Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is a crisp, colorful, and refreshing side dish made with shredded cabbage, tart cranberries, sweet apple, crunchy nuts, green onions, and a creamy yogurt dressing. It is simple to prepare, beautiful on the table, and easy to serve with a wide variety of meals.
This fresh coleslaw recipe is especially lovely during the holiday season because the red cranberries, purple cabbage, green cabbage, and sliced onions create a bright, festive look. The flavors also feel seasonal: tart cranberries, juicy apple, toasted-style nuttiness from pecans or walnuts, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together. Even though it looks perfect for Christmas dinners and holiday gatherings, this cranberry apple slaw is not limited to winter. It is just as delicious next to grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, sandwiches, or a simple weeknight protein in the middle of summer.
For the brightest flavor, fresh cranberries are highly recommended when they are available. They give this salad a lively tartness that balances the creamy dressing and the natural sweetness of the apple. Dried cranberries can also be used if fresh ones are not in season or if you prefer a sweeter bite, but fresh cranberries add a special pop that makes the dish feel extra fresh and vibrant.
Cabbage is an underrated vegetable that deserves more attention. It is affordable, versatile, sturdy, and satisfying. A report from the Department of Agriculture has listed cabbage as one of the most economical vegetables when measured by price per edible cup, which makes it a smart choice for feeding a family or preparing a large side dish for guests.
Cabbage is also incredibly useful in the kitchen. It works well in soups, roasted vegetable dishes, quick stir-fries, salads, and classic coleslaw recipes. Because it holds its texture better than many delicate greens, it is a great option for make-ahead salads. In this recipe, massaging the cabbage with a little sea salt and pepper helps soften it slightly while keeping that crisp bite everyone loves in a good slaw.
This cranberry apple coleslaw is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and a creamy dressing based on plain Greek yogurt or plain coconut yogurt, homemade mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh garlic. The result is tangy, creamy, lightly sweet, and crunchy without feeling heavy. It is a great side dish for entertaining because it tastes even better after chilling for about an hour, giving the flavors time to blend.
Serve this recipe with your favorite homemade mayonnaise if you like a richer dressing. It makes 8 servings and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded or thinly chopped
- 1/2 small purple cabbage, shredded or thinly chopped
- 1 large apple, chopped into matchsticks
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped raw pecans or walnuts
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing:
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or plain coconut yogurt
- 1/3 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 fresh garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
Add the shredded green cabbage and purple cabbage to a large mixing bowl. Use a bowl with plenty of room so the ingredients can be tossed evenly once the dressing is added.
Season the cabbage with sea salt and pepper. With clean hands, gently massage the cabbage for a short time, just until it begins to soften and shrink slightly. This step helps the cabbage become more tender while still keeping its crisp texture.
Add the apple matchsticks, halved cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, and sliced green onions to the bowl. Toss lightly to distribute the fruit, nuts, and onions throughout the cabbage.
In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, homemade mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss well so every bite is lightly coated.
Taste the coleslaw and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and pepper if needed. For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 1 hour before serving. This short resting time allows the dressing to blend with the cabbage, apple, cranberries, nuts, and onions.
Serve chilled as a fresh holiday side dish, a colorful potluck salad, or a crunchy topping for simple meals. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Enjoy!
8
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
20 mins
20 mins
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded or thinly chopped
- 1/2 small purple cabbage, shredded or thinly chopped
- 1 large apple, chopped into matchsticks
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped raw pecans or walnuts
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing:
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or plain coconut yogurt
- 1/3 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 fresh garlic clove, minced
Instructions
-
Place the shredded green and purple cabbage in a large bowl. Season with sea salt and pepper, then massage the cabbage with clean hands until it begins to soften and reduce slightly in volume.
-
Add the apple, cranberries, pecans or walnuts, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to combine.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth.
-
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss until everything is evenly coated.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
-
Refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving for the best flavor. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 17g,
Protein: 5g,
Fat: 12g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g,
Trans Fat: 0.02g,
Cholesterol: 5mg,
Sodium: 121mg,
Potassium: 423mg,
Fiber: 6g,
Sugar: 9g,
Vitamin A: 741IU,
Vitamin C: 75mg,
Calcium: 101mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
