Enjoy a refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw that’s perfect for fall gatherings! This crisp coleslaw combines sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a creamy yogurt and mayo dressing. It’s a delightful side dish that adds a burst of flavor and color to your holiday meals or picnics. Quick to prepare, this coleslaw will impress your guests and is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix
1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
4 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
¾ cup mayo
¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup honey
¾ tsp dried ground ginger
Directions:
Combine the Coleslaw Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw, chopped apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and sliced green onions.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayo, yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and ground ginger until smooth.
Dress the Coleslaw:
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to combine evenly. Adjust the dressing to your liking; you can reduce the mayo and yogurt for a lighter version.
Serve or Store:
This coleslaw is best served immediately, but you can also refrigerate it for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Serving Tips:
Chill Before Serving:
Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Garnish:
Consider garnishing with additional chopped walnuts or fresh apple slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Pairing Suggestions:
Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. It also makes a great topping for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for added crunch and flavor.
Individual Portions:
For parties or gatherings, consider serving in individual cups or jars for easy serving and a fun presentation.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically last for 3 to 5 days.
Preventing Sogginess:
To maintain the crunchiness of the coleslaw, consider storing the dressing separately. Mix the dressing into the coleslaw just before serving to avoid it becoming too soggy.
Freezing:
While it’s not recommended to freeze the coleslaw due to the texture of the cabbage and apples once thawed, you can freeze the dressing separately if you plan to use it later.
Refreshing Leftovers:
If the coleslaw sits in the refrigerator for a while, give it a good stir and taste before serving. You might want to add a splash of vinegar or a little extra honey to refresh the flavors.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw in advance! For the best flavor and texture, assemble the coleslaw and dressing separately and mix them just before serving. This helps prevent the cabbage and apples from becoming soggy. You can store the coleslaw mix in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days and the dressing separately for about a week.
What type of apples are best for this coleslaw?
Sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices for this coleslaw as they provide a nice contrast to the tartness of the cranberries. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they may not hold up well in the salad.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a vegan mayo. For a creamier texture without dairy, you can also try using avocado or cashew cream.
How can I customize this coleslaw recipe?
There are many ways to customize your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw! You can add other ingredients like shredded carrots, sliced almonds, or even a splash of lemon juice for added brightness. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or using maple syrup instead.
Conclusion:
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also a delicious and nutritious addition to your fall and holiday meals. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side, and watch it become a staple at your gatherings!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re looking for a crisp and refreshing side dish to complement your favorite fall meals or holiday gatherings, look no further than this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw! This delightful recipe combines sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a creamy yogurt and mayo dressing. It’s not just delicious; it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal menu.
Ingredients
14 oz bag 3-color coleslaw mix
1 large apple, chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
4 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
¾ cup mayo
¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup honey
¾ tsp dried ground ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the coleslaw, chopped apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and sliced green onions.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayo, yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and ground ginger until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to combine evenly.
- Adjust the dressing for a lighter version by reducing the mayo and yogurt if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using toasted walnuts.
Feel free to customize by adding shredded carrots or sliced almonds.
Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For best texture, mix in the dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook / Toss
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Keywords: Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, fall side dishes, healthy coleslaw, easy coleslaw recipe, holiday recipes, creamy coleslaw, apple salad, cranberry salad
