If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh flavors and has just the right amount of sweetness and zest, this Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe is your new best friend. It masterfully balances crisp cabbage, juicy apples, and tart cranberries combined with a vibrant dressing that’s both sweet and tangy. Whether for a picnic, barbecue, or a simple family dinner, this coleslaw will add a delightful crunch and a refreshing twist that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a pivotal role in delivering an unforgettable taste and texture. From the crunchy cabbages to the sweet apples and zesty dressing, every element comes together perfectly.
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage: The crisp and mild base that adds a satisfying crunch and fresh green color.
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthier flavor to contrast the green cabbage.
- 1 large apple (Gala or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced or julienned: Juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy elements.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Bring a pop of tartness and chewiness for depth in every bite.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional): Introduces subtle sharpness and a fresh aroma.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional): Adds a burst of herbaceousness and bright green color.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds, optional): For irresistible crunch and a nutty undertone.
- ¼ cup olive oil: The silky base for the dressing that binds all flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides the essential tang that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances acidity with natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle spice and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all flavors for a perfectly season coleslaw.
How to Make Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by shredding the green and red cabbage finely to create that classic coleslaw texture. Next, thinly slice or julienne your chosen apple variety—Gala and Honeycrisp work fantastically here for their crunch and sweetness. If you’re including green onions and parsley, slice and chop them at this stage. Don’t forget to chop the nuts if you’re adding them for that delightful crunch.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk it well until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, tangy dressing that perfectly balances sweet and zest.
Step 3: Combine the Slaw Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and add the shredded cabbages, apple slices, dried cranberries, and optional green onions and parsley. Pour your dressing right over this colorful mix, setting the stage for delicious flavor development.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every shred and slice gets a good coating of that sweet and tangy dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes; this rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite cooler and more refreshing.
Step 5: Final Toss and Add Crunch
Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top to add that irresistible sweet and tangy crunch, elevating the texture to an unforgettable level.
How to Serve Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a few extra dried cranberries or a light handful of fresh parsley over the coleslaw just before serving. These garnishes not only boost the visual appeal but add fresh bursts of flavor and color that brighten the dish.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or alongside a hearty burger. Its fresh, sweet, and tangy profile complements smoky, savory, or spicy mains brilliantly, providing a perfect refreshment on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw in hollowed-out apple halves or inside crisp lettuce cups. You can also arrange it in clear glass cups as an elegant appetizer or side for your next dinner party. Its colorful layers will wow your guests as much as its flavors will!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crispness.
Freezing
This coleslaw is best served fresh and does not freeze well because the texture of the cabbage and apple will become soggy and waterlogged once thawed. It’s better to make a fresh batch when you need it.
Reheating
Since this dish is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Honeycrisp are recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, Granny Smith apples add a tart punch if you prefer a tangier coleslaw. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they blend nicely.
What nuts work best in this coleslaw?
Both pecans and almonds add a wonderful crunch and slight nuttiness that complements the sweet and tangy flavors. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them will enhance their flavor even more.
Is there a vegan option for the dressing?
Yes! Simply substitute the honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the dressing vegan-friendly without compromising on sweetness.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or even slices of pear to add your personal touch. Just keep in mind that the original balance is built around apples and cranberries, so any additions might shift the flavor slightly.
How long should I let the coleslaw chill before serving?
Chilling for 20 to 30 minutes is ideal to allow flavors to marry. If you need to make it further in advance, up to a couple of hours is fine, just toss again before serving to refresh the crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you want a lively, refreshing salad that brings both sweet and tangy elements into perfect harmony, the Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe is a must-try. It’s amazingly easy to put together, wonderfully versatile, and guaranteed to liven up your table with its colorful crunch. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this as much as I do!
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Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Sweet & Tangy Crunch Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant apple cranberry coleslaw combining the crispness of shredded green and red cabbage with sweet, juicy apple slices and tangy dried cranberries. Tossed in a light, honey-mustard vinaigrette and garnished with optional green onions, parsley, and crunchy nuts, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors, ideal as a side dish or light snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruits
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 large apple (Gala or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced or julienned
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)
Additional Mix-ins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds, optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the produce: Shred the green and red cabbages finely to create a crisp base. Thinly slice or julienne the apple to maintain its crunch and freshness. If using, thinly slice the green onions and chop the parsley and nuts to add layered textures and flavors.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This creates a sweet and tangy vinaigrette that complements the ingredients perfectly.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cabbages, apple slices, dried cranberries, green onions, and parsley. Pour the prepared dressing over the top to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill the salad: Toss everything thoroughly to combine and ensure the dressing evenly coats all components. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss and sprinkle chopped nuts on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- The apple choice affects sweetness and texture; Gala and Honeycrisp provide a crisp, sweet bite.
- Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the salad’s taste.
- Green onions, parsley, and nuts are optional but add layers of flavor and texture.
- Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative to honey in the dressing.
- For extra tang, increase apple cider vinegar slightly to taste.
