Are you ready for a coleslaw that’s anything but ordinary? This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a sweet, tangy, and crunchy twist on a classic dish, packed with vibrant flavors that make it feel fresh and festive. Picture this: crisp apples, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together—this slaw has the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and crunch. Trust me, you’re going to love it! It’s the kind of side dish that brings both comfort and a burst of flavor to any meal.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re prepping it for a backyard BBQ, a cozy family dinner, or as a make-ahead dish for a holiday gathering, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is sure to shine. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for casual meals or special occasions. It’s not just a side—it’s a conversation starter.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create something truly extraordinary. You don’t need to break the bank to make this crowd-pleaser.
Quick and Easy: Tossing the ingredients together is a breeze, making this coleslaw ideal for when you need something fresh and delicious in a flash.
Customizable: Add a little extra zing with a splash of lemon or a handful of nuts. It’s all about making it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this slaw. Its perfect balance of flavors makes it a go-to for every occasion.

Ingredients in Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Here’s the magic of this slaw—it’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously unique side dish. Let’s break it down:
Shredded Cabbage: The crisp base that gives this coleslaw its satisfying crunch. It’s light, fresh, and the perfect backdrop for all the other flavors.
Granny Smith Apples: A tart and sweet addition that adds a juicy crunch and a pop of green color. These apples keep the slaw fresh and vibrant!
Dried Cranberries: Tiny bites of tangy-sweet goodness that balance out the richness of the dressing. They add a touch of tartness that makes every bite sing.
Carrots: For color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness, carrots bring just the right amount of earthiness to the mix.
Greek Yogurt: A creamy base for the dressing that adds richness without being too heavy. It’s tangy, smooth, and perfect for bringing everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Veggies and Fruits: Start by shredding your cabbage and carrots. Slice the apples into thin matchsticks or chunks—whichever you prefer. Toss the apples with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, apples, and dried cranberries.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. You want it creamy with a nice balance of tang and sweetness.
Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Let the slaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry together. Serve it cold and enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
This slaw is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even pulled pork for the perfect balance of flavors.
Sandwiches: It’s a great topping for sandwiches or wraps. Imagine it on a turkey or chicken sandwich—delicious!
Picnics or BBQs: Take it to your next picnic or backyard BBQ. It’s always a hit and a refreshing side dish that pairs well with other comfort foods.
Tacos: A little crunchy slaw on a taco? Yes, please! Especially with grilled fish or shrimp tacos.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make Ahead: This slaw actually gets better the longer it sits! Prep it the day before and let it chill in the fridge overnight for extra flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add a little more honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
Add Nuts: For a little extra crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or almonds before serving.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the slaw may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise?
A1: Yes, you can! If you prefer mayo, feel free to swap it in for a creamier, richer dressing.
Q2: Can I use a different type of apple?
A2: Absolutely! Any tart apple, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, will work great in this recipe.
Q3: Can I make this slaw vegan?
A3: Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or a dairy-free mayo to make this slaw vegan-friendly.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served fresh, but leftovers still taste great!
Q5: Can I add other fruits to the slaw?
A5: Definitely! You could add grapes, pears, or even pomegranate seeds for a different twist.
Q6: Can I make this slaw spicy?
A6: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Q7: How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?
A7: Toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice right after cutting them. It helps keep them fresh and bright!
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, just be sure to use a larger bowl for mixing. The recipe scales beautifully.
Q9: How do I make the slaw creamier?
A9: If you want a creamier slaw, add a little extra yogurt or mayo to the dressing until you reach your desired consistency.
Q10: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A10: Fresh cranberries can be a little tart, so you might want to sweeten them up with a touch of sugar before adding them to the slaw.
Conclusion
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is more than just a side dish—it’s the perfect balance of crisp, tangy, and sweet that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, a family dinner, or as a fresh accompaniment to your favorite comfort foods, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to make and adaptable to your personal taste. So next time you’re craving something crunchy, colorful, and full of flavor, reach for this slaw—you won’t regret it! Happy cooking, and trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.
PrintApple Cranberry Coleslaw
This refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion. The crisp apples and vibrant cranberries combine with creamy coleslaw dressing, offering a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for holiday meals, barbecues, or a light lunch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 apple, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, apple slices, and dried cranberries. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth. - Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- This coleslaw can be made up to a day in advance, which allows the flavors to develop even further.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg