Apple Coleslaw with Cranberries and Pecans
This sweet and tangy apple coleslaw with dried cranberries and candied pecans is tossed in a creamy maple balsamic dressing, offering a crunchy and flavorful side or salad perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise makes the dressing nice and creamy
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for that tangy punch
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil to smooth out the dressing
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup gotta have that sweet note
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more if you like it spicy
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage from about half a head, the crunchy base
- 1 apple cut into matchsticks, any type you fancy
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion from about half a medium onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries sweetened used here, but your call
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for freshness
- ½ cup candied pecans chopped - if you wanna swap, walnuts or almonds work too
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup mayonnaise, the 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, the 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, the 2 tablespoons maple syrup, the ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and the ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- Add the 4 cups shredded green cabbage, the 1 large apple sliced into matchsticks, the ½ cup thinly sliced red onion, the ½ cup dried cranberries, the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and the ½ cup candied pecans, chopped.
- Use tongs to mix everything together well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend together.
- To make ahead, mix dressing separately and toss coleslaw together up to 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
To make ahead, I recommend mixing the dressing separately and tossing the coleslaw together up to 30 minutes before serving. This is when it’s at its best. However, the leftovers are also great, and hold up really well, even the day after it’s been tossed together! This coleslaw can also serve 4 as a more substantial salad, perfect to pair with roasted chicken or a protein of your choice. Candied pecans can usually be found with the other nuts at your grocery store. You can also make your own candied nuts. Other nuts, such as plain or toasted slivered or sliced almonds, pistachios, or whatever you have around will work just fine as an alternative. For a nut-free version, feel free to use pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds. For a vegan version, use a vegan mayo substitute in the dressing, and make sure your candied nuts are vegan. Other ingredient substitutions: Greek yogurt may be used in place of mayonnaise (add more salt to the dressing in this case), honey or another sweetener may be used in place of maple syrup, pear may be used in place of apple, and other dried fruit such as raisins or chopped figs may be used in place of the cranberries.