Chef's Essential Tips

Preparation: Make sure all vegetables are washed and dried properly to keep the coleslaw fresh and crisp.
Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to achieve uniform shreds of cabbage and carrots for better texture.
Sweetness Balance: Adjust the amount of honey based on the tartness of your cranberries and apples to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness.
Vegan Option: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free dressing.
Storage: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness, and consume within three days.
Add-Ins: Consider adding other ingredients such as bell peppers or celery for added flavor and texture.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Green Cabbage: Essential for its crisp texture and mild flavor; it forms the base of the coleslaw and keeps it crunchy.
Red Cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste of the dish.
Apple: Provides natural sweetness and a juicy texture; Granny Smith or Fuji apples work best for their balance of tartness and sweetness.
Cranberries: Tart cranberries lend a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the apple, and they can be used fresh or dried depending on preference.
Carrots: Grated carrots add sweetness and a lovely color, enhancing the overall texture and flavor complexity.
Green Onions: These add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish, bringing freshness to the mix.
Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing; it provides a rich mouthfeel and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a tangy kick that brightens the flavors and ties all ingredients together beautifully.
Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally; it can be adjusted based on personal taste and dietary needs.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a hint of sharpness to the dressing, enhancing its richness and depth.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storage Tips:

To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Consuming within 3 days is optimal to maintain flavor and crunch. If it begins to get soggy, consider using it in a wrap or as a topping for tacos.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the coleslaw in a bright bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. It can be paired with grilled meats, used as a sandwich topping, or enjoyed on its own. Always give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Chilling:

Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the chill enhances the freshness. The cabbage will soften slightly while retaining the desired crunch.

Mixing Ingredients:

Combine the shredded cabbage, apples, cranberries, and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and use a spatula to gently fold everything together, ensuring an even coating without damaging the vegetables.

Making the Dressing:

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until a smooth, creamy texture forms. This dressing is essential for binding the ingredients and adding the delicious tangy flavor.

Grating Carrots:

For grated carrots, use a box grater or a food processor for a quick method. Aim for fine shreds which blend in well with the cabbage and add a pop of color and sweetness. Freshly grated carrots maintain their crunch and flavor.

Chopping Cranberries:

If using fresh cranberries, make sure they are washed thoroughly. Chop them coarsely to release their juices, which will enhance the dressing. If using dried cranberries, simply measure them out; they’ll add texture and sweetness without needing additional prep.

Dicing Apples:

When dicing the apples, aim for small, bite-sized pieces that can easily mix with the other ingredients. Use a sturdy knife and a cutting board to maintain control. This size ensures that each bite of coleslaw carries a piece of apple for sweetness.

Shredding Cabbage:

Begin by shredding the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. A mandoline ensures even, thin strips which create a uniform texture in the coleslaw. The key is not to rush; take your time to keep the shreds consistent for the best mouthfeel.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Deliciously Tangy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

Chilling:

Mixing Ingredients:

Making the Dressing:

Grating Carrots:

Chopping Cranberries:

Dicing Apples:

Shredding Cabbage:

Master Your Recipe

For an even tastier coleslaw, dress it a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can add a fresh note to your coleslaw; experiment to find your favorite.

This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with pulled pork, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.

For a twist, try adding thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch and peppery flavor.

Deliciously Tangy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw with Crunchy Vegetables

Name: Deliciously Tangy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw with Crunchy Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Slaw:; 4 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Fuji recommended); 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries for sweetness); 1 cup carrots, grated; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; For the Dressing:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Elevate your meal with this refreshing Cranberry Apple Coleslaw, a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Key ingredients like crisp green cabbage, tart cranberries, and sweet apples come together for a delightful crunch that invigorates your palate. This coleslaw features a creamy dressing that enhances its savory notes while the apples add a juicy, sweet burst with every bite. Ideal for summer barbecues, holiday feasts, or as a light lunch option, this dish not only looks vibrant on your plate but also brings back those joyful moments spent around the table. The contrasting textures of crunchy cabbage and soft apples create a mouthwatering experience that you and your loved ones will cherish. Make this easy recipe for your next family gathering, picnic, or potluck, and watch as everyone asks for seconds; it’s a dish that evokes memories and creates new ones, all while satisfying your taste buds.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Total Time

15 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Slaw:

4 cups green cabbage, shredded

1 cup red cabbage, shredded

1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Fuji recommended)

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries for sweetness)

1 cup carrots, grated

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, diced apple, chopped cranberries, grated carrots, and green onions. Toss everything together gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.

Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Use a spatula to fold the dressing in, ensuring all vegetables are well coated.

Step 4: If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans onto the coleslaw mixture and fold them in gently for added crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the cabbage soften slightly.

Step 6: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference.

Step 8: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or on its own as a light meal.

Step 9: Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors as you delight your guests with this delicious coleslaw.

Step 10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.