I know you love a good side dish, especially one that’s bright and full of flavor. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic cranberry coleslaw recipes that are perfect for any meal, from a simple dinner to your festive holiday spread.
These recipes are easy to make and bring a lovely, zesty touch to your table. You’ll find a fresh cranberry apple coleslaw and a special cranberry coleslaw for holiday meals. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Fresh Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Recipe
This cranberry apple coleslaw is a vibrant side dish that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s a fantastic way to add a fresh crunch to your meal, great for picnics or family gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Coleslaw
- Crisp Apples: Use varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and tartness in your apple coleslaw.
- Fresh Cranberries: Don’t skip these! They bring a beautiful tartness that balances the sweetness of the dressing for this fresh side.
What You Need for Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 Granny Smith apple, julienned
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Shred your cabbage finely and chop the fresh cranberries. Core and julienne the apple. Place all of these in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Stir until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and apple mixture. Toss everything together until it’s well coated. For best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
This coleslaw tastes even better if it has a little time to sit in the fridge, letting the flavors blend. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fresh Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe For Holiday Meals
Prepare this amazing fresh cranberry coleslaw for your holiday meals. It’s a bright and colorful addition to any festive table, offering a nice contrast to richer dishes.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Holiday Coleslaw
- Pre-Shredded Cabbage: For busy holiday cooking, feel free to use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time with this cranberry coleslaw.
- Orange Zest: A little orange zest in the dressing adds a lovely aromatic and citrusy note that pairs well with cranberries for your holiday meal.
What You Need for Holiday Cranberry Coleslaw
- 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 10 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Holiday Cranberry Coleslaw
Step 1: Get Your Mix Ready
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped fresh cranberries, and pecans if you are using them.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and maple syrup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and cranberry mixture. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for a bit to let the flavors deepen.
📝 Final Note
This coleslaw is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cabbage might soften a bit, but it will still taste good.
