Vegan Apple Cranberry Coleslaw: A Refreshing, Healthy Twist
Recipe Overview:
This Vegan Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is a delightful, light, and refreshing dish that brings together a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavors. It’s an ideal addition to any meal, whether as a side dish for a BBQ, a potluck favorite, or a vibrant addition to your lunch. Made with plant-based ingredients and dairy-free alternatives, this coleslaw is a healthy, cruelty-free take on the traditional recipe, while still delivering on flavor and texture. Packed with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and the vibrant sweetness of dried cranberries, this coleslaw is both nutrient-dense and irresistibly tasty.
The creamy dressing has been replaced with a combination of vegan mayonnaise and plain vegan yogurt, ensuring that it’s every bit as creamy as the original but without any dairy. It’s a great way to satisfy your creamy coleslaw cravings while keeping it plant-based. This recipe also provides flexibility for those who are health-conscious, offering lighter modifications without sacrificing the deliciousness.
Perfect for Weight Watchers enthusiasts, vegans, and anyone looking for a healthier coleslaw option, this recipe can be made in under 15 minutes and serves a crowd, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
Coleslaw:
- 14 oz bag of 3-color coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage blend)
- 1 large apple, chopped (Granny Smith or Gala apples work best for a good balance of tart and sweet)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties preferred)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional but adds a nice crunch and healthy fats)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color)
Vegan Dressing:
- 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise (look for a light version for fewer calories, or make your own at home with aquafaba and oil)
- 3/4 cup plain unsweetened vegan yogurt (coconut, almond, or soy-based varieties work well)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup if you prefer)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a hint of warmth and spice)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a touch of acidity and brightness)
Optional Modifications:
- For a lower-calorie version: Use 1/2 cup vegan mayo and 1/2 cup plain vegan yogurt, reducing the sweetness by using 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of 1/4 cup.
- For added crunch and flavor: Try adding 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds in place of walnuts.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 17g (from the apple, cranberries, and maple syrup)
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Coleslaw Base
Start by washing the 3-color coleslaw mix thoroughly, ensuring it’s free from any excess dirt or debris. In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix—this is typically a blend of shredded green cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage. The variety of textures and colors will create a visually appealing and delicious base for the coleslaw. - Chop the Apple
Core and chop the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. It’s best to use a tart apple like Granny Smith or a sweet apple like Gala, depending on your preference. The apple adds a burst of sweetness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing and other ingredients. Toss the apple pieces into the bowl with the coleslaw mix. - Add the Cranberries
Measure out 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. If you prefer less sweetness, opt for unsweetened cranberries. These add a chewy texture and a burst of tartness, which balances the sweetness of the apple and maple syrup in the dressing. - Chop the Walnuts and Add to the Bowl
Roughly chop the walnuts into smaller pieces. If you’re using pre-chopped walnuts, this step is quick! Walnuts add healthy fats, a satisfying crunch, and a rich nutty flavor to the coleslaw. Add them to the mixing bowl, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the vegetables and fruit. - Slice the Green Onions
Thinly slice the green onions, using both the white and green parts for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Add these to the coleslaw mixture. - Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise and vegan yogurt. The mayo provides a creamy base, while the yogurt adds tang and balance. Whisk these together until smooth. - Sweeten and Flavor the Dressing
To the dressing, add the maple syrup (for sweetness) and the ground ginger (for warmth and depth of flavor). Stir in the apple cider vinegar, which will add a touch of acidity and brightness, balancing the sweetness of the syrup. Whisk everything until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. - Toss the Coleslaw with the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats every piece of cabbage, apple, cranberry, walnut, and green onion. This ensures each bite is full of flavor. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste the coleslaw and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more maple syrup for sweetness, more ginger for spice, or a little salt and pepper for balance. If the coleslaw feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin the dressing to your desired consistency. - Chill and Serve
Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and gives the coleslaw a nice, refreshing texture. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Garnish and Enjoy
Just before serving, give the coleslaw one last stir, and garnish with extra chopped walnuts or cranberries for a bit of extra texture and visual appeal. Serve it chilled as a side dish, or enjoy it as a healthy snack.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Make It Lighter:
To reduce the calorie count of this coleslaw even further, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup in the dressing or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, you can swap the full-fat vegan mayo with a lighter, lower-fat variety or use avocado for a creamy dressing. - Nuts or Seeds:
While walnuts add a nice crunch, you can substitute them with any other nut or seed that you prefer. Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds work wonderfully. Choose according to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. - Add More Veggies:
If you want to boost the vegetable content, consider adding shredded carrots, red bell peppers, or even some finely chopped kale or spinach. The more vegetables, the more nutrients and fiber, making this coleslaw even more filling. - Spicy Kick:
For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the coleslaw mix. This adds an exciting layer of flavor and balances the sweetness with a spicy kick. - Vegan Yogurt Alternatives:
If you don’t have plain vegan yogurt available, you can use dairy-free sour cream or a thicker cashew cream as a substitute. Both options will give the dressing a smooth, creamy texture while keeping it vegan. - Make It Ahead:
This coleslaw actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep or making the night before a big event. The flavors meld together, and the dressing soaks into the cabbage, creating a more flavorful dish. - Gluten-Free Option:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. If you’re serving this dish to a larger group, consider ensuring that any add-ins (like the mayo and yogurt) are also certified gluten-free.
Health Benefits of Vegan Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Packed with Fiber:
The coleslaw mix and apples are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, regulates blood sugar, and helps with weight management by keeping you fuller for longer. - Antioxidants Galore:
The cranberries and apples provide a boost of