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APPLE COLESLAW centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Apple Coleslaw Recipe with Vibrant and Delicious Twist

This apple coleslaw is a delightful mix of creamy apple coleslaw with cranberries and crunchy pecans almonds, adding a fresh and flavorful twist to the classic coleslaw. It blends sweet, savory, and tangy elements with a maple balsamic dressing, making it perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or meal-prep. Enjoy a creamy apple coleslaw with cranberries that's both vibrant and delicious!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 182
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more if needed
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more if needed
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (from about ½ head of cabbage)
  • 1 large apple cut into matchsticks (any kind will work)
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion (from about ½ of a medium onion)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (I used sweetened)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup candied pecans chopped (see notes for alternatives)

Method
 

  1. Whisk together mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth.
  2. Add shredded green cabbage, matchstick-cut apple, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and chopped candied pecans to the bowl.
  3. Gently toss all ingredients with tongs until everything is well coated with the dressing.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  5. Serve the coleslaw right away or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • For best flavor, prepare the dressing separately and toss the coleslaw up to 30 minutes before serving. Leftovers store well and taste great the next day. This dish serves 8 as a side or 4 as a main salad paired with protein. Candied pecans can be swapped with toasted almonds, pistachios, or seeds for a nut-free option. Vegan variations can be made using vegan mayo and vegan candied nuts. Greek yogurt replaces mayo with more salt; honey or other sweeteners work instead of maple syrup; pears or other dried fruits can substitute apple and cranberries respectively.