Cranberry apple coleslaw salad is a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw, combining crisp vegetables with the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries and apples. This refreshing dish is not only vibrant in color but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect side for any meal or a light lunch option. The crunchy texture of shredded cabbage pairs beautifully with juicy apples and tangy cranberries, creating a harmonious blend that excites the palate. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing for holiday gatherings, or simply looking for a quick and healthy dish to accompany your dinner, this cranberry apple coleslaw salad fits the bill. Hearty Lentil Salad It takes minimal preparation time—around 15 minutes—and is best served chilled to allow the flavors to meld together. Plus, it’s highly adaptable; feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds for an extra crunch or swap out ingredients based on what’s in season. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make yet impressive salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad

For more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe.

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Nutrient-Packed: This salad is loaded with vitamins from fresh cabbage and apples along with antioxidants from cranberries, making it both delicious and healthy

Ingredients for Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green Cabbage: Use about half a medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded for the best texture in your coleslaw.
• Red Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; slicing them adds sweetness and crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a chewy texture and burst of tartness; opt for unsweetened if you prefer less sugar.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots bring color and sweetness to balance out the tartness of the apples and cranberries.
• Mayonnaise: Use regular or light mayonnaise as the base for your dressing; it helps bind all ingredients together while adding creaminess.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Shred the Vegetables

Start by shredding half a head of green cabbage using a sharp knife or box grater until you have about four cups. Then, shred two medium carrots until fine.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Core and slice two red apples into thin wedges or matchsticks. For best results, leave the skin on to retain nutrients and add color.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced apples, and one cup of dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together half a cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Ensure every bite has that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Transfer to plates as needed and enjoy this refreshing side dish!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and fruits for maximum flavor and crunch in your coleslaw
• Chill Time: Allowing the coleslaw to chill enhances its flavor; aim for at least an hour in the fridge before serving
• Add Some Crunch: Consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture that complements the softness of other ingredients

How to Serve Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad

This Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Chicken: The tangy flavors of the coleslaw balance perfectly with the savory taste of grilled chicken.
• Pork Tacos: Adds a crunchy and refreshing element that complements the spices in pork tacos.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: A great side that enhances the overall flavor and texture of your favorite sandwiches.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry apple coleslaw salad components up to two days in advance. Chop the vegetables and fruits, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing separately and refrigerate it until you are ready to combine everything.
• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure that you keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
• Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it warm, lightly toss it in a pan over low heat for about five minutes, but be cautious not to wilt the ingredients too much.

Suggestions for Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad:

Use Fresh Ingredients

When making your cranberry apple coleslaw salad, using fresh ingredients is crucial. Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also improve the nutritional value of your dish. Avoid pre-packaged coleslaw mixes, as they often contain preservatives and lack the vibrant taste of freshly chopped cabbage and carrots. Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Opt for crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart flavor that complements the tanginess of the dressing. Fresh cranberries can be used instead of dried ones for an extra burst of tartness. This attention to quality ensures that your salad remains refreshing and appetizing.

Balance Your Flavors

Creating a well-balanced cranberry apple coleslaw salad requires attention to flavor proportions. It’s essential to find the right mix between sweetness, acidity, and crunch. Too much sweetness from apples or cranberries can overpower other flavors, while excessive vinegar in the dressing may make it too tangy. Aim for a balanced dressing that combines mayonnaise with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Taste as you go, adjusting seasonings until you achieve harmony among all components.

Properly Shred Vegetables

The texture of your cranberry apple coleslaw salad greatly impacts its appeal. Shredding vegetables properly ensures they blend well together and makes for a delightful eating experience. Use a sharp knife or a food processor to shred cabbage into fine pieces, avoiding large chunks that can be difficult to chew. For carrots and apples, julienne cuts work best as they provide an appealing crunch without being overwhelming. Uniform sizes also help in achieving consistent flavor throughout each bite.

Allow Time for Marinating

One common mistake when preparing a cranberry apple coleslaw salad is serving it immediately after mixing. Allowing time for marinating enhances the flavors significantly. When you let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, the ingredients meld together beautifully. This resting period allows the cabbage to soften slightly while absorbing the dressing’s flavors, resulting in a more cohesive dish that’s bursting with taste.

FAQs:

What makes cranberry apple coleslaw salad unique?

Cranberry apple coleslaw salad stands out due to its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispness of cabbage paired with juicy apples and tart cranberries creates an appealing contrast that excites the palate. Additionally, this recipe offers versatility; you can customize it by adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch or incorporating different dressings based on your preference. The bright colors of red cranberries and green apples make it visually enticing as well, making it an ideal choice for festive occasions or family gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Preserved Lemons Recipe recipe.

Can I prepare cranberry apple coleslaw salad in advance?

Absolutely! Preparing cranberry apple coleslaw salad in advance is not only convenient but can also enhance its flavors over time. Make sure to follow proper storage techniques by placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, prepare it a few hours before serving or even up to one day ahead of time. Just keep in mind that if you use fresh apples, they may brown slightly; tossing them with lemon juice before mixing can help maintain their vibrant color.

How do I store leftover cranberry apple coleslaw salad?

To ensure your leftover cranberry apple coleslaw salad stays fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last up to three days; however, be aware that the cabbage may become softer over time due to moisture released by other ingredients like apples and dressing. If you’re concerned about sogginess, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it just before serving any leftovers.

Can I make cranberry apple coleslaw salad vegan?

Yes! Making a vegan version of cranberry apple coleslaw salad is quite simple and just as delicious. Substitute traditional mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives such as vegan mayo or Greek yogurt made from almond milk or coconut milk. quick Olive Garden salad You can even create a tangy vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup to maintain that creamy texture without dairy products while enhancing flavor profiles.

Conclusion for Cranberry apple Coleslaw salad:

In summary, crafting a delicious cranberry apple coleslaw salad involves selecting fresh ingredients, balancing flavors effectively, shredding vegetables correctly, and allowing time for marinating. These key steps will elevate your dish’s taste and texture while ensuring it’s visually appealing on any table setting. This versatile recipe can easily adapt to various dietary preferences by allowing substitutions within ingredients or dressings without compromising its essence. Cranberry Broccoli Salad recipe Whether served at picnics or dinner parties, this vibrant salad is sure to impress guests with its delightful combination of crunchiness and sweetness while providing wholesome nutrition benefits.

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Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Salad

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cranberry apple coleslaw salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crunch of green cabbage with the sweetness of red apples and the tartness of dried cranberries. Perfect for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, this nutrient-packed salad is quick to prepare and offers a delightful flavor profile that will impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 medium red apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage and carrots using a sharp knife or box grater.
2. Core and slice the apples into thin wedges or matchsticks.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced apples, and cranberries; toss gently.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: For added crunch, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans. To maintain freshness, store dressing separately until ready to serve if preparing in advance.