Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Introduction
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a fresh and vibrant twist on traditional coleslaw. Combining sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts with a creamy, spiced dressing, this salad adds a delightful pop of flavor to any meal. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light snack.
Ingredients
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix
- 1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ¾ cup mayo
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾ tsp dried ground ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the coleslaw, chopped apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and sliced green onions.
- Step 2: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayo, yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and ground ginger until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to combine evenly.
- Step 4: Adjust the dressing for a lighter version by reducing the mayo and yogurt if desired.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or sweeter varieties like Fuji for more balance.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty texture.
- For a vegan option, replace mayo and yogurt with plant-based alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for warmth and depth.
Storage
Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time for optimal freshness. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a little extra yogurt or mayo if the dressing has thickened or separated. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and dressing will change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this coleslaw a day ahead?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance and refrigerate. The flavors will meld nicely, but the apples may brown slightly. Tossing with a bit of lemon juice before mixing helps prevent discoloration.
What can I substitute if I don’t have ground ginger?
You can use a small pinch of ground cinnamon or allspice as a substitute, though the flavor will be different. Fresh grated ginger can also be used if available—about ½ teaspoon for a fresher taste.
Print
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw combines the crispness of three-color coleslaw mix with the sweet and tart flavors of chopped apples and dried cranberries. Enhanced with crunchy walnuts and a zesty dressing of mayo, yogurt, honey, and ground ginger, this refreshing salad is perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light snack. Its simple preparation and vibrant flavors make it a delightful addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix
- 1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾ tsp dried ground ginger
Instructions
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 3-color coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all elements.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and dried ground ginger until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss carefully to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing, enhancing each bite with flavor.
- Adjust Dressing if Desired: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and yogurt when preparing the dressing, then mix according to taste preferences.
- Chill and Serve: Serve the coleslaw immediately for a crisp texture or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- Using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples adds a sweet, crisp texture that complements the tart cranberries well.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream for a richer taste or use all mayo for a creamier dressing.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor meld and texture but serving immediately keeps it more crunchy.
- Adjust honey quantity depending on preferred sweetness.
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds for variation in nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, Coleslaw recipe, healthy coleslaw, salad with walnuts, sweet coleslaw, autumn salads
