Apple Cranberry Coleslaw – A Crisp and Flavorful Fall Side Dish
Looking for a fresh and tangy side dish to complement your fall meals? This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delightful twist on the classic, packed with the crunch of apples and walnuts and the tartness of cranberries. The creamy dressing, lightly spiced with ginger, adds a subtle warmth, making this coleslaw perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully colorful, and versatile, pairing well with everything from roasted meats to sandwiches.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Ingredients
Coleslaw:
- 14 oz bag of 3-color coleslaw mix
- 1 large apple, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup honey
- ¾ teaspoon dried ground ginger
Optional (for a lighter version):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Coleslaw Mix
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions. This mix creates a vibrant blend of textures and flavors, bringing sweetness, tartness, and a satisfying crunch to the dish. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, honey, and ground ginger until smooth and creamy. If you’d like a lighter coleslaw, use the reduced amounts for each ingredient as listed in the optional section. - Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed. Serve immediately, or let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Notes
- Apple Variety: Use a crisp, slightly tart apple variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to balance the sweetness of the dressing and cranberries.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds for walnuts if you’re looking for a nut-free alternative with similar crunch.
- Serving Tip: This coleslaw is delicious on its own or as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, and tacos, adding a refreshing twist to classic dishes.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw brings a new level of flavor to any meal with its combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and creamy ginger dressing. The optional lighter version is perfect for those who prefer a lower-calorie option without sacrificing taste. Whether for a fall feast or a quick weeknight dinner, this coleslaw is sure to brighten up your table and satisfy with its delightful crunch and seasonal flavors. Enjoy a refreshing taste of autumn with this easy-to-make side dish!
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Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw combines the crisp freshness of apples and coleslaw mix with the vibrant flavors of dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. Tossed in a creamy honey-ginger dressing, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with a touch of warmth from the ginger. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures, making it a memorable dish for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Coleslaw:
14 oz bag of 3-color coleslaw mix
1 large apple, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
4 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
¾ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup honey
¾ teaspoon dried ground ginger
Optional (for a lighter version):
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon ground Ginger
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced green onions.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, honey, and ground ginger until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and stir until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
For a lighter coleslaw, use the reduced amounts of mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, and ginger as indicated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210