Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Looking for a vibrant and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering? Look no further than this delightful Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe! This recipe takes the classic coleslaw and elevates it to a whole new level with the sweet-tartness of cranberries and the crispness of apples. Forget the usual creamy, mayonnaise-heavy coleslaw; this version is a delightful balance of textures and flavors, offering a surprising twist on a beloved side dish. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and is guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a must-try. Prepare to be amazed by the delightful combination of sweet, tart, and slightly tangy flavors that dance on your palate with every bite. Let’s dive into this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe isn’t your grandmother’s coleslaw. It’s a vibrant, flavorful upgrade that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a delicious addition to any weeknight dinner. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

• Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet-tart cranberry sauce pairs surprisingly well with the crisp apple and the creamy mayonnaise dressing, creating a delightful flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds!
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly straightforward. With minimal chopping and whisking, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy option for a gathering.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red cranberries and the bright green coleslaw mix create a visually appealing dish that’s sure to add a pop of color to your table. It’s almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The best part? This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe tastes even better after it’s had some time to chill in the refrigerator. Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld for an even more delicious experience.
• Versatile: This coleslaw is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of main dishes, from grilled chicken and pork chops to roasted turkey and ham. It also makes a great addition to BBQs, picnics, and buffets.

Why You Should Try This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

In a world of predictable side dishes, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe stands out. It’s more than just a simple coleslaw; it’s a culinary adventure that’s both simple and sophisticated. Here are more reasons to give this recipe a try:

• Impress Your Guests: This coleslaw is a guaranteed conversation starter. Its unique flavor combination and beautiful presentation will leave your guests wanting more and asking for the recipe.
• Healthy Twist on a Classic: While it includes mayonnaise, the addition of fresh apple and cranberries brings a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a healthier alternative to heavier, creamier coleslaws.
• Perfect for Any Season: Although ideal for fall and winter holidays, the bright flavors of this coleslaw make it a welcome addition to any meal throughout the year. The sweetness of the cranberries and apples balances perfectly with the tangy dressing.
• Great for Leftovers: This coleslaw keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping or having leftovers for lunch the next day. The flavors actually deepen as it sits.
• Adaptable to Your Taste: Feeling adventurous? This recipe is easily customizable. Experiment with different types of apples, add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or adjust the amount of vinegar for a more or less tangy flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients and tools ensures a smooth and successful cooking experience. This section will provide a detailed breakdown of what you need to create this delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.

Ingredients: A Detailed List

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix: This provides the base of your coleslaw. Look for a pre-shredded mix that includes a good mix of cabbage and carrots. You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer. Keywords: coleslaw mix, cabbage, carrots, shredded cabbage
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce: This adds the signature sweet-tart flavor to your coleslaw. Whole berry is preferred for texture, but you can also use jellied cranberry sauce if needed. Keywords: cranberry sauce, whole berry cranberry sauce, jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 medium apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced: Choose a crisp and sweet apple that will hold its shape well in the coleslaw. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are excellent choices. Avoid overly soft apples. Keywords: apple, Honeycrisp apple, Fuji apple, diced apple
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This provides the creamy base for your dressing. You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Keywords: mayonnaise, salad dressing, creamy dressing
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This adds a bright, tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of the cranberries and apples. Keywords: apple cider vinegar, vinegar, tangy dressing
• 2 tablespoons sugar: This helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries and vinegar. Granulated sugar works best. Keywords: sugar, granulated sugar, sweet dressing
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: This adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the dressing. Keywords: Dijon mustard, mustard, spicy dressing
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed: This adds a classic coleslaw flavor. Keywords: celery seed, spices, herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the coleslaw. Adjust to your preference. Keywords: salt, pepper, seasoning

Utensils: Tools for Recipe Success

• Large bowl: To combine all the ingredients for the coleslaw. Keywords: mixing bowl, bowl
• Medium bowl: To whisk together the dressing ingredients. Keywords: mixing bowl, whisk
• Whisk: To thoroughly combine the dressing ingredients. A fork can be used in a pinch. Keywords: whisk, fork
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measuring of ingredients. Keywords: measuring cups, measuring spoons
• Cutting board and knife: To core and dice the apple. A vegetable peeler can also be helpful to peel the apple if desired. Keywords: cutting board, knife, vegetable peeler
• Spoon or spatula: To gently toss the coleslaw and dressing together. Keywords: spoon, spatula
• Airtight container: To store the leftover coleslaw in the refrigerator. Keywords: storage container, airtight container

Detailed Recipe Steps: Creating Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Now, let’s create your delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe! Follow these steps for a perfect result.

1. Prepare the Apple: Wash, core, and dice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. The size of the dice depends on your preference; smaller pieces will integrate better into the coleslaw.
2. Combine the Coleslaw Ingredients: In the large bowl, gently combine the coleslaw mix, diced apple, and cranberry sauce. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as you want to preserve the texture of the ingredients.
3. Make the Dressing: In the medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed. **Ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved before proceeding.** This will create a smoother, more flavorful dressing.
4. Season the Dressing: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Taste the dressing before adding it to the coleslaw to ensure the flavor is balanced. **Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!**
5. Dress the Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. **Gently toss the coleslaw to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.** Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the coleslaw to become soggy.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or even longer. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste of the coleslaw. The longer it chills, the more delicious it becomes. **This step is highly recommended for best results.**
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the coleslaw cold. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, especially during fall and winter. Garnish with extra cranberries or chopped pecans if desired.

Tips and Variations for Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic starting point; however, there’s plenty of room for customization! This section will offer some helpful tips and suggestions to personalize your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe.

• Apple Alternatives: Experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith apples add a tartness that contrasts nicely with the cranberries, while Braeburn apples offer a sweeter flavor profile.
• Add Some Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful textural contrast to the coleslaw. Toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the coleslaw just before serving.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the dressing. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Adjust the Sweetness/Tartness: If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, increase the amount of sugar. For a more tart coleslaw, use more apple cider vinegar or add a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Many brands offer delicious and creamy vegan mayonnaise options.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that all your ingredients are gluten-free.
• Avoid Soggy Coleslaw: Don’t over-dress the coleslaw. Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to coat evenly. Too much dressing will make it soggy.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld and develop fully. For the best taste, always chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of the Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe offers more than just delicious flavor; it provides several nutritional benefits. While the exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, here’s a general overview of the nutritional benefits of the key components:

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on a 6-serving recipe): (Note: This is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator.)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: Approximately 3-4g
• Fat: Approximately 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Cabbage: Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, promoting gut health and boosting the immune system. Keywords: cabbage, vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, gut health, immune system
• Carrots: Excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for eye health and immune function. Keywords: carrots, beta-carotene, vitamin A, eye health
• Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases. They also contain vitamin C. Keywords: cranberries, antioxidants, vitamin C
• Apples: Good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They contribute to digestive health and overall well-being. Keywords: apples, fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, digestive health

FAQs: Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe Questions Answered

Conclusion: Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Journey

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. The delightful blend of sweet cranberries, crisp apples, and a tangy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will elevate any meal. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. We hope you’ve enjoyed this detailed guide, and we encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #AppleCranberryColeslaw. For more delicious recipes, check out our other holiday favorites, like this amazing Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball or this festive Eggnog Cream Pie! And for even more inspiration, explore our extensive collection of recipes on our blog: seemorerecipes.com Happy cooking!

Looking for more festive inspiration? Check out this Pinterest board filled with delicious holiday recipes: https://www.pinterest.com/seemorerecipes/

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with a Tangy Twist

A vibrant and refreshing coleslaw featuring sweet cranberries, crisp apples, and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce bag Coleslaw Mix
• 1 15 ounce can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
• 1 medium Honeycrisp or Fuji Apple cored and diced
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Celery Seed
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper freshly ground

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, drained cranberry sauce, and diced apple. Gently toss to combine.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed.
• Season the dressing generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
• Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
• Toss gently to ensure the coleslaw is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 1-2 hours.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For a sweeter coleslaw, add 1-2 tablespoons more sugar. You can also add toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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