Description

This Apple Coleslaw with Cranberries and Pecans is a refreshing and flavorful twist on classic coleslaw. Made with crisp cabbage, sweet apples, tangy dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, this dish offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy dressing—made with mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey—ties everything together beautifully.

Perfect as a side dish for BBQs, holiday meals, or everyday lunches, this coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and festive feasts. It’s easy to make, customizable for different dietary preferences, and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more if needed
¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more if needed
4 cups shredded green cabbage (from about ½ head of cabbage)
1 large apple cut into matchsticks (any kind will work)
½ cup thinly sliced red onion (from about ½ of a medium onion)
½ cup dried cranberries (I used sweetened)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup candied pecans chopped (see notes for alternatives)

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.

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 serves 8 as a side, and the nutrition information is estimated for this amount. 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.