Weight Watchers Apple Cranberry Coleslaw (Low-Point & Refreshing)

Introduction

There’s something magical about a bowl of crunchy, colorful coleslaw sitting on the table. It’s fresh, tangy, a little sweet, and it somehow balances out everything else on the plate. But when I started following the Weight Watchers plan, I quickly learned that not every creamy slaw fits into a low-point lifestyle. Traditional versions are often weighed down with mayonnaise and sugar, making them higher in SmartPoints than you’d expect.

That’s why this Weight Watchers Apple Cranberry Coleslaw (Low-Point & Refreshing) has become one of my favorite go-to side dishes. It’s crisp, vibrant, and loaded with texture — but the best part? Each serving is only 2 SmartPoints (Estimated). You still get the sweet crunch from apples, the chewy tang of cranberries, and the creamy dressing, but all lightened up in a WW-friendly way.

If you’re someone who loves a refreshing side dish that doesn’t derail your daily points, this recipe will feel like a game-changer. It’s also a crowd-pleaser — my family eats it without even realizing it’s “lightened up.” And trust me, no one will complain about a second helping.

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💫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥗 Low in SmartPoints – Only about 2 SmartPoints per serving (Estimated).
• 🍏 Fresh & Crunchy – Crisp cabbage, juicy apples, and chewy cranberries keep every bite exciting.
• ⏱️ Quick & Easy – Comes together in just 15 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly – Sweet enough for kids, light enough for WW members.
• 🌱 Versatile Side Dish – Works for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or even holiday tables.

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⚖️ WW SmartPoints Info

• SmartPoints per serving (Estimated): 2
• Total SmartPoints for the whole recipe (Estimated): 12
• How SmartPoints were calculated: This estimate is based on WW principles, using fat-free Greek yogurt in place of mayo and keeping dried cranberries in a modest portion.

(SmartPoints may vary depending on exact brands and ingredients used. Always check with your WW app for accuracy.)

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🌟 My Personal Experience

The first time I made this recipe, it was purely out of necessity. I had promised to bring a side dish to a weekend barbecue, but everything I thought of — potato salad, macaroni salad, creamy dips — was too heavy on SmartPoints. I opened my fridge, saw a half-head of cabbage and a couple of apples, and thought, “Why not make a slaw?”

I mixed things up, swapped mayo for Greek yogurt, threw in a handful of cranberries, and whisked together a tangy dressing with a touch of honey. When I set it on the table, people dug in right away. By the end of the meal, the bowl was scraped clean — and nobody believed it was “Weight Watchers-friendly.” That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Now, it’s one of those dishes I keep in rotation for meal prep. A batch made on Sunday carries me through lunches and dinners all week. The best part? Every bite feels indulgent, even though I know it’s budget-friendly in both points and calories.

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🥣 Required Equipment

Mixing Bowl

A large mixing bowl gives you enough space to toss the cabbage, apples, and cranberries without spilling.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board

You’ll need these for slicing apples into thin matchsticks and shredding cabbage if not using pre-shredded bags.

Small Whisk

Perfect for blending the creamy dressing smoothly so it coats the coleslaw evenly.

Measuring Cups & Spoons

To portion out Greek yogurt, vinegar, and honey accurately. Getting measurements right keeps your SmartPoints in check.

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🥬 Ingredients & Substitutions

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple) – A zero-point WW vegetable base that gives crunch without adding calories.
• 1 large apple, julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Adds natural sweetness and crunch.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (reduced sugar if possible) – A little goes a long way. Using reduced sugar lowers SmartPoints.
• ½ cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt – The creamy base, replacing mayo and cutting SmartPoints dramatically.
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and freshness.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – A punch of flavor that balances sweetness.
• 1 tsp honey (or sugar-free substitute) – Just enough to round out the tang; sugar-free sweetener reduces SmartPoints.
• Salt & black pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors.

🔄 Substitutions:

• Swap dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds (0 SP).
• Use light mayo mixed with yogurt if you prefer a richer flavor (+1 SP per serving).
• Swap honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia to keep it 1 SmartPoint per serving.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Weight Watchers Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Step 1: Prep the Base

Shred the cabbage (or use a bag of coleslaw mix for convenience). Place in a large mixing bowl.

Tip: If shredding yourself, soak cabbage in cold water for 5 minutes to keep it extra crisp.

Step 2: Slice the Apple

Cut the apple into thin julienne matchsticks. This gives beautiful texture and prevents big, clunky bites. Toss immediately with a splash of vinegar to prevent browning.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the dressing over the cabbage, apples, and cranberries. Toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly while staying crisp.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much dressing: Makes the coleslaw soggy. Always add gradually.
• Skipping the chill time: The flavors need time to blend — don’t skip this step.
• Overloading cranberries: They’re delicious but higher in points. Stick to ¼ cup.

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🌟 Pro Tips for Best Results

• Add apples right before serving to keep them crisp.
• If making ahead, keep dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness (0 SP).

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📊 WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy

Coleslaw is usually a “point bomb” because of mayo and sugar. By swapping mayo for fat-free Greek yogurt, this recipe slashes SmartPoints while still delivering creamy texture. Apples and cabbage are both zero-point foods, which means most of the “weight” of this dish is actually free on WW.

Pair this coleslaw with:

• Grilled chicken breast (0 SP)
• Air fryer salmon (2 SP)
• Turkey burger (3 SP with bun)

That way, you can enjoy a full plate for under 5 SmartPoints.

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🔄 Variations You Can Try

• Walnut Crunch: Add 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (+2 SP per serving).
• Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.
• Holiday Twist: Swap apple for pear and add a dash of cinnamon.

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📝 Tips for This Recipe

• Keep it colorful by mixing purple and green cabbage.
• Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time.
• Sweeten with a sugar-free substitute to reduce SmartPoints further.

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➕ Optional Additions

• Sunflower seeds (+2 SP)
• Feta crumbles (+1 SP)
• Shredded carrots (0 SP)

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Perfect side for BBQ chicken or grilled fish.
• Works as a topping for WW-friendly tacos.
• Great for meal prep lunches paired with lean protein.

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🥶 Storage Recommendations

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Best eaten fresh, as apples may soften over time.
• Do not freeze — the texture doesn’t hold up.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate and mix before serving to avoid sogginess.

2. Can I reduce the SmartPoints even more?
Yes. Use sugar-free dried cranberries and stevia instead of honey to bring it down to 1 SP per serving.

3. What apple works best?
Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.

4. Can I use mayo instead of yogurt?
Yes, but it adds about +1 SP per serving.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet apples and cranberries make it a hit with kids.

6. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes, grilled chicken or turkey breast makes it a 0–2 SP complete meal.

7. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Yes! Saves time and makes prep effortless.

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📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Estimated)

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Total Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbs: 15g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• SmartPoints (Estimated): 2

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📌 Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 6
• Calories (per serving): 85
• SmartPoints (Estimated): 2