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Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Recipe

5 from 62 reviews

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is a fresh and vibrant twist on traditional coleslaw, combining crisp green cabbage, sweet and tart apples, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfectly chilled and refreshing, it makes a delightful side dish for any meal, especially during fall and holiday seasons.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Fruits

  • 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
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Nuts (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage: Thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline, aiming for shreds about 1/8 inch thick. Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Dice the Apples: Core and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl with the cabbage.
  3. Add Cranberries and Nuts: Add the dried cranberries to the bowl. If using, chop the walnuts or pecans coarsely and add them as well.
  4. Add Parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley and stir it into the bowl with the cabbage and fruit.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  6. Season the Dressing: Add celery seeds, salt, and black pepper to the dressing bowl, whisking everything until creamy and well combined.
  7. Toss the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage, apple, cranberry, and nut mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  8. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, to allow the flavors to meld and the slaw to chill.
  9. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

  • For a lower-calorie version, substitute light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for regular mayonnaise.
  • This coleslaw can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to deepen and blend.
  • To vary texture and flavor, try different apple varieties such as Granny Smith for more tartness.
  • Toast nuts lightly for an enhanced nutty flavor before adding them to the slaw.

Keywords: cranberry apple coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, apple coleslaw, cranberry salad, side dish, vegetarian coleslaw, holiday side dish