Zesty Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Recipe: Crisp & Refreshing!

Crisp cabbage mingles with zesty cranberry apple coleslaw that bursts with vibrant flavors and refreshing textures.

Tart cranberries add a delightful punch to this classic side dish.

Sweet apples complement the creamy dressing, creating a perfect balance of tastes.

Crunchy vegetables provide a satisfying bite that makes this slaw irresistible.

The light and tangy dressing ties all ingredients together in a harmonious blend.

Colorful and nutritious, this coleslaw brings a splash of excitement to any meal.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Fresh, Crunchy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

• Cabbage: Provides a crunchy foundation with a mild, fresh flavor and excellent nutritional value.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color, sweet crunch, and boosts the salad's nutritional profile with beta-carotene.

• Apple Slices: Brings a crisp, juicy texture and natural sweetness that complements the tangy dressing.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces a tart burst of flavor and chewy texture, creating delightful flavor complexity.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, smooth base that binds the ingredients together.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy notes that balance the sweetness of the fruits.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps smooth out the vinegar's sharp edge.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle, zesty kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Almonds: Optional crunchy element that adds nutty depth and textural contrast.

Tools That Make Cranberry Apple Coleslaw Simple

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all coleslaw ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy dressing.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing apples and chopping vegetables.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion dressing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Coleslaw with Balance

• Chop Fresh Ingredients

Slice crisp apples and shred green cabbage into thin, delicate strips. Create a vibrant base by mixing in sweet dried cranberries, crunchy carrots, and optional toasted almonds for extra texture.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

Blend tangy mayonnaise with zesty apple cider vinegar, golden honey, and a touch of sharp Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile and create a smooth, silky sauce.

• Toss and Coat

Pour the luscious dressing over the colorful veggie mixture. Gently fold and stir until every morsel is beautifully coated, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors in each delightful bite.

• Chill and Enjoy

Cover the coleslaw and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to mingle and develop a more complex, harmonious taste. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish that will tantalize taste buds and brighten any meal.

Flavor Adjustments for Zingy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

• Toast the almonds briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispness to the coleslaw.
• Prepare the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the dressing and vegetables separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers creamy texture.
• Swap apple slices with julienned jicama or cucumber to reduce sugar content while maintaining the fresh, crisp element of the salad.
• Add quinoa or edamame to transform this side dish into a more substantial vegetarian main course that's packed with nutrients.

Serving Cranberry Apple Coleslaw at BBQs or Holidays

• Fresh Festive Picnic Partner: Pack this coleslaw alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork sandwiches for a delightful summer meal combination.
• Elegant Side Companion: Serve alongside roasted turkey or baked ham during holiday gatherings to add a crisp, sweet-tangy dimension to traditional main courses.
• Gourmet Lunch Booster: Top a bed of mixed greens with this coleslaw for a hearty, nutritious lunch that brings crunch and vibrant flavors to your midday meal.
• Quick Potluck Star: Bring this colorful dish to community gatherings or barbecues where it will stand out with its unique blend of sweet and zesty ingredients.

Store Coleslaw Crisp Without Getting Soggy

• Refrigerate the coleslaw in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Slice apples and chop cabbage just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain vibrant colors. Store pre-cut ingredients separately in sealed containers to extend freshness.
• Keep dressing separate from salad until serving time to prevent vegetables from becoming limp. Store dressing in a small jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Prepare coleslaw components in advance – chop vegetables, mix dressing, and store separately. Combine ingredients just before serving to ensure maximum crunch and flavor intensity.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. These alternatives will provide a similar tangy flavor to the dressing.

• Is it possible to make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• What can I do if I don't have almonds?

If you’re out of almonds or prefer a different crunch, try using sunflower seeds, chopped pecans, or even pumpkin seeds as a replacement.

• How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make the coleslaw vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo and use maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

Crispy Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty “crispy lemon chicken” brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection. Crunchy exterior and tangy citrus notes promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid Binding and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Oil, for frying

Garnish and Serving Suggestions:

• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed rice or noodles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper, then thoroughly coat with beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer chicken to a separate bowl filled with a blend of cornstarch and flour, gently tossing until each piece is evenly and generously dusted.
2. Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a shallow pool approximately half an inch deep. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature. Fry each side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring the meat is fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. While chicken fries, craft the vibrant lemon sauce by combining fresh lemon juice, fragrant zest, sweet honey, umami-rich soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and savory chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Introduce the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the liquid transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon smoothly and have a luxurious sheen.
5. Transfer the crispy chicken to a large mixing bowl, then cascade the warm lemon sauce over the top. Gently toss the chicken, ensuring each piece becomes luxuriously coated with the tangy, sweet glaze. Sprinkle with finely chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or tender noodles.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts or thighs with similar sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly golden and crisp chicken.
• Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for same texture.
• Reduce honey or use sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version that still maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes after frying to help retain internal moisture and prevent soggy coating.
• Add red pepper flakes to sauce for people who enjoy a spicy kick without overwhelming the citrusy lemon essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg