilled

Serve this delightful coleslaw chilled as a side dish at your next meal or gathering. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Creating the perfect Cranberry Apple Coleslaw can be a breeze with these expert tips!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh cabbage, crisp apples, and plump cranberries ensures your coleslaw will be full of flavor and crunch, making every bite enjoyable.

• Let it chill: Allowing your coleslaw to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes not only enhances the flavors as they meld together but also helps the cabbage soften slightly for a more tender texture.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to modify the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing. This little tweak can make your coleslaw perfectly suited to your palate!

• Experiment with nuts: If you’re looking for added crunch or different flavors, try substituting walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. Each option adds a unique twist to the salad.

• Use a mandoline for consistency: For uniform slices of cabbage and apples, using a mandoline can make this task easier and quicker. Consistency will not only improve presentation but also enhance even flavor distribution.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Serving your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw beautifully can elevate any meal! Here are some ideas to consider when presenting this vibrant dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling finely chopped green onions on top provides a pop of color and adds a fresh oniony kick that complements the sweetness of the coleslaw.
• Additional cranberries: Tossing a few extra dried cranberries on top before serving creates visual appeal and reinforces the cranberry flavor in each bite.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair well with the tangy sweetness of coleslaw, making for a delightful contrast.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon dressing offers a light, nutritious balance to your meal while adding texture.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes harmonizes beautifully with the coleslaw’s flavors, creating a satisfying combination.
• Vegetable Stir-fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry adds a nice crunch and variety to your plate while keeping everything healthy and vibrant.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for meal prep. It tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The coleslaw will keep well for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
• If you notice excess liquid after a day, simply drain some off before serving again.

Freezing

• While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the coleslaw if necessary.
• Place the coleslaw in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to a month; however, the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• For best results, serve cold rather than reheating as the ingredients are meant to be enjoyed fresh and crisp.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch without the allergens.

How long does Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this coleslaw can last up to 3 days in the fridge. However, it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for top flavor and texture.

Can I use other fruits in my coleslaw?

Definitely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits, such as pears or grapes, to add your personal touch and variation to this refreshing dish.

What type of apples work best for this coleslaw?

I recommend using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the tangy dressing beautifully.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out mayonnaise with vegan mayo or yogurt alternatives to create a delicious plant-based version of this coleslaw.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw as much as I do! It’s a vibrant addition to any meal and brings a lovely crunch with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or just enjoying it at home, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!