Apple Cranberry Coleslaw – A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tangy

Looking for a refreshing, crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is the answer! 🌟 With a balance of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing, this slaw is a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or a holiday feast, it will surely stand out on the table. 🍏🍒

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw 🍴

✅ Refreshing & Sweet – A delicious mix of apples and cranberries gives this slaw a unique sweet-tart flavor.

✅ Crispy & Crunchy – The cabbage provides the perfect crunch, complementing the juicy apples and chewy cranberries.

✅ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly.

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, holiday dinner, or potluck, it’s sure to impress!

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Key Ingredients 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw:

For the Slaw:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage – Use a mix of green and purple cabbage for extra color and texture 🌿
• 1 large apple – Choose a tart variety like Granny Smith or a sweet one like Fuji 🍏
• ½ cup dried cranberries – They add a chewy, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the apples 🍒
• ¼ cup shredded carrots – For a little extra crunch and color 🥕
• ¼ cup sliced almonds – Adds a nutty crunch and a lovely toasted flavor 🌰

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise – The base of the creamy dressing 🥄
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – For a tangy, zesty kick 🍎
• 2 tablespoons honey – Sweetens the dressing just right 🍯
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a bit of spice and depth 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon celery seed – A classic coleslaw ingredient that enhances the flavor 🌱
• Salt & pepper – To taste 🧂

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Substitutions & Variations 💡

If you’re looking to tweak this recipe, here are some simple substitutions and variations you can try:

✔️ Vegan Version: Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or use plain coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
✔️ Nut-Free: Omit the almonds and try sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
✔️ Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken or shredded turkey for a main dish option.
✔️ Extra Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add more honey or include fresh diced pears alongside the apples for even more fruit flavor.
✔️ Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can elevate the freshness of the slaw.

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Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Fruits 🍏🥕

1️⃣ Shred the Cabbage – Cut the cabbage into thin strips or use a box grater for finely shredded cabbage. Combine both green and purple cabbage for a vibrant look.
2️⃣ Slice the Apple – Core and thinly slice your apple. Then chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you want the apples to stay fresh longer, toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. 🍋
3️⃣ Shred the Carrots – Use a box grater or a food processor to shred the carrots into fine strips. This will add color and crunch.
4️⃣ Measure the Cranberries and Almonds – Measure out the dried cranberries and sliced almonds. If you prefer toasted almonds, simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until golden. 🌰

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Step 2: Make the Dressing 🥄

1️⃣ Whisk Together the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and celery seeds.
2️⃣ Add Salt & Pepper – Season to taste with salt and pepper. You may want to start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust according to your preference.
3️⃣ Mix Until Smooth – Stir the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as desired.

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Step 3: Toss Everything Together 🍽️

1️⃣ Combine the Veggies and Fruits – In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
2️⃣ Pour the Dressing – Add the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Toss everything together until the veggies and fruit are fully coated with the creamy dressing.
3️⃣ Taste and Adjust – Give your coleslaw a final taste test. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. If you prefer more tang, a splash of vinegar can do the trick!

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Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cranberry Coleslaw 🌟

• Chill Before Serving: Let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to soften a bit.
• Don’t Overdress: If you’re not serving immediately, keep the dressing on the side to prevent the cabbage from wilting.
• Serve with Toppings: Top the coleslaw with additional toasted almonds, fresh herbs, or even some crumbled feta cheese for added texture and flavor.

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Health Benefits of Apple Cranberry Coleslaw 🍏🍒

Not only is this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, apples help support heart health and boost your immune system.
• Cranberries: Known for their high vitamin C and antioxidant content, cranberries also support urinary tract health and help prevent infections.
• Cabbage: A cruciferous vegetable high in fiber, cabbage aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. It’s also rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health.
• Carrots: Full of beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A in the body), carrots promote good vision and skin health.
• Almonds: A great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, almonds help lower bad cholesterol and are great for heart health.

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Serving Suggestions 🥗

While this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish, you can get creative with how you serve it:

🍽️ Serve as a Side Salad – Pair it with your favorite main dishes like grilled chicken, turkey, or pulled pork.
🥪 Use as a Topping for Sandwiches – Add a scoop of this coleslaw to sandwiches or wraps for an extra crunch.
🌮 In Tacos – Try it as a filling for tacos with fish or grilled chicken for a fresh, zesty twist.
🍗 With Grilled Meats – This coleslaw makes an excellent side for any grilled meats, like burgers, ribs, or steak.
🍔 In a Burger – Place a generous scoop of this coleslaw on top of your burger for added texture and flavor.

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How to Store Leftovers 🧊

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because this slaw is so tasty!), here’s how to store them:

📦 In the Fridge: Store your coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The cabbage will soften over time, but it will still taste great!
❄️ Freezing: Freezing coleslaw is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage changes and becomes mushy when thawed.
💡 Pro Tip: If you know you won’t finish the entire batch, you can make just half the recipe to avoid leftovers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1️⃣ Can I Use Fresh Cranberries?
Yes! If you prefer fresh cranberries, feel free to swap them in. Just chop them into small pieces to add a pop of color and flavor.

2️⃣ Can I Make This Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure to store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.

3️⃣ Can I Use a Different Dressing?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a vinaigrette-style dressing, use olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of honey or mustard for sweetness and tang.

4️⃣ What Type of Cabbage is Best?
For the best texture, use both green and purple cabbage. Green cabbage is crunchy and mild, while purple cabbage adds color and a slight peppery taste.

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Conclusion – A Refreshing and Versatile Dish 🍏🍒

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delicious twist on the traditional coleslaw. With its sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy cabbage, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, holiday dinner, or potluck, it’s sure to be a hit!

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try today! 🥗 You’ll love the balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors in every bite. 😋