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Fresh Creamy Coleslaw with Apple and Cranberries

fresh creamy coleslaw - featured image

A fresh and creamy coleslaw featuring shredded green and red cabbage, crisp Granny Smith apple, and sweet dried cranberries, tossed in a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This easy recipe is perfect for quick side dishes and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and julienned
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash the cabbages thoroughly and remove any wilted outer leaves. Shred the green cabbage into about 4 cups and the red cabbage into 2 cups using a sharp knife or food processor.
  2. Shred the carrots to yield about 1 cup and place all shredded vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Core and julienne the Granny Smith apple into thin matchstick pieces. Toss the apple slices immediately with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning, then add to the bowl with the shredded vegetables.
  4. Add ½ cup dried cranberries to the bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon celery seed, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. For a lighter dressing, substitute some or all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  6. Pour the dressing over the shredded mixture and gently toss with salad tongs or a large spoon to coat evenly without bruising the ingredients.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften slightly while retaining crunch.
  8. Before serving, toss the coleslaw again and adjust salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar as needed.

Notes

For best texture, shred cabbage gently to avoid watery slaw. Toss dressing just before serving if preparing ahead to keep slaw crisp. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or plant-based mayo for lighter or vegan versions. Soak dried cranberries briefly in warm water for more chewiness if desired. Adjust honey to balance sweetness based on apple tartness.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, apple coleslaw, dried cranberries, easy side dish, healthy coleslaw, picnic recipe, quick coleslaw