Okay, so let’s talk coleslaw! I’m a huge fan – it’s that perfect side dish, right? You can have it with pretty much anything, from burgers to ribs, and it just *works*. But sometimes, the same old coleslaw gets a little… boring. That’s why I’m super excited to share my go-to recipe: the most amazing **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** you’ll ever try!
I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago. I wanted something fresh and bright to serve at a fall picnic, and boom! This coleslaw hit the spot. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy – the apples and cranberries are just a match made in heaven. Trust me, once you make this **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**, you’ll be making it all the time. It is a true crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Honestly? This **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** is a game-changer. I swear, everyone who tries it raves about it. Here’s why you’re gonna become obsessed:
- Fresh as can be: We’re talking crisp, vibrant ingredients! Forget that soggy stuff from the store. This coleslaw is all about that fresh, crunchy goodness. You’ll *taste* the difference, I promise!
- Ridiculously easy to make: Seriously, it takes like, ten minutes, tops. No complicated cooking methods here. Just chop, mix, and chill! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- A flavor party in your mouth: Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing? It’s the perfect combo! The flavors are so balanced. Every bite is a little explosion of incredible tastes doing a dance.
- Perfect for any occasion: Picnics, potlucks, barbecues… this coleslaw is a guaranteed hit. It’s the ultimate side dish that everyone will love! You can even bring it to Thanksgiving.
- It’s a looker: Okay, maybe that’s not the *most* important thing, but this **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** is gorgeous! The colors are so pretty, you’ll be proud to serve it. It just makes the whole meal feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The best **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** starts with the best stuff, right?
Here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (yup, your favorite kind! Full-fat, light, whatever floats your boat.)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (it gives the slaw a tangy zing!)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or a little more, depending on how sweet you like it).
- 1/4 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just a pinch for flavor!)
- 6 cups shredded cabbage (I usually grab the pre-shredded bag to save time).
- 1 cup shredded carrots (again, I buy the bag. Saves me time to eat more delicious food.)
- 1 apple, cored and chopped (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my faves!)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (the sweetness is just fantastic).
Easy peasy!
How to Make the Perfect Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, let’s get this **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** party started! Seriously, it’s so simple, you’ll be making it again and again. Here’s how it goes, step by step:
- Make the Dressing: In a big ol’ bowl (the bigger, the better for easy mixing!), whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until it’s nice and smooth. You don’t want any lumps!
- Add the Good Stuff: Toss in your shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped apple (I usually go for Honeycrisp for this!), and those beautiful dried cranberries.
- Toss it All Together: Now, gently toss everything together until everything is coated with the dressing. Don’t be too rough – you don’t wanna bruise those delicate apple pieces!
- Chill and Enjoy!: This is the most important step! Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at *least* 30 minutes. This lets all those flavors get to know each other and do their little flavor dance. The longer, the better, honestly!
See? Told ya it was easy! Now, if your coleslaw seems a little dry after chilling (it happens!), just add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise at a time, until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency. That’s it! Devour!
Ingredient Notes and Potential Substitutions
Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients a little more! You know, so you can really make this **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** *your own*. I’m all about flexibility in the kitchen – gotta work with what you’ve got!
The Dressing: Getting it Right
The dressing is super important, obvi. Mayo? Use your fave! If you’re vegan, no sweat! Grab some vegan mayo. For the apple cider vinegar, it gives a nice tangy lift, but if you don’t have it, white wine vinegar is a decent sub. Sweetener? Well, I use sugar, but honey or maple syrup would be amazing, too. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
Apple Varieties: What to Choose
The apple is where it’s at! I dig Honeycrisp or Gala for the sweetness and crunch. Granny Smith gives a tart pop, which can be delicious if you like that. If you want to get creative, try a mix! Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your fave apple pairing.
Tips for Success and Achieving the Best Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
So, you want to make the absolute *best* **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**, huh? Trust me, I get it! Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way to make this recipe sing:
First, don’t skimp on the chilling time! Seriously, that fridge time is crucial for the flavors to meld. Next, taste as you go! Adjust the sugar, maybe add a tiny pinch more salt. Lastly, if you are making it ahead of time, add your apple right before serving. This keeps the slaw perfect!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Okay, so, now you’ve got this amazing **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**, what do you serve it with? The possibilities are endless, my friends!
Think grilled chicken or a juicy burger – the coleslaw’s refreshing crunch cuts right through the richness. Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic. Or, hey, bring it to your next picnic! It’s the *perfect* side dish. Honestly, this coleslaw is so good, it’ll make any meal feel special!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions for Your Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
So, you’re planning ahead? Smart move! This **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw** is perfect for making in advance. Just mix everything *except* the apple. Chop that bad boy right before serving; otherwise, it can get a little sad and soggy.
You can make the dressing and shred the veggies a day or two ahead. Then, when you’re ready, toss everything together. Leftovers? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, although it’s always best when fresh! I wouldn’t recommend freezing this coleslaw, but hey, it’s never lasted long enough at my house to take that risk!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Alright, so here’s the deal with the numbers, my friends! Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, since everyone uses different brands and ingredients. But it’ll give you a general idea for one cup of this **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
So there you have it! Now go enjoy that delicious coleslaw!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of my amazing **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**? Awesome! I’m guessing you might have a few questions. Don’t worry, I got you!
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
You *totally* can! In fact, it gets even better if you make it a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before, to let those flavors mingle. The key is to add the chopped apple *right before* you serve it. Otherwise, it might get a little soft. Trust me, it’s worth the small extra step!
What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
Oh, the apple question! Honestly, I’ve tried a few, and you can’t really go wrong. Honeycrisp is my personal fave because it’s sweet and *super* crunchy. Gala’s great too, and Granny Smith adds a little tart punch if you’re into that. Play around and see what you like best in your **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**!
How can I make the coleslaw sweeter or less sweet?
Easy peasy! If you want it sweeter, just add a little more sugar (or honey/maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy) to the dressing, taste, and add a little more. If you prefer a less sweet version of my **Apple Cranberry Coleslaw**, start with a teaspoon less sugar and adjust from there. You can absolutely customize it to your taste.
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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing coleslaw with apples and cranberries.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, apple, and cranberries to the bowl.
- Toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables, such as celery or red onion.
- For a sweeter coleslaw, add more sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: coleslaw, apple, cranberry, salad, side dish, vegan