Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It

Oh my goodness, you’re going to love this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! It’s the perfect blend of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries—talk about a flavor explosion! I remember the first time I whipped this up for a summer barbecue; it was an instant hit! Everyone raved about how refreshing and vibrant it tasted. The combination of the crisp veggies and the slightly sweet dressing is just divine. Plus, it’s super easy to make—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress at gatherings. Trust me, once you try this coleslaw, it’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire!

Ingredients List

• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1 large apple, diced (I love using a tart variety for that extra zing!)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (adjust based on how sweet you like it!)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Getting this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! First, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your shredded green and red cabbage, diced apple, and dried cranberries. The colors alone are enough to brighten your day! Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is where the magic happens, so don’t skip this part!

Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the cabbage mixture and stir everything together until it’s well coated. Oh, the aroma is already mouthwatering! Now, here’s the crucial part: season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a taste; you might want to add a bit more honey if you like it sweeter. Finally, cover the coleslaw and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Letting it chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, diced apple, and dried cranberries.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir well to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness with honey if desired.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is not just a tasty addition to your meals but also packs a decent nutritional punch. Here’s a breakdown of the typical values per serving (about 1 cup):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a salad that’s delicious and a bit healthier makes it taste even better, right?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy nights!
• Vibrant flavors that combine sweetness, crunch, and tang.
• Healthy ingredients that make it a guilt-free side dish.
• Great for potlucks or gatherings—everyone will want the recipe!
• Can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop.

Tips for Success

To make your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw absolutely stellar, here are my favorite tips! First, choose a crisp, tart apple like a Granny Smith for that perfect balance of sweetness and zing. You can also mix up your cabbages—a bit of Savoy cabbage adds a lovely texture. When it comes to the dressing, whisk it until it’s super smooth; this will ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Oh, and don’t skip the chilling time—trust me, letting it sit in the fridge allows those flavors to mingle beautifully. If you want an extra crunch, toss in some chopped nuts right before serving!

Variations

If you want to mix things up with your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw, there are so many fun ways to customize it! Try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch—trust me, it adds a delightful texture. You could also toss in some shredded carrots for a pop of color and sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can give it a warm twist. For a zesty kick, add a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing or toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long because it’s just so yummy! If you’ve made it ahead of time, the flavors will only get better as they sit. Now, reheating isn’t necessary for this dish since it’s best enjoyed cold. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh those flavors. If you happen to have any leftover dressing, you can drizzle a bit on top to brighten it up!

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors. It also makes a fantastic topping for pulled pork sandwiches—just imagine that crunch! For a light lunch, you can serve it with a hearty wrap or on top of a bed of greens. Trust me, it elevates any meal!

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