Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is the perfect way to mix things up for fall! Loaded with fresh apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and green onions, this coleslaw is crunchy, sweet, and so delicious!

Let’s get one thing straight. Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean that salad season is over! And this Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is proof. It combines a summer classic with two fall flavors – apples and cranberries – for a quick and easy side dish that moves us right from one season to the next.

I’ve made this recipe SO many times… for Labor Day parties, fall cookouts, football games, and even holidays. It’s fresh, it’s seasonal, and with all the different colors, I love how bright and beautiful it is!

And it’s literally ALWAYS a hit! Because everyone loves a good slaw (Cilantro Lime Slaw, anyone?) and this one is just the perfect fall twist. Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu and your guests will rave about it! Just wait and see.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Shredded cabbage – I used one 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix, which is about 6-7 cups. Substitute fresh shredded cabbage for the bagged mix if you prefer.

Apple – I added one large apple, chopped. Gala, Honeycrisp, or any of your favorites will work well!

Dried cranberries – I also added 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Substitute dried cherries if you prefer.

Walnuts – I added 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for crunch.

Onion – I also added 4 sliced green onions for extra savory flavor.

Dressing – I made a simple dressing using 3/4 cup mayo, 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup honey, and 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger.

how to make apple cranberry coleslaw

Combine the slaw ingredients. In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and green onions. Toss to mix.

Combine the dressing ingredients. In a separate small bowl, combine the mayo, yogurt or sour cream, honey, and ginger. Mix well.

Add the dressing to the slaw. Pour dressing over coleslaw and stir until evenly coated. *For a less creamy coleslaw, use 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 Tablespoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

This recipe is easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining! To do so, combine the ingredients as directed, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Recipe Variations

Use freshly shredded cabbage in place of coleslaw mix
Substitute broccoli slaw for coleslaw
Add or substitute sliced pears
Substitute red onion for the green onion OR omit the onion altogether
Substitute dried cherries for the dried cranberries
Use any type of apple (Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious would all work well)
Add your favorite crumbled cheese (feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese)
Use any type of chopped nuts in place of walnuts OR omit the nuts altogether

More Apple Cranberry Recipes You’ll Love

Apples & Cranberries make the perfect fall combo. Check out our other apple cranberry favorites!