Crisp Apple and Cranberry Slaw with Maple Dijon Dressing

Apple cranberry slaw is a crisp, colorful side dish that complements a wide range of meals. Tart dried cranberries, crunchy green cabbage, and fresh apples are tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing for a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday tables, barbecues, or a simple weeknight side.

This slaw works well year-round but has a particularly seasonal feel in the fall when apples and cranberries are at their best. The combination of crisp apple slices and tart dried cranberries gives the classic coleslaw a bright, refreshing twist. It pairs especially well with saucy meats like pulled pork, but it’s equally at home alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or as part of a picnic spread.

A small but flavorful addition to the dressing is celery seed. It brings a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the apples and cranberries and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick: Only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Fresh and vibrant: Great color and crunch from apples and cabbage.
• Versatile: Serves as a side dish, topping for sandwiches, or a light main when you add protein.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with nuts, seeds, cheese, or cooked chicken.

Ingredients

This version uses fresh green cabbage, but you can save time with a pre-shredded coleslaw mix. Choose crisp apples for the best texture; Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith are all excellent options.

• 1 green cabbage, shredded (or one bag coleslaw mix)
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple (or other crisp variety), thinly sliced or julienned
• 1 cup matchstick carrots (optional, for added color and texture)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (toss apples to prevent browning)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

How To Make Apple Cranberry Slaw

Prep time is short and the technique is straightforward. Combine the slaw components cold, mix the dressing separately, then let the flavors marry in the refrigerator for a short chill before serving.

1. Place the shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix), matchstick carrots, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and apple slices in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seeds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, then toss until the slaw is evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly. Serve chilled.

Recipe Tips

• Choose firm, crisp apples so they hold up and retain crunch.
• Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to slow browning if not serving immediately.
• Use dressing sparingly to preserve the slaw’s crunchy texture; heavy dressing can make it soggy.
• For even quicker prep, use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix and pre-sliced apples if available.

Variations

Customize this slaw to suit your taste or to use what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts add extra crunch and flavor.
• Seeds: Sunflower or pumpkin seeds bring a pleasant, salty crunch.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese offers creaminess and tang.
• Protein: Stir in shredded cooked chicken for a light main-dish salad.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that the slaw will begin to soften and lose its crispness. This recipe does not freeze well because the texture will be compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition

Approximate per-serving nutrition: Calories 260, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 15 g, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 24 g. Nutrition is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.

Additional Info

• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6