Sweet Tangy Apple Coleslaw

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw brings the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors together in one refreshing dish. The crisp coleslaw mix gets a delightful makeover with juicy apples and sweet cranberries, creating a side that stands out at any gathering.

I first made this coleslaw for a summer barbecue when I was tired of bringing the same old potato salad. The bright colors and flavors were such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• Coleslaw mix the ready to use three color blend saves precious prep time while providing excellent texture and color
• Apple adds natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results
• Dried cranberries bring a sweet tart chew that perfectly complements the creamy dressing and crisp vegetables
• Chopped walnuts add essential nutty flavor and protein toast them lightly beforehand for even better flavor
• Green onions provide a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients use both white and green parts
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the dressing use real mayonnaise rather than salad dressing for best results
• Plain yogurt or sour cream adds tanginess and lightens the dressing you can use Greek yogurt for extra protein
• Honey naturally sweetens the dressing and helps balance the tartness from the cranberries and apples
• Ground ginger adds a subtle warmth that makes this coleslaw special look for fresh ground ginger for the most vibrant flavor

How To Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Combine the base ingredients

In a large mixing bowl add the coleslaw mix apple cranberries walnuts and green onions. Toss gently with your hands or salad servers to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the mixture. The colorful combination should look vibrant and fresh.

Prepare the dressing

In a separate medium bowl whisk together the mayonnaise yogurt or sour cream honey and ground ginger until completely smooth. Take your time here to ensure the honey fully incorporates and the ginger is evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Dress the coleslaw

Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture starting with about three quarters of it. Using two large spoons or salad servers fold the dressing into the coleslaw mix gently until everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed but avoid overdressing which can make the slaw soggy.

Chill before serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while maintaining the crispness of the vegetables and apples.

The dried cranberries are absolutely my favorite ingredient in this coleslaw. Their chewy texture and sweet tart flavor remind me of the cranberry sauce my grandmother always made for Thanksgiving. When I serve this at autumn gatherings, it's like bringing a bit of that family tradition to the table in a fresh new way.

Make Ahead Tips

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw can be prepared up to a day in advance with one important trick. Mix all ingredients except the apple and dressing, then store them covered in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing in a separate container. When ready to serve, add the freshly chopped apple and pour the dressing over, tossing everything together. This method ensures maximum freshness and prevents the apples from browning or the slaw from becoming soggy.

Seasonal Variations

Summer brings an abundance of fresh fruit that pairs wonderfully with this coleslaw. Try adding blueberries or sliced strawberries for a patriotic touch around July 4th. In fall, swap the apple for pear and add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing. During winter holidays, a handful of pomegranate seeds adds festive color and juicy bursts of flavor. Spring calls for lighter additions like mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile coleslaw shines alongside grilled meats, especially barbecue chicken or pulled pork. It makes an excellent topping for fish tacos, adding crunch and flavor contrast. For a light lunch, serve a scoop atop mixed greens with grilled chicken. At potlucks, place it near other sides but away from hot dishes to maintain its crispness. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors also makes it an ideal companion to spicy dishes, helping to cool the palate.

Recipe FAQs

→ How far in advance can I make this apple cranberry coleslaw?

You can prepare this coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, store the dressing and coleslaw mixture separately in the refrigerator and combine them about 30 minutes before serving. This prevents the slaw from becoming too soggy while still allowing flavors to meld.

→ What type of apple works best in this coleslaw?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work best in this coleslaw. These varieties maintain their texture and provide a pleasant contrast to the cabbage. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that break down quickly when mixed with dressing.

→ Can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the yogurt/sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or additional mayonnaise. You can also use vegan mayo for a completely plant-based version while still maintaining the creamy texture and flavor profile.

→ What proteins pair well with this apple cranberry coleslaw?

This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, smoked turkey, or salmon. The sweet-tangy flavor profile complements barbecued meats particularly well. It also makes an excellent topping for fish tacos or a colorful addition to sandwiches and wraps.

→ Can I substitute fresh cranberries for the dried ones?

Fresh cranberries are significantly more tart than dried ones and have a different texture. If you want to use fresh cranberries, chop them finely and consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional honey to balance their tartness. Alternatively, dried cherries or raisins make good substitutes for dried cranberries.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Once dressed, the coleslaw will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The texture will soften over time, but the flavors will continue to develop. Give it a good stir before serving leftover portions.