Name: Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups); 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon celery seed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw: Prepare to be amazed! Forget everything you thought you knew about coleslaw because this vibrant and flavorful side dish is about to redefine your perception. Imagine the crisp, refreshing crunch of cabbage and apples mingling with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

While coleslaw's origins can be traced back to the Dutch "koolsla," meaning cabbage salad, this particular twist, the Cranberry Apple Coleslaw, is a more modern invention, perfectly capturing the essence of fall. It's a delightful way to incorporate seasonal fruits into a classic dish, adding a festive touch to any meal. Think Thanksgiving, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner – this coleslaw shines in any setting.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the combination of sweet and tangy is simply irresistible. The cranberries and apples provide a natural sweetness that balances the savory cabbage and creamy dressing. Second, the texture is incredibly satisfying – the crispness of the cabbage and apples, combined with the chewy cranberries, creates a delightful mouthfeel. Finally, it's incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this delicious coleslaw in minutes. So, are you ready to experience coleslaw like never before? Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the Coleslaw:

1 medium head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparing the Coleslaw Base

Alright, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our cabbage. Now, you can buy pre-shredded cabbage if you're short on time, but I find that freshly shredded cabbage just tastes so much better. So, grab your head of green cabbage and let's get to work.

Shred the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if they look wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage into quarters through the core. Then, cut out the core from each quarter. Lay each quarter flat and thinly slice it crosswise into fine shreds. You're aiming for pieces that are about 1/8 inch thick. Don't worry if they're not perfect; a little variation is fine! Place the shredded cabbage into a large bowl.
Dice the Apples: Next up are the apples! I love using Granny Smith apples for this coleslaw because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the cranberries and the dressing. Core the apples and then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. I like to keep the skin on for added color and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer. Add the diced apples to the bowl with the shredded cabbage.
Add the Cranberries and Nuts (Optional): Now for the fun part – adding the cranberries! These little gems add a burst of sweetness and chewiness that really elevates this coleslaw. Toss in the dried cranberries to the bowl. If you're using nuts, go ahead and add those too. Walnuts or pecans work really well, but feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or even sunflower seeds.
Add the Parsley: Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a touch of freshness and color to the coleslaw. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all the ingredients.

Making the Dressing

Now that our coleslaw base is ready, it's time to whip up the dressing. This dressing is super simple to make and it's the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy.

Combine the Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of mayonnaise.
Taste and Adjust: Give the dressing a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey or maple syrup. If you like it tangier, add a splash more apple cider vinegar.

Assembling the Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Alright, we're in the home stretch! Now it's time to bring everything together and create our delicious Cranberry Apple Coleslaw.

Pour the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl.
Toss to Coat: Gently toss the coleslaw to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cabbage soggy.
Chill Before Serving: This is the most important step! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the coleslaw another gentle toss. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pulled pork, sandwiches, or burgers. It's also great on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw to your liking:

Add Other Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits to the coleslaw, such as grapes, mandarin oranges, or even pineapple.
Use Different Cabbage: You can use a combination of green and red cabbage for a more colorful coleslaw. You can also add some shredded Brussels sprouts for extra texture and flavor.
Make it Vegan: To make this coleslaw vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Add Protein: For a heartier coleslaw, add some cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu.
Make it Ahead: This coleslaw can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve over time!
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish. It's also a great addition to any barbecue or picnic.
On Sandwiches and Burgers: Add a scoop of coleslaw to your sandwiches or burgers for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
In Tacos: Use it as a topping for fish tacos or pulled pork tacos.
As a Salad: Enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing salad.
With Pulled Pork: This coleslaw is a classic pairing with pulled pork sandwiches. The sweetness and tanginess of the coleslaw perfectly complement the rich and savory flavor of the pulled pork.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cranberry Apple Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the coleslaw may become a bit softer over time, but it will still taste delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples and apple cider vinegar is balanced by the sweetness of the cranberries and honey. The creamy mayonnaise adds richness, while the celery seed provides a subtle savory note. The shredded cabbage provides a satisfying crunch, while the dried cranberries add a chewy texture. Together, these ingredients create a coleslaw that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 200-250 per serving
Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
Protein: 2-3 grams

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw isn't just another side dish; it's a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. The crispness of the cabbage, the sweetness of the apples, the tartness of the cranberries, and the creamy tang of the dressing all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a must-try recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Seriously, you can whip this up in under 20 minutes, leaving you more time to focus on the main course or, even better, just relax and enjoy the company of your guests. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! I love serving this coleslaw alongside grilled chicken or pork chops. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat beautifully. It's also fantastic as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or even fish tacos. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with grilled halloumi cheese or a hearty lentil burger. The possibilities are truly endless! And speaking of versatility, don't be afraid to experiment with variations. If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, try substituting Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten up the flavors. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You could also incorporate other fruits like pears or grapes for added sweetness and texture. Nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts would also add a delightful crunch. Consider adding some shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients. The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. I truly believe that this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw will become a staple in your kitchen. It's the perfect dish for potlucks, barbecues, holiday gatherings, or even just a simple weeknight dinner. It's a crowd-pleaser that's guaranteed to impress.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. * Garnish with fresh parsley or mint for a pop of color. * Pair with grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos. * Bring to your next potluck or barbecue – it's always a hit!

Variations to Try:

* Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. * Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness. * Incorporate other fruits like pears or grapes. * Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. * Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you'll love it as much as I do. It's a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so relax, experiment, and let your creativity flow. Once you've made this amazing Cranberry Apple Coleslaw, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments on my social media pages – I can't wait to see what you create! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking!