If you’re searching for a light and flavorful side dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures, this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw will become an instant favorite. It takes the traditional cabbage slaw and gives it a refreshing upgrade with juicy apples, tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a creamy honey-ginger dressing. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or holiday spreads, this coleslaw adds a colorful and nutritious element to any meal. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only about 10 minutes, and there’s no cooking involved—just chop, mix, and serve. The crisp apples and cabbage offer a fresh crunch, the cranberries add a natural sweetness, and the green onions give it a mild bite that rounds everything out. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or enjoying it as a stand-alone salad, this dish brings brightness and flavor to the table. It’s also easy to customize—adjust the creaminess of the dressing to your liking, or swap in pecans or almonds if you prefer. This coleslaw is not only delicious but also visually beautiful with its mix of colors and textures, making it a showstopper in any spread.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 (14 oz.) bag tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), honey, and ground ginger until smooth and well combined. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. If you prefer a lighter version, use 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger for a slightly less creamy but equally tasty variation. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving for even more flavor.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Notes:
This coleslaw offers a blend of fiber-rich cabbage and apples, heart-healthy fats from walnuts, and natural sweetness from cranberries and honey. It provides a moderate amount of protein and calcium thanks to the yogurt and nuts. This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free if all packaged ingredients are verified as such. For those watching sugar intake, reducing the honey or substituting with a sugar-free alternative can help. It is not suitable for nut allergies unless the walnuts are omitted or replaced with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
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