If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors and layers of delightful flavors, you have to try this Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of crisp cabbage, juicy apple slices, and tart cranberries all tossed in a luscious dressing that balances sweet and tangy notes. Every bite offers a refreshing contrast of textures and tastes, making this coleslaw a standout dish whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, holiday feast, or simply a weeknight dinner. This recipe is as easy to make as it is impressive, and it’s sure to become your new go-to side!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in adding crunch, color, and a vibrant mix of sweet and tart flavors that make every forkful memorable.
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a crisp, refreshing base with a mild sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds beautiful color and a slightly peppery taste.
- 1 large apple (Gala or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced or julienned: Brings juicy sweetness and a crisp texture.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Offers delicious bursts of tartness and chewiness.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional): Adds a gentle oniony sharpness without overpowering.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional): Freshens up the coleslaw with a hint of herbal brightness.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds, optional): Provides an irresistible crunchy finish.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Creates a smooth, luscious dressing that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Infuses tangy acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings mild heat and complexity to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to make all the flavors pop.
How to Make Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by shredding the green and red cabbages into fine strands, which will give your coleslaw that classic, crunchy texture. Then, thinly slice or julienne the apple to ensure it mixes seamlessly while still maintaining its crispiness. If you decide to add green onions, parsley, and nuts, chop them now so everything is ready to assemble in the next step.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies, creating a smooth blend that will coat every ingredient with sweet and tangy goodness. This step is where the magic begins, setting the tone for your coleslaw.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients in a Large Bowl
Add the shredded cabbages, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and any optional veggies like green onions or parsley to a large mixing bowl. This medley of fresh ingredients is the vibrant canvas for your dressing to work its charm.
Step 4: Toss with the Dressing and Chill
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix and toss thoroughly, ensuring every shred and slice is evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften just enough without losing its crunch.
Step 5: Final Toss and Add Crunchy Toppings
Before serving, give your coleslaw another gentle toss. Top with the chopped nuts for an added layer of delightful crunch that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy notes throughout the dish. Now you’re ready to impress!
How to Serve Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your coleslaw presentation, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions right on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and an extra hint of fresh flavor that brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. Its crisp texture and sweet-tangy profile offer a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory flavors, making it the perfect companion on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw in small individual cups or jars for casual gatherings. You can also stuff it into pita pockets or use it as a topping on pulled pork sandwiches to add a delightful crunch and balance to richer dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the apples and cabbage are raw, they maintain great texture and freshness if enjoyed relatively soon after making.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe since the fresh cabbage and apple will lose their crispness and become mushy once thawed, which takes away from the signature crunch of the dish.
Reheating
This coleslaw is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom and the dressing soften slightly, but reheating is unnecessary.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Gala and Honeycrisp apples offer a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just be sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and use the rest of the ingredients as is. The dressing will still be wonderfully sweet and tangy without the honey.
Is it okay to prepare this coleslaw a day in advance?
Yes, you can make the coleslaw a few hours ahead or the night before. Just hold off on adding the nuts until right before serving to keep them crunchy and fresh.
Can I add other fruits or veggies to this coleslaw?
Definitely! Sliced pears, shredded carrots, or even thinly sliced fennel can add interesting flavors and textures. Just keep the proportions balanced to maintain that sweet and tangy crunch.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Pecans and almonds are wonderful choices because they provide a subtle nutty flavor and crunchy texture without overpowering the other ingredients. Toasting them lightly enhances their flavor even more.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite for its perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty meal or enjoying it as a wholesome snack, it brings a burst of freshness and delightful crunch every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it brightens up your table and your day!
Print
Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw combines the crispness of green and red cabbage with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple and dried cranberries. Enhanced with a light, zesty dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this coleslaw is perfect as a side dish for any meal. The optional additions of green onions, parsley, and crunchy nuts add layers of texture and freshness, making it a deliciously vibrant and healthy salad option.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruits
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 large apple (Gala or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced or julienned
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)
Dried Fruit & Nuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds, optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred the green and red cabbages finely and thinly slice or julienne the apple. If including, chop the green onions, parsley, and nuts into small pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified to form a smooth dressing.
- Combine Salad Components: Place the shredded cabbages, sliced apple, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and parsley into a large mixing bowl.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, then mix thoroughly to coat all components evenly ensuring every bite has balanced flavor.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Final Touch and Serve: Toss the coleslaw once more before serving and sprinkle the chopped nuts on top for extra texture and crunch.
Notes
- For the best sweetness and crunch, use Gala or Honeycrisp apples.
- Allowing the coleslaw to chill improves the flavor but it can be served immediately if needed.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing to suit your preferred sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts.
- This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats or as a fresh side for sandwiches and burgers.
