Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Salad
This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a creamy apple cranberry coleslaw salad made with crunchy coleslaw mix, fresh apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a light sweet-tangy dressing. It’s an easy side dish in just minutes.
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I love this side salad to bring out for family lunches, potlucks, and holidays. It’s especially great during spring and summer when you want something cool, crunchy, and a little bit sweet to balance out heavier main dishes like grilled meats or baked casseroles.
Served it with grilled chicken, spareribs, or even simple sandwiches for a light and satisfying meal.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Salad
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Wash and dice the apple.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and sugar until creamy.
3. Mix the coleslaw mix, diced apples, dried cranberries and walnuts together in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and stir to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
Serve & Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the coleslaw stays fresh and crunchy. Softer apples can get mushy fast.
- Cut apples last or toss them right away in a little lemon juice to help prevent browning and keep them looking fresh.
- Chill time matters — don’t skip it. Letting the coleslaw sit for at least 1–2 hours helps the flavors blend and makes it taste even better.
- If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans or sunflower seeds if you want a different crunch or need a nut-free option.
- If your apples are already very sweet, you can reduce the sugar a little.
- Best served cold — give it a quick stir before serving because the dressing may settle at the bottom.
- You can prepare it a few hours in advance, but for best texture, don’t make it more than a day ahead since the cabbage can soften over time.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Salad
Ingredients
- 14 ounce bag 3-color coleslaw mix
- 2 medium apples washed and diced
- ½ red onion diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Wash and dice the apple.
- In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and sugar until creamy.
- Mix the coleslaw mix, diced apples, dried cranberries and walnuts together in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
