Description
This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw offers a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic coleslaw, combining crisp shredded cabbage, sweet and tart diced apples, and chewy dried cranberries. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar, and enriched with crunchy walnuts, it’s a colorful, refreshing side perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 head cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups apples, diced (fresh varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins as a substitute)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for a different zing)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup walnuts (or sunflower seeds for crunch)
- Spices: celery seed or hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage and sprinkle it lightly with salt. Let it sit to draw out moisture, which helps achieve a crisp, crunchy texture in the final dish.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced apples, and dried cranberries. Toss them together gently to distribute evenly.
- Combine with dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture. Gently fold everything together until the cabbage and fruit are well coated with the dressing.
- Add crunch and spice: Mix in walnuts and your preferred spices, such as celery seed or a dash of hot sauce, according to your taste preferences.
- Chill to meld flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to develop its refreshing taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Try lemon juice as an alternative to apple cider vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
- Sunflower seeds can replace walnuts if you need a nut-free option or prefer a different crunch.
- Adjust the amount of spices according to your heat tolerance or remove hot sauce for a milder coleslaw.
- Allowing the coleslaw to chill at least an hour is important for best flavor and texture.
