Crisp Apple Slaw With Cranberry Recipe

Zippy Apple Cranberry Slaw Recipe: A Fresh Twist

Summer’s vibrant colors dance on your plate with this zesty apple slaw with cranberry that bursts with fresh, tangy flavors.

Crisp apples and tart cranberries create a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.

Crunchy cabbage adds a refreshing base to this vibrant side dish.

The light, bright dressing brings everything together with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Packed with nutrients and bold flavors, this slaw offers a delicious twist on traditional salads.

Each forkful promises a delightful crunch and a burst of seasonal goodness.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together for a stunning addition to any meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: N/A

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 115 kcal

Servings: 7

Apple Slaw With Cranberry: Ingredient List

For Slaw Base:
  • Cabbage: Crisp foundation that provides a satisfying crunch and nutritious backdrop for the salad.
  • Apple: Adds sweet-tart flavor and refreshing texture with its juicy bite.
  • Carrot: Brings vibrant color and earthy sweetness to complement the other ingredients.
For Dressing Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds ingredients and adds rich, smooth consistency.
  • Greek Yogurt: Introduces tangy flavor and lightens the dressing with a protein-packed twist.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright, sharp acidity to balance the richness of mayonnaise.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cranberries: Bursts of tart sweetness that create unexpected and delightful flavor complexity.
  • Green Onions: Delivers mild, fresh onion notes that add subtle zinginess to the slaw.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and harmonize all the ingredients' flavors.

Salad Tools for Making Apple Slaw With Cranberry Fast

  • Large Salad Bowl: Spacious container for mixing and combining slaw ingredients.
  • Jar or Bowl: Perfect for whisking and blending dressing components.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing and chopping apples and other ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precise fruit and vegetable preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for portioning dressing ingredients.
  • Mixing Spoon or Tongs: Great for tossing and evenly coating the slaw with dressing.

How to Toss Apple Slaw With Cranberry in Minutes

  • Dressing Blend

Grab a jar or mixing bowl and combine all the dressing components. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and unified, creating a vibrant base that will bring your slaw to life.

  • Slaw Assembly

In a spacious salad bowl, toss together the crisp apple mixture, allowing the ingredients to mingle and dance. Gently drizzle the prepared dressing over the top, using a light hand to ensure each morsel gets a delicious coating.

  • Final Toss

Using salad utensils or two large spoons, softly fold and turn the slaw until every piece is beautifully glazed. The result should be a colorful, glistening side dish that promises a burst of fresh flavors and textures.

  • Serving Suggestion

Transfer the apple slaw to a serving dish, letting its vibrant colors and enticing aroma invite everyone to dive in. This refreshing companion pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can stand alone as a light, crunchy treat.

Flavor Combos for Crisp, Tangy Slaw Mix

  • Add toasted pecans or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutty flavor.
  • Replace cranberries with golden raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different sweet-tart twist.
  • Prepare the slaw up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate to let flavors meld together, but add dressing just before serving to maintain crisp vegetables.
  • Boost this side dish by mixing in shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled tofu for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • Drizzle a touch of honey or sprinkle cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a sweet-heat combination in their salads.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Slaw With Cranberry

  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pair this vibrant apple slaw with grilled chicken or pulled pork sandwiches for a refreshing summer meal that brings crunch and zest to your plate.
  • Holiday Side Dish Delight: Showcase this colorful slaw alongside roasted turkey or ham during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, adding a bright, tangy dimension to traditional holiday spreads.
  • Healthy Lunch Booster: Pack this slaw in portable containers for a nutritious workday lunch, mixing it with quinoa or topped on a bed of mixed greens for extra protein and satisfaction.
  • Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this eye-catching apple slaw to community gatherings or potlucks, where its unique blend of sweet and tart flavors will stand out among standard salad offerings.

How to Store Apple Slaw With Cranberry for Freshness

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Keep your apple slaw chilled in an airtight container to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator for optimal freshness.
  • Shelf Life Alert: Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and crunch. Ingredients like apples and cabbage can become soggy if left too long, so enjoy quickly after preparation.
  • Dressing Separation Tip: If you want to prep ahead, store dressing and slaw ingredients separately. Mix just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain maximum crispness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This slaw tastes even better after the flavors meld together. Prepare the recipe a few hours before serving to allow ingredients to blend and enhance the overall taste profile.
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Crisp Apple Slaw With Cranberry Recipe

Crisp Apple Slaw With Cranberry Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Crisp apple slaw with cranberry brings together sweet and tangy flavors in a refreshing side dish. Crunchy apples and tart cranberries create a delightful salad you can enjoy alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 red and firm apples
  • 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) carrot, shredded
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) celery, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) sliced almonds
  • ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) honey
  • 1 tsp (5 ml/0.17 fl oz) Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth, allowing flavors to blend and develop a harmonious profile.
  2. Vegetable and Fruit Composition: Core and julienne apples, thinly slice cabbage, and chop cranberries, combining them in a large mixing bowl to create a vibrant, textural base.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Pour prepared dressing over the slaw mixture, gently tossing with a spatula to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and saturated with the tangy vinaigrette.
  4. Resting and Marinating: Let the slaw sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, enabling the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly soften while maintaining their crisp texture.
  5. Final Presentation: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or toasted almonds for an added layer of crunch and visual appeal, then serve chilled or at ambient temperature.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead Tip: Chop apples and mix dressing up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.
  • Slice Technique: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create thin, uniform apple slices for consistent texture and elegant presentation.
  • Dressing Balance: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth blending and prevent separation of oil and vinegar.
  • Serving Suggestion: Chill slaw for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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