Say hello to your new favorite crunch: the Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe is a vibrant, sweet-tart, and creamy twist on classic coleslaw. Brimming with crisp cabbage, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and a dreamy poppy seed dressing, every bite is a festival of colors and flavors. Whether you need a fresh side for weeknight dinners or a show-stopping salad for your next gathering, this crowd-pleaser delivers with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients is all you need to bring this slaw to life. Each element plays a special role, adding its own flavor, pop of color, or irresistible crunch to the Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe.
- Green cabbage: Offers a mild, crunchy base that soaks up the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Red cabbage: Gives lovely color contrast and a slightly sharper bite to balance the sweetness.
- Apple: Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that sweet-tart juiciness and an appealing crunch.
- Dried cranberries: Little bursts of tartness and chewiness that pair beautifully with apples.
- Green onions: Add a mild onion flavor to keep things bright and fresh.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy dressing base and brings all the flavors together.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds zing and a gentle tang, enhancing apple notes.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing and balances the tart elements.
- Poppy seeds: Tiny, black seeds add visual appeal and a delicate crunch.
- Salt: Brings out the layers of flavor in the slaw and dressing.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the dressing’s complexity.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Chop and Shred Your Veggies
Start by prepping the veggies: shred both green and red cabbage finely, and use a sharp knife or mandoline to julienne the apple into slender matchsticks or thin slices. This ensures every forkful of the Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe delivers a balanced bite.
Step 2: Mix the Main Salad Ingredients
Combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, apple, dried cranberries, and sliced green onions in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to evenly distribute all the color and crunch—you’ll see the salad come alive instantly!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until silky smooth. The honey helps the dressing emulsify, while those poppy seeds add their signature flecks and texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dressing right over the slaw mixture. Gently toss and stir until every piece is gloriously coated. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of dressing—it seeps into the cabbage as it sits, making the dish even more luscious.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets all the flavors meld and the cabbage softens just the right amount. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final toss. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a few more dried cranberries or poppy seeds on top for extra pizzazz.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe with extra dried cranberries for added chew, a final shower of poppy seeds, or even a handful of toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch and nuttiness. If you love a hint of fresh greenery, sprinkle on some extra sliced green onions or a handful of parsley.
Side Dishes
This slaw is a super versatile side! It fits right in with grilled chicken, smoky barbecue dishes, pulled pork sandwiches, or simple burgers. During the holidays, it brightens up the buffet alongside roasted turkey, ham, or veggie mains, bringing a refreshing contrast to heavier fare.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your slaw high on a platter if you’re feeding a crowd, serve it in mason jars for portable picnics, or use it as a colorful topping on tacos or sliders. The Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe even shines as a sandwich filling—a fun twist on lunch classics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe keeps happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and stir before serving, as the dressing tends to settle at the bottom. You might find the cabbage gets even more flavorful the next day!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this slaw—the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing don’t hold up well after thawing. The cabbage loses its crunch and the dressing may become watery. Enjoy it fresh, or try halving the recipe to avoid leftovers.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dish; in fact, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you like, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take off the chill from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make the Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the slaw a few hours ahead lets the flavors develop and meld. Just give it a good toss before serving, and keep it chilled until you’re ready.
What apples are best for this slaw?
Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and super crisp. Choose whichever you prefer, or try mixing both for a lovely flavor balance.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be swapped in for some or all of the mayonnaise if you want a lighter dressing. Expect a tangier flavor and a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious!
Is the Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe gluten-free?
It is! All of the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mayonnaise and any other packaged items if you’re cooking for someone with food sensitivities.
What else can I add for extra crunch or variety?
Try tossing in a handful of toasted sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, or even thinly sliced celery. These little extras add more crunch and complement the sweet-tart flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a salad that wows in both flavor and color, the Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe is it. It’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to earn compliments every time you serve it. Don’t wait for a special occasion—whip up this slaw soon and see just how delightful the humble cabbage can be!
Print
Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and colorful Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw recipe that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This refreshing slaw is a great side dish for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large apple, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, apple, cranberries, and green onions.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Stir the slaw before serving. Garnish with additional cranberries or poppy seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for a sweet-tart flavor contrast.
- This slaw pairs well with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
