Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad is that just-right combination of crisp, creamy, sweet, and tangy in every bite. This vibrant salad brings together shredded cabbage, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a side dish that rises above the ordinary. The creamy dressing ties everything together with a subtle sweetness and a hint of zing, making this coleslaw salad a colorful favorite at cookouts and weeknight dinners alike. If you love a dish that balances bold flavors and satisfying textures, this one is destined to win you (and your tastebuds) over.

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad is in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one brings something special—crunch, color, zing, or sweetness—to the bowl, making the final salad a real showstopper at any meal.

Shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix: The backbone of your slaw, bringing essential crunch and a mild, veggie-fresh flavor.
Apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Thinly sliced apples add both juiciness and a balance of sweet-tart flavor.
Dried cranberries: These jewels pack pops of tartness and chewiness, contrasting perfectly with the crisp veggies.
Shredded carrots: They introduce color, subtle sweetness, and that familiar coleslaw crunch.
Sliced almonds or pecans: A generous handful brings nutty crunch and richness—pecans offer a buttery note while almonds add a delicate texture.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties the dressing together and gives the salad its signature richness.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and keeps the flavors lively and fresh.
Honey or maple syrup: One tablespoon brightens the mix with natural sweetness; choose your favorite!
Dijon mustard: A teaspoon elevates the dressing, adding complexity and a subtle kick.
Salt: To taste—enhances all those amazing flavors.
Black pepper: To taste—brings a gentle warmth that rounds out the dish.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Produce

Begin by gathering your shredded green cabbage or ready-made coleslaw mix. Wash and thinly slice your apple—leaving the skin on adds extra color and fiber. Have your dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and choice of nuts close at hand. Getting everything set up before mixing makes the whole process smooth and fun.

Step 2: Combine the Crunchy Base

In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded cabbage, apple slices, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and sliced almonds or pecans. Toss them gently with clean hands or salad tongs to mingle all the textures and spread those juicy pops of fruit throughout. You’ll already be able to see and smell how lively this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad will be!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a small separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a grinding of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and cohesive. Taste and tweak as you go—you might like a little more honey (or a touch more vinegar) to suit your mood.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the cabbage-apple mixture. Using a spatula or two large spoons, toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every crisp element gets coated with creamy goodness. The color will brighten and you’ll start to see that signature coleslaw shine.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and slide it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This brief chill time allows the flavors in your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad to meld beautifully—the apples soak in the tangy-sweet dressing, and the cranberries plump just a bit. When ready to serve, give it one more toss and dig in!

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad

Garnishes

Just before serving, take your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad from tasty to stunning with a sprinkle of extra dried cranberries, a few reserved nut slices, or even an added flurry of finely chopped fresh herbs (think parsley or chives). These finishing touches add a pop of color and a little extra flair to every serving.

Side Dishes

This salad sings alongside barbecue favorites like pulled pork, grilled chicken, or burgers. It also plays nicely with roasted veggies or as a bright accompaniment to a cozy autumn soup. The sweet-tart flavors cut through rich mains and the crunch keeps every plate interesting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, mound the Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad in a big, clear glass bowl so those colors shine through. For individual servings, spoon into mason jars for a picnic, or gently pile on toasted baguette slices for a festive appetizer. You could even tuck it into wraps as a crunchy sandwich topping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making this a fabulous make-ahead side for busy weeks. Just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for coleslaw salads due to the fresh ingredients. The apples and cabbage can turn watery and limp once thawed, losing their signature snap and freshness that make this salad a standout.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. In fact, a well-chilled Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad is the ultimate refresher alongside warm, hearty dishes!

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Absolutely! Red cabbage will give your Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad even more vibrant color and a slightly earthier flavor. It’s a beautiful variation, especially for special occasions or holiday spreads.

What apples work best in this salad?

Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their crisp texture and sweet-tart balance, but feel free to use Fuji, Gala, or any other firm apple you enjoy. The key is to choose apples that will stay snappy and not turn mushy.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Just swap out the mayonnaise for a plant-based version and use maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Can I make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact it’s recommended! Prepping a few hours ahead gives the flavors time to meld. Just wait to add the nuts until just before serving to keep that special crunch.

What if I dislike mayonnaise?

No worries! You can lighten the dressing by using half yogurt, or opt entirely for Greek yogurt for a tangier version. The salad will still taste great and keep its creamy allure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as easy as it is impressive, you simply can’t go wrong with Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad. Its bright flavors and gorgeous colors bring cheer to any meal, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Try it once and it’s sure to become a staple on your table!

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad is a refreshing and colorful twist on traditional coleslaw. The combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and creamy dressing creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Instructions

Combine Vegetables and Fruits – In a large mixing bowl, add shredded cabbage, apple slices, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, and sliced almonds or pecans.
Prepare Creamy Dressing – In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and cohesive.
Toss Coleslaw – Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
Chill Before Serving – Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American