Weight Watchers Apple Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe

Introduction:

Elevate your side dish game with our Weight Watchers Apple Cranberry Coleslaw—a fresh, vibrant, and healthy twist on a classic coleslaw. This recipe combines the crisp crunch of cabbage with the sweet-tart flavors of apples and cranberries, all dressed in a light and tangy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner, this coleslaw not only fits well within your Weight Watchers plan but also adds a delightful burst of flavor to any meal. Packed with essential nutrients and low in SmartPoints, it’s a delicious way to stay on track with your health goals.

Ingredients:

For the Coleslaw:

  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about half of a medium head of cabbage)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage (for color and added texture)
  • 1 large apple, cored and julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for a sweet-tart flavor)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (for a bit of sharpness)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for a fresh herbal note)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess and protein)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a touch of sharpness)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed (adds a unique flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit: Begin by preparing the vegetables and fruit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and finely chopped red onion. Add the julienned apple and dried cranberries. If you’re using nuts, add them to the bowl as well. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the non-fat Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Add the celery seed and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dressing should be well balanced—tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy.
  3. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and apple mixture. Toss well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. The Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture while keeping the dish light and low in fat.
  4. Chill the Coleslaw: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to absorb the dressing.
  5. Serve: After chilling, give the coleslaw a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light, refreshing salad. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
  6. Storage: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a short time. The cabbage may become slightly softer over time, but the flavors will continue to develop.

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (1 cup, assuming 6 servings total):

  • Calories: Approximately 120
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 10g (includes natural sugars from apple and cranberries)
  • Protein: 5g

SmartPoints:

  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: Approximately 4 SmartPoints per serving (1 cup, based on current WW guidelines)

Useful Tips:

  1. Cabbage Preparation: Shredding the cabbage yourself gives the best texture. Use a mandoline or food processor to achieve uniform shreds, which help ensure even flavor distribution and crunch.
  2. Apple Choice: Use a tart apple like Granny Smith or a sweet variety like Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast. If you prefer, you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple slices to prevent browning.
  3. Cranberry Option: Choose unsweetened dried cranberries to keep the sugar content low. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, opt for lightly sweetened cranberries.
  4. Nuts: If you’re adding nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the coleslaw. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
  5. Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey.

Conclusion:

Our Weight Watchers Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a vibrant, healthful side dish that brings a refreshing twist to traditional coleslaw. With its combination of crunchy cabbage, tart apples, and sweet cranberries, all tossed in a light and creamy dressing, this coleslaw is both satisfying and nutritious. Ideal for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, it’s a versatile dish that complements a wide range of main courses. Enjoy the balance of flavors and the wholesome ingredients, all while staying within your Weight Watchers goals. This coleslaw is proof that healthy eating can be delicious and enjoyable!