Zesty Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Brighten any meal with this refreshingly vibrant Zesty Apple Cranberry Coleslaw. Combining crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and a medley of crunchy vegetables, this salad is perfectly coated in a tangy, creamy ginger dressing. It's an effortless side dish that delivers a burst of flavor and delightful texture in every bite, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight addition.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Servings
6 to 8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Bursts with fresh, tangy, and sweet flavors.
- Offers a delightful crunch from apples, walnuts, and cabbage.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.
- A vibrant and colorful addition to any meal.
- Versatile for customization and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 396 g (14 oz) pre-packaged 3-color coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 large crisp apple, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, finely chopped
- 75 g (½ cup) dried cranberries
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced, white and light green parts
- 60 g (½ cup) chopped walnuts, lightly toasted (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- For the Zesty Ginger Dressing:
- 180 ml (¾ cup) high-quality mayonnaise
- 180 ml (¾ cup) plain full-fat yogurt or sour cream (Greek yogurt works for extra tang)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) local honey
- 3.75 ml (¾ tsp) dried ground ginger
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your base by emptying the 3-color coleslaw mix into a generously sized mixing bowl. Carefully dice your chosen crisp apple into small, uniform pieces to ensure a delightful crunch in every forkful. Scatter the dried cranberries throughout the shredded cabbage mixture, distributing them evenly to provide pockets of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Introduce an added layer of texture and freshness by incorporating the chopped walnuts and the finely sliced green onions. Ensure these ingredients are well-distributed throughout the coleslaw base, creating a multi-dimensional crunch and a subtle oniony zest that truly elevates the salad’s sensory experience.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, begin crafting your signature zesty ginger dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream, honey, and dried ground ginger. Continue whisking vigorously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous, and well-integrated emulsion. Taste and adjust for a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy notes.
- Gently pour the prepared creamy ginger dressing over the prepared coleslaw mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spatula or tongs, delicately fold the dressing into the coleslaw. The goal is to ensure every ingredient receives an even, luxurious coating without aggressively mashing or compromising the delicate textures of the cabbage, apples, and walnuts.
- Perform the final seasoning touch by adding strategic pinches of fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, aiming to harmonize the complex flavor profile. Once seasoned to perfection, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- For the freshest taste and crunch, chop the apple just before mixing with the dressing to prevent browning.
- If time allows, toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Always use high-quality mayonnaise and fresh yogurt for the dressing; it makes a significant difference in the final taste and texture.
- Do not overdress the coleslaw. Start with most of the dressing and add more if needed, ensuring it's coated but not swimming.
- Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but avoid chilling for too long (more than a few hours) as the apples can soften.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare other ingredients, toss the chopped apples with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice.
- For an extra layer of complexity, infuse your honey with a thin slice of fresh ginger overnight, then strain it before using in the dressing.
- Consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the dressing for an even brighter, more pronounced tang that cuts through the richness.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The apples may soften slightly over time.
- Lighter Dressing Variation: For a lighter version of the dressing, combine 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise, 120 ml (½ cup) plain yogurt, 45 ml (3 tablespoons) honey, and 2.5 ml (½ tsp) ground ginger.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing can add a subtle kick.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version; consider adding sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Zesty Apple Cranberry Coleslaw ahead of time?
While the coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh or after a short chill, you can prepare the dressing and chop the dry ingredients (cabbage mix, cranberries, walnuts) a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine and dress just before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.
What kind of apple is best for this coleslaw?
Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith (if you prefer more tartness) work wonderfully. Their firm texture holds up well in the salad, providing a satisfying crunch.
How can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise and a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (such as almond or oat-based yogurt) in the dressing.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320, Protein: 4g, Fat: 25g, Carbs: 20g, Fiber: 3g (per serving, estimated based on full-fat dressing)
Allergy Information
Contains eggs (in mayonnaise), dairy (in yogurt/sour cream), and tree nuts (walnuts). For a nut-free option, omit walnuts. For dairy-free, use dairy-free yogurt. For an egg-free version, use egg-free mayonnaise.
No comment