Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing side dish perfect for the fall season. This dish features the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory elements. It combines shredded cabbages, crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and toasted walnuts all tossed in a creamy maple vinaigrette dressing. Whether it’s for a Thanksgiving feast, a fall dinner gathering, or any harvest-themed meal, this delightful slaw is sure to bring color and flavor to the table. It’s light, refreshing, and full of autumn vibes that will make you want to prepare it over and over again.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making this delicious Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw. From its ingredients and preparation method to variations, FAQs, and more—let’s dive in!
What is Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing?
Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is a seasonal salad that brings together the best of autumn flavors. The slaw consists of two types of cabbage, crisp apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a crunchy, flavorful side dish with the ideal balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
The maple dressing is the star of this slaw. It combines creamy mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option) with pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This dressing coats the slaw ingredients, giving the dish a rich, yet tangy flavor with the warmth of maple sweetness.
The dish is simple to make, yet it’s sophisticated enough to impress guests at any dinner gathering. It’s a great alternative to traditional salads and adds a unique, seasonal twist to your meals. Perfect for Thanksgiving, this slaw can also be served at autumn dinner parties, family meals, or as a festive side dish at any gathering.
The Origin of Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing
Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is a modern take on the traditional cabbage slaw. Traditional slaws often consist of simple cabbage and carrot combinations dressed in creamy mayonnaise. This recipe, however, takes inspiration from fall produce and adds apples, cranberries, and toasted walnuts—flavors that are iconic in the harvest season.
The combination of apples and cranberries with the richness of maple syrup harks back to the abundance of autumn harvests, especially in regions where maple syrup is harvested, such as the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada. This dish could be considered an homage to the flavors of the season, blending fresh produce with a comforting, sweet dressing that fits perfectly with fall meals.
The slaw also adds a healthy and flavorful crunch, which contrasts the richer flavors of many fall dishes, like roasted meats and creamy casseroles. Its evolution is a natural progression from traditional coleslaw recipes, adapted to embrace seasonal, local ingredients that reflect the harvest.
Ingredients with Quantities
Here is a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing:
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about ½ small head of cabbage)
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (you can substitute with a pre-packaged coleslaw mix)
- 2 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala), julienned or thinly sliced
- ¾ cup shredded carrots (about 75g)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (about 60g)
- ½ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped (about 50g)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Maple Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version), about 80ml
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil for a silkier dressing texture
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prepare the Slaw Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the slaw ingredients:
- Green cabbage
- Red cabbage
- Apples
- Carrots
- Cranberries
- Walnuts
- Green onions (optional)
Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each ingredient is evenly distributed. The cabbage and apples should be evenly mixed, and the walnuts and cranberries should be spread out for a balanced flavor.
2. Make the Maple Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- Maple syrup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Whisk them together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more maple syrup. For more tanginess, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar. You can also stir in 1 tbsp olive oil for a smoother and silkier texture.
3. Toss & Chill the Slaw
Pour the maple dressing over the slaw mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until the cabbage, apples, and walnuts are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the slaw to chill.
4. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the slaw to a serving dish or platter. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra walnuts, cranberries, and freshly chopped parsley for added color and crunch.
Variations of Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw
While the classic version of Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can modify the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
1. Lighter Version:
For a lighter, lower-fat version of this slaw, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. The tangy yogurt will complement the sweet maple dressing while reducing the fat content.
2. Add More Fruit:
For a more fruit-forward version, try adding pear slices or pomegranate seeds along with the apples and cranberries. These fruits will enhance the sweetness and add vibrant color to the dish.
3. Add More Crunch:
If you love crunchy slaws, try incorporating celery or fennel for extra crunch and brightness. Thinly sliced fennel will give a slight anise flavor, while celery will add a fresh bite.
4. Make It Vegan:
To make this slaw vegan-friendly, swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo. Ensure the maple syrup you use is pure maple syrup without added sugars or preservatives.
5. Spicy Slaw:
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the maple dressing. This will add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing
1. How long does Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw keep in the fridge?
This slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to eat it within a day of making it, as the cabbage can become soft over time.
2. Can I make Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the slaw ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to chill for 15–30 minutes enhances the flavor as it gives the dressing time to soak into the cabbage and apples.
3. Can I substitute other nuts?
Absolutely! If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Toast them in a dry skillet to bring out their flavor before adding them to the slaw.
4. What can I serve Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with?
This slaw pairs beautifully with a variety of fall dishes. It works particularly well with roast turkey, grilled chicken, or even a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s also a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any seasonal gathering.
Conclusion: Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing
Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is a delightful and vibrant addition to any fall meal. With its crisp textures, rich flavors, and colorful presentation, this dish brings the best of autumn’s bounty to your table. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, preparing a cozy dinner, or just looking for a refreshing side, this slaw is a perfect choice. The creamy maple dressing, combined with the crunchy vegetables, apples, and nuts, creates a unique side dish that everyone will love. With its versatility, you can make this slaw to suit any preference—whether you’re looking for a lighter version, a fruitier slaw, or something with a little more crunch.
Make sure to try this recipe at your next fall gathering—it’s guaranteed to become a favorite!
Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing: A Cozy, Seasonal Side Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is a seasonal salad that brings together the best of autumn flavors. The slaw consists of two types of cabbage, crisp apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a crunchy, flavorful side dish with the ideal balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
For the Slaw
4 cups (about ½ small head) green cabbage, finely shredded
2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (or use a coleslaw mix)
2 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala), julienned or thinly sliced
¾ cup (75 g) shredded carrots
½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries
½ cup (50 g) toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Maple Dressing
⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil for a silkier texture
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slaw Base
In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, apples, carrots, cranberries, walnuts, and green onions.
Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
2. Make the Maple Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust: add a touch more maple for sweetness or vinegar for brightness.
3. Toss & Chill
Pour the dressing over the slaw.
Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or platter.
Sprinkle with extra walnuts, cranberries, and parsley just before serving for color and crunch.
Notes
This Cran-Apple Walnut Slaw with Maple Dressing is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors. For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or add a handful of dried cranberries before serving—great as a side for fall meals or festive gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
Keywords: Autumn slaw recipe, cranberry apple slaw, fall slaw with maple dressing, healthy slaw recipe, walnut apple slaw
