Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe: Crisp, Creamy, and Perfect for Holiday Tables

Last Updated on November 17, 2025 by Chef Josie

When it comes to bright, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing side dishes, nothing compares to a beautifully balanced Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe. It’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, tangy, and filled with festive flavors that make it perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re preparing Christmas dinner side dishes, crafting a spread of holiday salad recipes, or looking for something fresh to complement heavier entrees, this coleslaw delivers every time.

The blend of crisp cabbage, juicy apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy homemade dressing creates a winter-ready slaw that feels both seasonal and refreshing. I first made this recipe for Thanksgiving years ago, and it instantly became a must-have dish for Christmas Eve, New Year’s dinner, and even simple weeknight meals. It brings color, balance, and brightness to any table.

Whether you serve it alongside turkey, ham, pot roast, or as part of a lineup of winter salad recipes, this is a festive salad you’ll want to make all season long.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

• A refreshing balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter gatherings
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Adds crunch, color, and freshness to heavy holiday meals
• Works as a side dish, topping for sandwiches, or potluck favorite
• Make-ahead friendly and holds up well in the fridge
• A great option for Christmas salad ideas or holiday salads Christmas

Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Green Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix: Provides crunch and structure. Pre-shredded mix works wonderfully for convenience.

Apples: Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady. Their sweetness balances the tangy dressing.

Carrots: Add color, texture, and mild sweetness.

Dried Cranberries: Provide chewy texture and festive flavor.

Sunflower Seeds (or Pepitas): Add crunch and nuttiness without overpowering the salad.

Green Onions: Light, fresh flavor that complements the creamy dressing.

Creamy Dressing Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

The dressing is simple but incredibly flavorful.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Thinly slice or shred the cabbage if not using bagged mix. Julienne or slice the apples into thin sticks or bite-size pieces. Grate or slice the carrots.

2. Toss the Base

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, apples, carrots, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and green onions.

3. Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

4. Combine Everything

Pour dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until fully coated.

5. Rest and Serve

Let the coleslaw sit for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. It improves even more after an hour in the fridge.

6. Garnish

Just before serving, top with extra sunflower seeds or dried cranberries for added contrast and color.

Notes & Top Tips

• Slice apples right before mixing or toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• For a lighter dressing, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use red cabbage for a more colorful holiday presentation.
• Sweeten the dressing more or less depending on apple variety.
• Make it ahead, slaw stays crisp for up to 24 hours.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Serve alongside ham, turkey, roast chicken, or pot roast.
• Use as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, delicious and refreshing.
• Add cooked pasta shells for a fun twist on Christmas pasta salad.
• Mix with fresh oranges or pomegranate arils for a more fruit-forward Christmas fruit salad.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal undertone.
• Swap cranberries for raisins, cherries, or fresh diced pear.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• If preparing ahead, mix dressing separately and toss just before serving.
• Avoid freezing; fresh produce loses texture when thawed.
• For best crunch, add sunflower seeds right before serving.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe is everything you want in a winter salad: crunchy, creamy, fresh, and festive. It complements holiday meals beautifully and brings balanced flavor to heavier dishes. If you try it, leave a comment and rating, and explore more holiday salad recipes, slaws, and winter side dishes on the blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this coleslaw without mayonnaise?
Yes, replace mayo with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and olive oil for a lighter dressing.

2. How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss with lemon juice or mix into the dressing immediately.

3. Can this be made ahead for Christmas?
Yes, prepare the dressing and slaw separately, then toss 1–2 hours before serving.

4. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely. It saves prep time and works perfectly in this recipe.

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