There’s something special about the crunch of fresh apples mixed with crisp cabbage. It reminds me of family cookouts, where laughter floats in the air and food is shared with joy. That’s why apple coleslaw is making waves on TikTok and Pinterest. Everyone loves its vibrant flavors and easy prep!
This delightful dish is all about simplicity. With just a few ingredientsthink sweet apples, crunchy cabbage, and a hint of tangyou’ll whip up a cozy meal in no time. It’s like your grandma’s version, but quicker and a little sassier. Full details in the blog!
This apple coleslaw offers a creamy apple coleslaw with cranberries and a crunchy apple coleslaw with pecans almonds. It pairs perfectly as an easy apple slaw BBQ side dish featuring tangy apple cabbage coleslaw and a fall apple coleslaw with maple dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more if needed
¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more if needed
4 cups shredded green cabbage from about ½ head of cabbage
1 large apple cut into matchsticks any kind will work
½ cup thinly sliced red onion from about ½ of a medium onion
½ cup dried cranberries I used sweetened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup candied pecans chopped see notes for alternatives
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, and black pepper, whisking until the dressing is completely smooth.
Add the shredded green cabbage, matchstick-cut apple, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped candied pecans to the bowl.
Toss all the ingredients thoroughly using tongs, then taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
Serve the coleslaw right away or cover and chill it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
To prepare ahead, mix the dressing separately and toss with the coleslaw up to 30 minutes before serving for the best texture
Leftovers stay good and maintain texture well even a day after assembling
This recipe serves 8 as a side dish or 4 as a more filling salad ideal with roasted chicken or other proteins
Candied pecans are available at most stores but can be substituted with plain or toasted slivered or sliced almonds, pistachios, or other nuts
Use pepitas or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option
For a vegan version, swap mayonnaise for a vegan alternative and ensure candied nuts are vegan
Greek yogurt may replace mayonnaise with added salt, honey or other sweeteners can replace maple syrup, pears can substitute apples, and raisins or chopped figs can substitute cranberries
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Category:Salad
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:182kcal
Sugar:16g
Sodium:227mg
Fat:12g
Saturated Fat:2g
Unsaturated Fat:4g + 5g
Trans Fat:0.01g
Carbohydrates:20g
Fiber:2g
Protein:1g
Cholesterol:3mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Apple Coleslaw with Cranberries and Pecans is sure to become a staple in your household! It combines nostalgic crunch with a touch of modern flair. You’ll love how simple and delicious it is, and it’s practically chaos-proof for busy kitchens.
Perfect Side Dish: Whether it’s for a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, this slaw pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to hearty soups.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Toss it together ahead of time and let the flavors mingle in the fridge while you focus on the main course.
Seasonal Twist: This dish shines at fall gatherings, but you’ll likely find excuses to make it all year round!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore what makes this Apple Coleslaw so special! Each ingredient contributes to the delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
Ingredient
Role in the Dish
Shredded Green Cabbage
The crunchy foundation, creating that classic coleslaw vibe.
Apple (any kind)
Adds crisp sweetnessHoneycrisp is a favorite for its juicy texture!
Dried Cranberries
Provides bursts of sweetness and a fun chewy texture.
Candied Pecans
Offers a delightful crunch with a touch of sweetness. Almonds can also be substituted for a different flavor.
Maple Balsamic Dressing
Ties everything together, balancing creamy and tangy notes perfectly.
Simple Steps to Make It
Ready to get started? Making this Apple Coleslaw is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the shredded cabbage, apple matchsticks, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, parsley, and candied pecans.
Use tongs to gently toss everything together until well coated. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasoning if desireda little extra salt or pepper goes a long way!
For optimal flavor, chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy immediately if you can’t wait!
Easy Customizations
The charm of this Apple Coleslaw lies in its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
Nut Alternatives: For a nut-free option, swap in pepitas or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
Sweet & Fruity Swaps: Try pears instead of apples, or add raisins for a different twist. Feel free to experiment with any dried fruit you have on hand!
For a Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo and make sure your nuts are vegan-friendly to create a plant-based delight.
How to Serve & Store
Ready to impress at your next gathering? Here’s how to serve and store this delicious dish:
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this slaw alongside grilled chicken, as a sandwich topping, or on a bed of greens for a light lunch!
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps its crunch well for a day or twoperfect for enjoying later!
Consider making the dressing separately and tossing it with the slaw just before serving to keep it extra fresh if preparing ahead.
Expert Says
Apple coleslaw offers a vibrant twist on traditional slaw, blending the crunch of cabbage with the sweetness of apples. The polyphenols in apples may help reduce inflammation, while the fiber from cabbage supports digestive health. This refreshing dish balances flavors and nutrients, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Reddit!
The Quest for the Best Apple Coleslaw
Finding the perfect apple coleslaw recipe was quite the adventure. After too many overly sweet and soggy attempts, I discovered the magic of balancing tart apples with crisp cabbage. The crunch and zing of this coleslaw have become a family favorite, reminiscent of picnics in the park filled with warm sunshine and laughter.
FAQs ( Apple Coleslaw )
What is the best apple for coleslaw?
For this dish, Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are excellent choices. They add a nice crunch and a balance of sweetness and tartness that enhances the overall flavor of the slaw.
How can I keep apple coleslaw from turning brown?
To prevent browning, toss the apple slices with lemon juice as soon as you cut them. The acidity helps inhibit oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh in your coleslaw.
Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this meal a few hours in advance. However, I recommend adding the dressing right before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage and apples.
Can I add other fruits to my coleslaw?
Absolutely! Pineapple, raisins, or even mandarin oranges can bring a fun twist to this recipe. Just be sure to balance sweet fruits with tangy flavors in your dressing.
Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful Creamy Apple Coleslaw with Cranberries that blends sweet, crunchy apples with tangy dressing. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the table, and trust meyour family will be asking for seconds! You’ll love how refreshing and comforting this dish feels; it’s all about cozy vibes and sharing smiles.
For a little twist, consider adding shredded carrots for color or swapping pecans for almonds if that’s what you have on hand. A quick tip: this slaw keeps beautifully in the fridge, so feel free to make it a day ahead and let those flavors mingle. It’s a little trick I learned in my aunt’s kitchen, and it always pays off!
I’d love to see how your version turns outsnap a pic and share it! Did you grow up eating something similar? Those nostalgia-filled meals are the best. Be sure to save or share this recipe with a friend who would enjoy it too. Let’s keep that family love flowing, one delicious bite at a time!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
