Apple Cranberry Coleslaw – A Crisp & Refreshing Side Dish! 🥗🍏

If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing, and slightly sweet coleslaw, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is the perfect choice! It combines crisp cabbage, juicy apples, and tart cranberries with a tangy, slightly creamy dressing for the ultimate fall-inspired side dish. Whether you’re serving it at holiday gatherings, fall dinners, or summer BBQs, this coleslaw is crunchy, colorful, and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

✔ Sweet, Tangy, & Crunchy – A perfect balance of flavors and textures.
✔ Easy & Quick to Make – Just chop, mix, and toss!
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holiday feasts, summer cookouts, or weeknight meals.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better after chilling for a few hours!

What Does Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Taste Like?

This coleslaw has a wonderful balance of flavors:

The cabbage is crisp and slightly peppery.
The apple adds a natural sweetness and crunch.
The cranberries bring a chewy, tart contrast.
The dressing is creamy, tangy, and lightly sweetened, tying everything together beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Coleslaw:

4 cups shredded green cabbage – Adds crunch and a mild flavor.
1 cup shredded red cabbage – Adds color and a slightly peppery taste.
1 large apple, julienned (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) 🍏 – A sweet and crisp addition.
½ cup dried cranberries – For a chewy, tart bite.
½ cup shredded carrots (optional) – Adds extra sweetness and color.
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – For a nutty crunch.

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dressing.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and enhances the apple flavor.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – Balances the tartness with natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tangy depth.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little kick.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Shred the cabbage (or use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience).
Julienne the apple into thin matchstick pieces.
Chop the nuts (if using) and measure out the dried cranberries.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Coleslaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbages, apple, cranberries, carrots (if using), and nuts.
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss everything until well coated.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful coleslaw!

What to Serve with Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This coleslaw pairs beautifully with:

✔ Grilled chicken, turkey, or pork – A fresh contrast to savory meats.
✔ BBQs & Burgers – A lighter, refreshing side for smoky flavors.
✔ Holiday Dinners – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
✔ Sandwiches & Wraps – Adds crunch and flavor to sliders, wraps, or pulled pork sandwiches.
✔ Soup & Stew – A crisp, cool side to balance hearty meals.

Pro Tips for the Best Coleslaw

✔ Use fresh, crisp ingredients – Fresh cabbage and apples give the best crunch!
✔ Let it sit before serving – Chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
✔ Adjust the sweetness & tang – Taste the dressing and tweak the honey or vinegar to your liking.
✔ Keep apples from browning – Toss them in a little lemon juice if making the salad ahead.
✔ Go nut-free if needed – Just skip the nuts for an allergy-friendly version.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen, but the cabbage may soften slightly.
Make-Ahead: Prep the cabbage and dressing separately, then mix them together right before serving for maximum crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! A pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes this even easier.

What apples work best?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady are great options for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor.

Can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?

Yes! Just use dairy-free mayo or replace the dressing with a simple olive oil & vinegar dressing.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Try Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo for a lighter version!

Can I add other fruits?

Yes! Pomegranate seeds, chopped pears, or orange segments make great additions.

Final Thoughts on Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a bright, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that’s as perfect for holiday tables as it is for everyday meals. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and tangy dressing makes every bite refreshing and delicious.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest! 🥗🍏✨