If you’re ready to shake up your side dish game with something fresh, colorful, and just a little bit unexpected, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is about to become your new obsession. It’s crisp, tangy, and full of juicy flavor, with every bite offering just the right balance of sweetness from apples and cranberries and a subtle crunch from cabbage, carrots, and, if you choose, nuts. Just fifteen minutes of prep is all you need to toss together this vibrant slaw, making it a must-have for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any gathering that could use a pop of brightness at the table.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in Apple Cranberry Coleslaw come together so easily, but each one has a delicious role to play. From the tender shredded cabbage that brings classic slaw texture, to the tart-sweet burst of apples and cranberries, every item adds its own touch to the final dish—don’t skip the dressing, either! Here’s how each part builds the flavor and appeal.

Shredded green cabbage: The base of any great coleslaw; it’s mild, crunchy, and holds up beautifully to creamy dressing.
Shredded red cabbage: Adds gorgeous color and a subtle peppery flavor that brightens the slaw.
Carrot, grated: Brings sweetness and a bright orange contrast for extra appeal.
Green apple, julienned or thinly sliced: For that crunchy tart-sweet flavor that makes this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw shine.
Dried cranberries: These add a pop of chewy, tangy-sweetness in every bite.
Chopped green onions: Mild onion flavor adds depth and a hint of savoriness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): If you like added crunch and a nutty twist, toss a handful in.
Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, it’s the backbone of the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens everything up with a gentle tang.
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness to enhance the fruity notes.
Dijon mustard: Adds depth and just a bit of zippy warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the other flavors.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Fruit

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl, because you’ll want plenty of space to toss everything. Combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, thinly sliced green apple, dried cranberries, green onions, and optional nuts. Gathering all the fresh ingredients together at this point creates a rainbow bowl just begging for a creamy drizzle!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until silky and smooth. The flavors will come together into a creamy dressing with a perfect balance of tang and sweetness that makes Apple Cranberry Coleslaw unforgettable.

Step 3: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over your vegetable and fruit mixture, then toss everything well. Make sure to coat every leaf and shred, because the creamy dressing is what brings it all together. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets those flavors meld and transforms the slaw into something even more special.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Before you serve, give your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw one more good toss to make sure everything is evenly coated and lively. Spoon it generously into your favorite serving dish and get ready for the compliments—this is the kind of dish that disappears fast!

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Garnishes

To make your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw even more inviting, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries, a handful of chopped nuts, or a scatter of fresh herbs like parsley on top just before serving. The garnishes add color, texture, and a little hint of luxury that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This slaw pairs perfectly with classic comfort foods like pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or even a veggie burger. It’s also a fantastic counterpoint to richer holiday dishes—its tangy freshness cleanses the palate in the best way possible!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop Apple Cranberry Coleslaw into individual mason jars for portable picnic servings, or pile it high on crostini for an easy appetizer. You can even use it as a topping for tacos or wraps, letting its sweet-tangy crunch steal the show in entirely new ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Apple Cranberry Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay crisp and flavorful for up to two days, and you might find that the flavors deepen even more overnight. Be sure to stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Apple Cranberry Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well. The fresh vegetables will lose their crunch and the creamy dressing can become watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a short chill in the fridge for optimal texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat coleslaw—it’s meant to be served cold! If it’s been in the fridge for a bit, just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors and restore the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw in advance?

Absolutely! This dish actually benefits from being made a few hours or even a day ahead. Just prep as directed, cover, and chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully and the slaw will taste even better.

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Of course! While tart green apples give a nice contrast, you can use any crisp apple you like—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala all work well. Play around with your favorites for new flavor profiles.

Is it possible to make this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw vegan?

Definitely! Simply swap the regular mayonnaise for a high-quality vegan mayo, and use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. The result is just as creamy and satisfying.

What can I substitute for nuts if I’ve got allergies?

No worries—skip the nuts entirely or use roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead for that extra crunch without the allergens. Poppy seeds are also a fun addition!

Does the slaw get soggy over time?

After a day or two, the vegetables will release some of their water, so the coleslaw softens slightly. But if you enjoy a crispier bite, serve it within a few hours of tossing with the dressing, or keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is one of those simple pleasures that turns an ordinary meal into something to remember. If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and impossibly easy, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat, and I can’t wait for you to share the joy!

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing and colorful twist on traditional coleslaw. Crisp cabbage, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing come together to create a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Coleslaw Ingredients:

4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 large carrot, grated
1 green apple, julienned or thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Coleslaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green and red cabbage, carrot, apple, cranberries, green onions, and nuts if using.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.