Cranberry Coleslaw: A Festive and Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Coleslaw, a classic side dish, gets a vibrant and festive makeover with the addition of cranberries. This Cranberry Coleslaw recipe is not only delicious but also adds a pop of color and a burst of tartness to any meal. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing side for a weeknight dinner. Unlike traditional coleslaw, which can sometimes be heavy and overly creamy, this version is lighter, brighter, and bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the cranberries beautifully complements the crunch of the cabbage and carrots, while a tangy dressing ties everything together. Get ready to elevate your coleslaw game with this delightful and easy-to-make recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Coleslaw

* **Festive and Flavorful:** The cranberries add a touch of holiday cheer and a burst of tart-sweet flavor that elevates the classic coleslaw. It’s a welcome change from the usual flavors.
* **Light and Refreshing:** This recipe uses a lighter dressing than traditional coleslaw, making it a refreshing and healthy side dish.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this coleslaw comes together in minutes.
* **Versatile:** This coleslaw pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and sandwiches to fish and vegetarian entrees.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Cranberry coleslaw holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prepping.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of the cranberries, cabbage, and carrots make this coleslaw a feast for the eyes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Cabbage:** The base of any good coleslaw is cabbage. You can use either green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both for added color and texture. A medium-sized head of cabbage (about 1.5-2 pounds) will be sufficient.
* **Carrots:** Carrots add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the coleslaw. Use about 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and shredded.
* **Dried Cranberries:** These are the star of the show! Dried cranberries provide a burst of tart-sweet flavor and chewy texture. Use about 1 cup of dried cranberries.
* **Mayonnaise:** Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dressing. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. You can also use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cranberries and mayonnaise. Use about 2-3 tablespoons.
* **Honey:** Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Use about 1-2 tablespoons.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and complexity to the dressing. Use about 1 teaspoon.
* **Celery Seed:** Celery seed adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use about 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the coleslaw. Add to taste.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Feel free to customize your coleslaw with other ingredients, such as:
* **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts:** Add crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Chopped Apples:** Add sweetness and crispness.
* **Chopped Celery:** Add crunch and a fresh flavor.
* **Chopped Red Onion:** Add a sharp and pungent flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley or Cilantro:** Add a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get started making this delicious Cranberry Coleslaw.

**Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots**

* **Cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment. If using a food processor, be careful not to over-process the cabbage, as it can become mushy.
* **Carrots:** Peel the carrots and shred them using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. If using a box grater, be careful not to grate your fingers.

**Step 2: Make the Dressing**

* In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess, depending on your preference.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries. Gently toss to combine.
* Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cabbage to become wilted.

**Step 4: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
* Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir. If it looks dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar.
* Serve the Cranberry Coleslaw as a side dish with your favorite meals. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, fish, or vegetarian entrees.

## Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Coleslaw

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh cabbage and carrots will give you the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-shredded cabbage, as it can be dry and lack flavor.
* **Don’t Over-Mix:** Over-mixing the coleslaw can cause the cabbage to become wilted and mushy. Gently toss the ingredients until they are just combined.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. This will result in a more flavorful and enjoyable coleslaw.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess:** The amount of honey and apple cider vinegar can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, add more vinegar.
* **Add Other Ingredients:** Feel free to customize your coleslaw with other ingredients, such as chopped pecans, walnuts, apples, celery, red onion, or fresh herbs.
* **Make Ahead:** This coleslaw can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve over time.
* **Use a Food Processor:** A food processor with a shredding attachment can save you time and effort when shredding the cabbage and carrots. Just be careful not to over-process them.
* **Try Different Vinegars:** You can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, for a different flavor profile.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar:** If you don’t have honey on hand, you can use a pinch of sugar instead.

## Variations on Cranberry Coleslaw

This Cranberry Coleslaw recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spicy Cranberry Coleslaw:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Honey-Lime Cranberry Coleslaw:** Replace the apple cider vinegar with lime juice and add a little lime zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
* **Asian-Inspired Cranberry Coleslaw:** Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the dressing for an Asian-inspired twist. You can also add shredded bok choy or napa cabbage.
* **Vegan Cranberry Coleslaw:** Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey to make this coleslaw vegan.
* **Cranberry Apple Coleslaw:** Add diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
* **Cranberry Walnut Coleslaw:** Add chopped walnuts for a nutty flavor and added crunch.

## Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Meats:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork, or steak.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, or veggie burgers.
* **Fish:** Serve it with grilled or baked fish.
* **Tacos:** Add it to fish tacos or shrimp tacos.
* **BBQ:** Bring it to your next barbecue or potluck.
* **Holiday Gatherings:** It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Serve it as a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight dinner.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Cranberry Coleslaw is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve over time.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cranberry Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The coleslaw may become slightly watery over time, but it will still be delicious.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 10-15mg
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Chill time:** 30 minutes (minimum)

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1/2 medium head)
* 2 cups shredded carrots (about 2 large)
* 1 cup dried cranberries

**Dressing:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots:** Shred the cabbage and carrots using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor. Place them in a large bowl.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the dried cranberries to the bowl with the cabbage and carrots. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Serve:** Before serving, stir the coleslaw well. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Coleslaw! It’s a delicious and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.