This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is light, crisp, and full of flavor! A mix of cabbage, apples, and cranberries tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing makes it the perfect refreshing side for any meal. It’s quick, colorful, and naturally alcohol-free — great for family dinners, BBQs, or holiday tables.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
It’s crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at once. Easy to make, healthy, and beautiful on any plate — this coleslaw fits every season. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and totally crowd-pleasing.
What You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few fresh ingredients and simple pantry staples:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (optional for color)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced or julienned (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt & pepper, to taste
These ingredients create the perfect balance — creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet with a beautiful crunch.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Prepare the veggies:
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, apple slices, cranberries, and green onions. - Whisk the dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Combine and toss:
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix and toss until everything is evenly coated. - Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend beautifully.
Fresh, crisp, and satisfying — ready in less than 20 minutes!
You Must Know
The secret to perfect coleslaw is all in the texture and balance. Use fresh, crisp cabbage and sweet-tart apples for the best crunch. Slice everything thinly — too thick, and it loses that light, refreshing bite.
Don’t skip the chill time! Letting the coleslaw rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour helps the flavors blend and slightly softens the cabbage without making it soggy.
For a healthier touch, use Greek yogurt instead of extra mayo — it keeps things creamy yet light. And always taste the dressing before mixing; you can easily adjust the sweetness or tang to match your preference.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Even though this recipe doesn’t “cook,” mastering the mixing process makes all the difference. Toss the slaw gently to coat everything evenly — you want each bite to have that perfect mix of creamy dressing, crunchy cabbage, and juicy fruit.
Use a large mixing bowl to give the ingredients room to move. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate until a few hours before serving. This prevents the cabbage from softening too soon.
Finally, serve it chilled for that crisp, refreshing texture. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey sandwiches, or grilled seafood — the kind of side dish that makes any main course shine.
Add Your Touch Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
This coleslaw is super versatile — you can easily make it your own! Try swapping ingredients to match the season or your taste. Add toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for extra crunch. Prefer something sweeter? Toss in fresh pineapple chunks or mandarin slices.
For a little savory depth, sprinkle in chopped herbs like parsley or dill. Want a bit of spice? Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. Every version feels new and exciting while staying light and refreshing.
And if you love creamy textures, add a touch more yogurt or mayo — just enough to coat, not drown, the ingredients. This recipe is flexible, fun, and perfect for experimenting.
Storing & Reheating
This coleslaw stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits, though the cabbage will soften slightly over time.
If you’re meal-prepping, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving for maximum crunch. Because this is a cold dish, it doesn’t need reheating — just give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the texture.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or next-day lunches — it stays crisp, creamy, and full of flavor!
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Use fresh ingredients: Crisp cabbage and firm apples make all the difference. Avoid pre-shredded coleslaw mix if possible — freshly cut veggies stay crunchier.
- Slice evenly: Thin, uniform slices ensure every bite feels balanced and light.
- Balance the flavor: If your apples are very sweet, add a bit more vinegar; if too tart, a drizzle of honey smooths it out.
- Keep it cold: Chill before serving — the dressing thickens slightly, and the flavors blend better.
- Make ahead smartly: Mix the dressing and veggies separately until a few hours before serving. That way, it stays fresh and never soggy.
These small details turn a simple coleslaw into something restaurant-worthy — crisp, creamy, and beautifully balanced.
FAQ for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt or use only mayo — it’s just as creamy.
What kind of apple works best?
Crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji give the best texture and flavor.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can, but chop them finely and add a touch of honey to balance the tartness.
How long does it stay fresh?
About 2–3 days in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, though the cabbage softens a bit.
Is this good for parties?
Absolutely! It’s bright, colorful, and can be made ahead — a perfect side for any gathering.
Conclusion
This Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is everything you want in a side dish — crisp, creamy, colorful, and full of fresh flavor. It’s quick to make, healthy, and pairs effortlessly with any meal, from BBQs to holiday feasts.
Every bite brings the perfect mix of crunch, sweetness, and tang — proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or adding a pop of freshness to your menu, this coleslaw is the go-to choice.
Light, vibrant, and endlessly versatile — once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it all year long!
How to Make the Best Apple Cranberry Coleslaw | Fresh, Creamy & Tangy
Description
A light, crunchy coleslaw bursting with sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and a creamy yogurt dressing — perfect for holidays, BBQs, or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix cabbage, apple, carrots, and cranberries.
In a smaller bowl, whisk mayo, yogurt, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over veggies and toss well.
Chill 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala.
For extra crunch, add sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days.
