This delicious and refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw comes together in about 15 minutes and requires no cooking for a quick and easy side dish that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” option to get rid of any leftovers you might have. Perfect for a summer picnic or as a cool side for weeknight dinners, I know you’re going to enjoy this simple recipe!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- 1 cupApples
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Honey or Maple Syrup
- Salt and Pepper
How to Make Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
1. Preparation (5 minutes)
Start by prepping all your vegetables and fruits. Finely shred the 4 cups of green cabbage in a large mixing bowl, then go ahead and grate 1 cup of carrots. Dice your 1 cup of apples, and if you want to prevent browning, toss them with a tiny bit of lemon juice.
2. Dressing Preparation (5 minutes)
Now, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and creamy and well blended. Oh, and give a taste this is the point where you can adjust sweetness or acidity as needed!
3. Combine & Season (5 minutes)
Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, diced apples, and 1 cup of dried cranberries into your bowl with the dressing. Now, stir everything together until all the ingredients are coated with that creamy goodness. This is the part where your kitchen fills up with wonderful, fresh scents…yum! Add a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to your liking, and mix again.
4. Chill (Optional, 30 minutes)
For the best flavor, let your coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to marry beautifully, it’s like a party in a bowl!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw! It’s my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet incredibly flavorful. This dish has been a family favorite for years, making appearances whenever we’re hosting a backyard barbecue or trying to clean out leftover veggies. Plus, I’m a real sucker for the crunch from the apples and the sweetness from those dried cranberries. I think the best part is how easy it is to switch up the fruits and veggies based on what you have! Summer picnics? Check. Potluck gatherings? Double check!
If you loved this refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, be sure to check out my Pomegranate Roasted Beet Salad, my Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad, or my Easy Southern Potato Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This coleslaw comes together in under 15 minutes seriously! You’ll want to keep it in your recipe arsenal, especially for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser
Not to brag, but this is a real crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike are always reaching for seconds. If you’re looking for something to bring to a gathering, look no further this dish never disappoints, trust me!
Customizable
Here’s where it gets fun! You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand or whatever you’re craving! For instance, try adding some diced celery for an extra crunch, or even some chopped nuts for that wonderful texture. You can also switch out the fruits; why not try peaches or pears instead of apples? The sky’s the limit!
Make-Ahead Friendly
Make this a day in advance, and you’ll be golden! It stores well in the fridge, and flavors just get better. So, if you’re prepping for a potluck or a family meal, do yourself a favor and whip it up ahead of time!
Comfort Food
This coleslaw is comfort food redefined! With that creamy dressing and sweet fruits dancing with the crunch of cabbage, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s satisfying, refreshing, and a perfect complement to all your favorite summer entrees.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even just on its own as a light lunch! It’s perfect for those warm summer days when you need something light and revitalizing.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop, which is a major win!
Reheating Instructions
Honestly, I recommend enjoying this coleslaw chilled rather than reheated to preserve that crunchy freshness.
Freezer Friendly
This doesn’t freeze well, unfortunately. The cabbage tends to get mushy when thawed. So it’s best enjoyed fresh!
If you’re ever in doubt about how to prepare it or want to put your spin on things, remember this is a flexible, forgiving recipe that works beautifully as a side, main, or even a snack!
I’ve shared everything you need to know about making the perfect Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw. Now, roll up those sleeves and get ready to whip up something that’s not just a recipe but a family tradition in the making! Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration
Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Ingredients
Method
- Finely shred the green cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
- Grate the carrots and dice the apples. Toss apples with a tiny bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk until creamy and well blended.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, diced apples, and dried cranberries into the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix again.
- For the best flavor, let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.