Sweet Tangy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
This Sweet Tangy Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a refreshing, crisp side dish that combines the crunch of shredded cabbage with the sweetness of apples and dried cranberries. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this coleslaw offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal accompaniment, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Nuts
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the Veggies and Fruits: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and sliced almonds if you are using them. This creates the colorful base of the coleslaw.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined, balancing sweetness and tang.
- Toss the Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill, making it refreshing and crisp when served.
- Serve: Serve the coleslaw cold as a side dish or a light meal accompaniment to enhance your main course with a sweet and tangy crunch.
Notes
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant to add extra crunch and flavor.
- Use a tart apple variety, like Granny Smith, to add brightness and balance the sweetness of honey and cranberries.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Make the coleslaw up to a day ahead to allow flavors to develop even more.
Keywords: apple cranberry coleslaw, sweet tangy coleslaw, cabbage salad, no-cook coleslaw, holiday side dish, healthy coleslaw
