When it comes to side dishes, coleslaw is a true classic. But sometimes, the traditional version can feel a bit… expected. That’s why I absolutely adore this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw. It takes everything you love about coleslaw – the crisp crunch, the creamy dressing – and elevates it with the sweet crispness of fresh apples and the tart chewiness of dried cranberries. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing twist that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or just a bright addition to your weeknight meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m always looking for ways to add fresh, exciting flavors to classic dishes, and this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw fits the bill perfectly. What I love most is the delightful balance of flavors and textures. The crisp cabbage and crunchy apples provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, chewy cranberries. The dressing, a creamy blend with a hint of tang from apple cider vinegar, beautifully ties all the components together without overwhelming them. It’s light yet satisfying, and the burst of fruit makes it feel special and a little gourmet, even though it’s incredibly simple to prepare. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and often disappears faster than any other side dish!

List of Ingredients

To make this vibrant Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, you’ll need:

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded green and red cabbage with carrots)
• 1 large green apple, cored and finely diced (such as Granny Smith for tartness)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional, for extra zing)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for freshness and color)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Swaps and Notes

• Coleslaw Mix: A pre-shredded mix makes this recipe super quick. If you prefer, you can shred your own cabbage (about 6-7 cups) and grate 1 large carrot.
• Apple: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cranberries and dressing. Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp would also work if you prefer a sweeter apple.
• Cranberries: Dried cherries or golden raisins can be lovely substitutes for dried cranberries, offering a different but equally delicious sweetness.
• Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can omit it or soak it in cold water for 10 minutes after chopping to mellow its flavor.
• Dressing Base: The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) creates a lovely creamy yet tangy dressing. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use all Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to your preference. If your apple is very sweet, you might need less.
• Add-ins: For extra crunch, consider adding 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. A sprinkle of celery seeds in the dressing also adds a classic coleslaw flavor.

List of Steps for the Recipes

1. Prepare Vegetables and Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, diced green apple, dried cranberries, and chopped red onion (if using). Add the fresh parsley if you’re using it.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want a bit more sugar or a pinch more salt.
3. Combine & Toss: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the cabbage, apples, and cranberries are coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften. For best results, chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Serve: Give the coleslaw another quick stir before serving.

Tips for Success

• Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the flavors to fully develop and for the dressing to properly coat and soften the cabbage slightly.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with the recommended amount of dressing. You can always add a little more if you feel it needs it, but it’s hard to take away!
• Fresh Apples: Use crisp, fresh apples for the best texture. Softer, mealy apples won’t provide the same satisfying crunch.
• Dice Finely: Finely dicing the apple and onion ensures they integrate well into the coleslaw and you get a bit of everything in each bite.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing and the final coleslaw before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or sugar to your personal preference.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of meals:

• It’s a perfect side for BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, or fish.
• Serve it alongside burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches for a refreshing contrast.
• It’s a wonderful addition to any picnic or potluck spread.
• For a light lunch, enjoy it on its own or as a topping for fish tacos.
• Pair it with a glass of crisp lemonade (perhaps my This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days) or a light beer.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of making it, as the cabbage can start to release more water and the apples can soften. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you anticipate having a lot of leftovers, you can keep the dressing separate and combine it with portions of the coleslaw mix, apples, and cranberries as needed to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy easy, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing dishes, be sure to explore these other favorites from my kitchen:

• For a fun and colorful dessert that’s always a party hit, check out How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
• If you have a sweet tooth, you absolutely need to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• And for another incredibly decadent chocolatey treat, my The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot) are a must-bake.
• For a delightful seasonal treat that’s perfect for fall, consider making These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a fantastic example of how a few simple additions can transform a classic into something truly special. It’s bright, flavorful, wonderfully textured, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it at your next family gathering or just enjoying it as a fresh side for dinner, you’re going to love it. Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how you enjoyed this refreshing twist on coleslaw! And for more exciting recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to follow ChefManiac.com!