This colorful cranberry coleslaw is a tasty twist on the classic recipe! With crunchy cabbage and sweet-tart cranberries, it’s a perfect side for your fall meals.
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, and you’ve got a refreshing crunch that’ll make your table pop. Trust me, you’ll want to share this one! 🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Coleslaw Mix: A bagged mix makes it quick! You can mix your own with shredded green and purple cabbage and carrots. It’s also fun to add other veggies like peppers for extra crunch.
Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and color. If you don’t have them, raisins or chopped apples work great too! They give a nice fruity touch.
Sunflower Seeds: They add a nice crunch. If you prefer, feel free to swap them with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even pumpkin seeds for a seasonal touch!
Mayonnaise: This forms the dressing base. Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative. It’s tangy and adds protein!
Honey: For sweetness, you could use agave syrup or a sugar substitute if you want to lower the calories. Just adjust to taste!
How Do You Make the Dressing Smooth and Creamy?
The dressing pulls the entire coleslaw together. To ensure it is smooth, follow these steps:
- Start with room temperature mayonnaise for easier mixing.
- Whisk in the apple cider vinegar and honey until fully blended. If it seems too thick, add a little water or more vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
Pour this creamy goodness over the coleslaw mix and toss gently. This helps keep the veggies from getting too mushy. A quick chill in the fridge lets the flavors meld, making every bite delicious!
Easy Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe for Fall
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded green and purple cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry coleslaw takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s best to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, giving you a total time of about 45 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
Start by taking a large salad bowl and adding the coleslaw mix, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and sunflower seeds. Stir everything together until well mixed. This creates a colorful and crunchy base for your coleslaw!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Keep mixing until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This will give your coleslaw that delicious tangy-sweet flavor!
3. Toss It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. This helps enhance every bite!
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preference. Give it another gentle toss to combine the seasoning well.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let your coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give it another toss–adjust the seasoning if needed, and enjoy this refreshing fall side dish!
This crisp coleslaw with a tangy, sweet dressing and bursts of dried cranberry is perfect for adding color and flavor to your autumn meals!
FAQ for Easy Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so they might not provide the same sweetness as dried cranberries. If you want to use fresh, consider adding a little extra honey or sugar to balance the tanginess. You can also chop and sweeten them slightly before adding to the coleslaw!
How Long Does This Coleslaw Last in the Fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this cranberry coleslaw will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good mix before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make This Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw and dressing a day ahead. Just mix everything together and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better when served!
What Are Some Good Add-Ins or Variations?
You can customize this coleslaw! Try adding chopped apples for extra sweetness or some shredded carrots for additional crunch. You can also incorporate nuts or seeds like almonds or pecans for a delightful crunch!
