Easy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

This cranberry apple coleslaw is full of flavor and crunch! Tangy cranberries, sweet apples, and a homemade dressing combine to create an easy and delicious salad!

This coleslaw recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, soft and crunchy! It makes the perfect side dish for holidays or parties, but it is so easy that you can whip it up with any weeknight meal. Pair it with our Instant Pot Chicken Drum Sticks or Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken to create an easy and delicious dinner!

Jump to:

• ✨ Here is why this recipe is amazing:
• 🥫 Ingredients needed:
• 🔄 Substitutions
• 🔪 How to make this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
• ❄️ Storage Tips
• Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
• Krista

✨ Here is why this recipe is amazing:

• It is super easy!- Because this crunchy slaw starts with bagged coleslaw it is super simple to make. No need to spend time chopping green cabbage and carrots just cut open the bag and dump it in the bowl!
• It is versatile- I usually think of coleslaw recipes as summer time or picnic food, however in this recipe tart apples and dried cranberries add in some fall flavors. Because of that it is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday or fall meal but also a great side to serve up with burgers or hot dogs! It is one of those side dishes that is perfect year round!

🥫 Ingredients needed:

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

• 1 Bag Coleslaw Mix
• 2 Medium Size Apples
• ½ Cup Dried Cranberries
• ½ Cup Shredded Carrots
• ⅓ Cup Sliced Almonds
• For the dressing
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise
• ⅓ Cup Sour Cream
• 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 tablespoon Honey

🔄 Substitutions

Swap out the almonds- If you don't like almonds that's ok! You can swap them out for crunchy pecans or chopped walnuts. Make sure to chop them so that they aren't too crunchy in the salad. You can also toast your nuts to add another layer of crunchy flavor to your creamy coleslaw.

Use bottled dressing- This cranberry apple slaw recipe is topped with a homemade coleslaw dressing that is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. However if you prefer to use a bottled salad dressing that works too! This is a pretty traditional dressing recipe so any classic coleslaw dressing will work!

Use lemon juice- If you don't like apple cider vinegar or don't have any on hand you can swap it out for lemon juice.

🔪 How to make this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

STEP 1- In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise and sour cream, stir to mix well. Add the honey and apple cider vinegar, continue mixing until well incorporated.

STEP 2 Quarter your apples and remove the core. Dice the apples into small bite size pieces.

STEP 3- Place coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, chopped apples, almonds and cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Stir or toss to mix well.

STEP 4- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and fold in until all of the veggies are evenly coated.

STEP 5- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

❄️ Storage Tips

This coleslaw salad stores well refrigerated in an air tight container for 2-3 days.

If you want to make it ahead of time you can store the dressing separately from the salad and combine them before serving. I like to combine all the veggies in a large mixing bowl and cover it then make the dressing and store it in a small bowl or mason jar so that I can just pour it on when I'm ready! This is a great way to have everything ready to go if you are planning a party or gathering and want to prep ahead of time and still preserve the taste and texture of your fresh ingredients!