Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful side dish that brings joy to any table, you’ve come to the right place! This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe is not just another salad; it’s a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this coleslaw is sure to impress. The combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries makes it the perfect companion for any meal.
I love how this recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients while still being incredibly easy to prepare. In just about 20 minutes, you can whip up a delightful bowl of coleslaw that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: You can put this coleslaw together in no time, making it perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without the fuss.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and tangy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike; it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This coleslaw gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. Prep it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great alongside grilled meats, wraps, or as part of a picnic spread—this coleslaw truly fits any occasion.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh fruits and veggies, this recipe is as nutritious as it is tasty!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious coleslaw. It’s all about fresh produce and creamy goodness!
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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:
- Add More Crunch: Toss in some shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Go Nut-Free: If allergies are a concern, simply skip the nuts or substitute sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Switch Up the Dressing: Experiment with yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, or try adding some spices for extra zing.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Swap out parsley for cilantro or mint for an exciting twist on flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by thinly slicing the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for shreds about 1/8 inch thick. Placing it in a large bowl allows plenty of space for mixing later.
Step 2: Dice the Apples
Next, core and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Adding them directly to the bowl with cabbage ensures they stay crisp and fresh.
Step 3: Add Dried Cranberries
Toss in those dried cranberries—these little gems add bursts of sweetness! If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to chop them coarsely and add them too.
Step 4: Chop Fresh Parsley
Chop your parsley finely before adding it to the mix. It brightens up the dish with both color and flavor!
Step 5: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard until smooth. This dressing is what ties everything together.
Step 6: Seasoning Time!
Add celery seeds, salt, and pepper into your dressing mixture. These simple seasonings elevate your coleslaw to new heights!
Step 7: Combine Everything
Pour your creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture in the large bowl. This step is crucial because every shred should be evenly coated in that deliciousness.
Step 8: Toss Gently
Gently toss all ingredients together until they are well combined. Take care not to bruise your delicate cabbage leaves.
Step 9: Chill Out
Cover your coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—preferably an hour—before serving. Chilling allows those flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 10: Final Touch!
Before serving, give your coleslaw a quick taste test. Adjust seasoning if needed—it should be perfectly balanced!
Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!
Finally, serve your chilled Cranberry Apple Coleslaw as a delightful side dish that will brighten any meal!
Salad
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
If you’re seeking a refreshing and colorful side dish that brightens any meal, this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is just what you need! Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this easy-to-make salad features crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries, making it an ideal accompaniment for any gathering. With wholesome ingredients and no fuss involved, you can whip up this delightful coleslaw in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 6 cups), finely shredded
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces; add them to the cabbage.
- Mix in the dried cranberries and optional nuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Stir in celery seeds, salt, and pepper to the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture; toss gently until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg