Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Sweet, Tangy, and Creamy Summer Side Dish

When you picture quintessential summer side dishes, a few classics immediately spring to mind: corn on the cob, pasta salad, and of course, coleslaw. While traditional coleslaw holds a special place, it can sometimes feel a bit heavy or monotonous. Often, it’s just mayonnaise with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, making the dressing so thick that it overpowers the fresh vegetables.

If you’re like me, you crave something lighter, fresher, and bursting with vibrant flavors. That’s precisely why this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw recipe was born! It takes the familiar concept of creamy coleslaw and elevates it with crisp apples and sweet-tart dried cranberries, creating a side dish that is truly unforgettable. This isn’t just another coleslaw recipe; it’s a delightful creamy coleslaw that you’ll want to make again and again. For those who prefer a no-mayo option, don’t miss my Summer Coleslaw, a refreshing vinegar-based alternative perfect for warmer days.

Why This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Stands Out

Unlike conventional coleslaw that often relies solely on a heavy mayonnaise base, our Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is designed to be light, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful. The key to its distinction lies in the thoughtful addition of ingredients that offer both sweetness and crunch, transforming a simple side into a culinary highlight. The thinly sliced apples contribute a refreshing crispness and natural sweetness, while the dried cranberries introduce a delightful tart chewiness that beautifully complements the creamy dressing. Coupled with crunchy almonds, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

This coleslaw isn’t just about taste; it’s also incredibly convenient. It’s one of those rare dishes that actually improves with time, making it an ideal make-ahead option for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. The dressing, while creamy, is light enough that the cabbage remains crisp, never becoming soggy. This allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen as it chills, creating a more cohesive and delicious experience when it’s time to serve. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Crafting this vibrant coleslaw requires a few simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the unique flavor profile and satisfying texture. You’ll find a complete, printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Cabbage: The foundation of any great coleslaw! You have options here. For convenience, a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix or shredded green cabbage works perfectly. If you prefer, shred a fresh small head of green cabbage yourself for the freshest results (approximately 6 cups). You can also mix in some red cabbage for extra color and a slightly different texture.
• Shredded Carrots: These add natural sweetness, a lovely orange hue, and an extra layer of crunch. If your coleslaw mix already includes carrots, you might not need the full amount specified, but I highly recommend adding about an extra 1/2 cup to enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
• Apples: Choose your favorite crisp and sweet-tart apple variety, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Cut them into thin matchstick pieces (julienne) so they integrate well with the shredded cabbage and carrots. Leaving the peel on adds color and nutrients, but you can peel them if preferred.
• Dried Cranberries: These jewel-toned berries provide a fantastic burst of tartness and a chewy texture that balances the sweetness of the apples and the creaminess of the dressing.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasted or raw, sliced almonds contribute a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Feel free to toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding for an enhanced flavor. Other nuts like pecans or walnuts can also be used.
• Mayo: This forms the creamy base of our dressing. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing, creating a silky-smooth consistency.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The essential ingredient for that tangy kick! Apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and prevents the coleslaw from tasting too heavy. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit.
• Salt: To enhance all the flavors and bring them into balance.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aroma.

If you find yourself with extra cabbage after making this recipe, consider trying this refreshing Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw. It’s another fantastic recipe that’s always a hit!

Can You Make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Ahead Of Time? Absolutely!

One of the best features of this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is its suitability for making ahead. In fact, it’s one of those rare dishes that actually improves with a little time in the refrigerator. I highly recommend preparing this coleslaw first thing in the morning or even the night before you plan to serve it. Allowing it to chill for at least 2 hours, or even all day, gives the dressing a chance to thoroughly penetrate the cabbage and other ingredients, allowing all the wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

The dressing for this coleslaw isn’t overly heavy, which is crucial for preventing the cabbage from becoming soggy. Instead, it subtly softens the cabbage just enough to make it tender-crisp, while the apples and almonds retain their satisfying crunch. The extended chilling time allows the sweet-tartness of the dried cranberries and apples to infuse throughout the entire dish, creating a more cohesive and flavorful experience. By dinner time, or when your guests arrive, it will be perfectly chilled and bursting with flavor. Leftovers are also fantastic, often tasting even better the next day!

The delightful sweetness of the dried cranberries and the refreshing crunch from the almonds provide an unexpected and welcomed twist that everyone will adore. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, hosting a summer get-together, or simply making chicken skewers or pork chops at home, this homemade Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is destined to be a hit!

How to Prepare Your Perfect Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Making this delicious coleslaw is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. The key is to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is evenly distributed.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, matchstick apples, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Give them a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly. Remember, using a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great shortcut here!
2. Next, prepare the creamy dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well emulsified. You want a consistent, creamy texture without any lumps.
3. Pour the freshly made dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture. Using tongs or two large spoons, thoroughly toss everything together. Ensure that every single shred of cabbage and every piece of fruit is generously coated with the creamy dressing. This is crucial for flavor development.
4. Once thoroughly coated, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious coleslaw. Before serving, give it another quick stir and taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.

Recipe Tips & Customization Tricks

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving, allowing for various customizations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some extra tips and tricks to make it truly your own:

• Shortcut Savvy: Don’t hesitate to use a bag of pre-made coleslaw mix from the grocery store. It’s a fantastic time-saver. Simply prepare the dressing and add in your apples, cranberries, and almonds to the mix.
• Apple Variety: Feel free to experiment with your favorite type of apple. Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully, as do tart Granny Smiths for a more piquant flavor. You can leave the peel on for added color and fiber, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Prepping Ahead: As mentioned, this coleslaw actually tastes better when made a few hours in advance, or even the day before. The flavors deepen and the ingredients meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Apple Cut: Cutting apples into matchsticks (julienne) helps them blend seamlessly with the shredded cabbage and carrots. However, if you prefer bigger, bolder chunks of apple to shine through, dicing them is a great option.
• Add a Cheesy Element: For an unexpected savory twist, consider stirring in some crumbled feta cheese or creamy goat cheese. The tangy notes of these cheeses pair wonderfully with the sweet and tart elements of the coleslaw.
• Nut Alternatives: If almonds aren’t your preference or you’re out, toasted pecans or walnuts make excellent substitutes, adding a similar crunch and nutty depth. For a nut-free version, consider sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Dried Fruit Variations: Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries, golden raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a different fruity dimension.
• Dressing Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor in the dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing. A pinch of celery seed also adds a classic coleslaw flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill can add a burst of freshness and a delicate herbaceous note to your coleslaw.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe suitable for a vegan diet, simply use your favorite plant-based mayonnaise.

More Delicious Summer Side Dish Recipes

Looking for more fantastic sides to complement your summer meals? Here are some of our other favorite recipes that are perfect for warm weather gatherings:

• Classic Baked Beans
• Refreshing Greek Salad
• Flavorful BLT Pasta Salad
• Sweet Corn Fritters
• Perfect Grilled Baked Potatoes
• Homestyle Classic Potato Salad
• Authentic Greek Pasta Salad

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**This post is sponsored by STAR Fine Foods. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I love, and that make Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts possible.