Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe

Crisp autumn days call for an unexpected cranberry almond thanksgiving slaw that breaks traditional salad boundaries.

Colorful cabbage ribbons dance with tart berries and nutty almonds in this fresh side dish.

Light yet satisfying, the recipe brings unexpected brightness to holiday tables.

Crunchy textures and vibrant flavors make this slaw a welcome contrast to heavier seasonal offerings.

Quick preparation means you can assemble this dish without stress during busy cooking moments.

Packed with nutrients and delightful crunch, this slaw promises to become your new favorite holiday companion.

Invite everyone to savor each delectable bite of this unique seasonal creation.

Tips That Help Your Slaw Stay Crisp and Bright

• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the slaw sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop richer, more complex taste profiles.
• Customize Crunch: Toast almonds lightly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create extra crispiness in the salad.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare this slaw up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, which helps ingredients blend and intensify the overall taste.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or use a sugar-free alternative for low-carb dietary needs.
• Texture Tip: Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly to ensure even dressing distribution and consistent, pleasant mouthfeel throughout the slaw.

Storing and Reusing Leftover Slaw the Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the slaw crisp and fresh.
• Before storing, remove excess liquid to prevent sogginess and maintain the salad's crunch.
• Gently toss the slaw with a splash of fresh dressing before serving to refresh the flavors and texture.
• Skip freezing this slaw, as the vegetables will lose their crispness and become watery when thawed.

Best Dishes to Pair with Thanksgiving Slaw

• Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy vinaigrette and cuts through the slaw's richness.
• Serve this colorful slaw alongside traditional roasted turkey to provide a bright, crunchy contrast with festive holiday flavors.
• Sprinkle fresh goat cheese on top to add creamy texture and tangy notes that balance the slaw's sweet and acidic profile.
• Add a slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a hearty counterpoint and soak up the delicious dressing.

Thanksgiving Slaw Variations Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Garden Slaw: Replace Dijon mustard with stone-ground mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Holiday Slaw: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to create a plant-based friendly version while maintaining the sweet undertones.
• Nut-Free Autumn Slaw: Eliminate almonds and substitute with sunflower seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Keto Slaw: Use a low-carb sweetener like stevia instead of honey and increase the proportion of green cabbage to reduce overall carbohydrate content.

Questions About Cranberry Almond Slaw? Look Here

• What makes this slaw different from traditional coleslaw?

This recipe combines green and red cabbage with a tangy-sweet dressing, plus dried cranberries and almonds for extra texture and flavor, creating a modern twist on classic coleslaw.

• Is this slaw healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients from cabbage, carrots, and almonds. The homemade dressing uses olive oil and apple cider vinegar, which are heart-healthy ingredients with fewer processed components compared to store-bought dressings.

• Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! This slaw actually tastes better after sitting for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. You can prepare it a few hours before serving and keep it refrigerated.

• How can I customize this slaw for dietary needs?

You can easily make it vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup, or make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Why This Thanksgiving Slaw Deserves a Spot at the Table

• This cranberry almond slaw delivers incredible taste in mere minutes with simple ingredients that blend beautifully.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners where everyone craves a fresh, crunchy side that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Loaded with vitamins from cabbage, carrots, and almonds, this recipe offers a healthy alternative to traditional heavy holiday sides while delivering amazing texture and crunch.
• Requires just 15-20 minutes of total preparation time, uses basic kitchen tools, and needs no complicated cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Carrots: Crunchy and colorful base for the slaw, providing texture and nutrition.

Note: Choose fresh, crisp vegetables for the best crunch.

• Dried Cranberries, Sliced Almonds: Sweet and nutty elements that add flavor contrast and interesting texture.

Note: Use unsweetened dried cranberries for a more balanced taste.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean flavor to the slaw.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing that helps bind ingredients.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, complex flavor to the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.

Note: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

Tossing Up a Perfect Holiday Slaw

Step 1: Chop Veggie Party

• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Carrots
• Fresh parsley

Grab a large mixing bowl and slice all vegetables into thin, beautiful ribbons. Toss them together until they create a vibrant rainbow mixture.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

• Dried cranberries
• Sliced almonds

Sprinkle these tasty gems into your vegetable medley. Gently mix to distribute the sweet and crunchy elements throughout the slaw.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

In a small jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake vigorously until everything blends into a smooth, tangy liquid that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Create Magic Moment

Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss everything together. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and get acquainted.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Transfer to a beautiful serving dish. Watch your guests swoon over this festive, crunchy side dish that brings excitement to the Thanksgiving table.

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cranberry almond thanksgiving slaw brings festive crunch to holiday tables with bold seasonal flavors. Crisp cabbage, tart berries, and nutty almonds create a refreshing side dish perfect for complementing rich turkey and classic stuffing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (946 ml) shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots

Toppings and Nuts:

• ½ cup (118 ml) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (118 ml) sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup (59 ml) chopped fresh parsley

Dressing:

• ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant base by combining shredded green and red cabbage with julienned carrots in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a colorful and textural foundation for the festive slaw.
2. Incorporate dried cranberries, providing bursts of sweet-tart flavor and festive crimson accents throughout the mixture.
3. Sprinkle sliced almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone, gently folding the ingredients to distribute evenly.
4. Chop fresh parsley and scatter across the vegetable medley, adding a hint of herbaceous brightness and visual appeal.
5. Craft a harmonious dressing by whisking olive oil with tangy apple cider vinegar, creating a smooth emulsion that will bind the components.
6. Introduce Dijon mustard for a subtle piquant depth, balancing the dressing’s richness with a gentle kick of flavor.
7. Drizzle honey to provide a delicate sweetness that complements the vinegar’s acidity, creating a nuanced and balanced vinaigrette.
8. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
9. Pour the meticulously prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is luxuriously coated.
10. Allow the slaw to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify, transforming the dish into a cohesive culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep ahead and let the slaw marinate longer to enhance flavor infusion and soften the cabbage slightly.
• Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet to boost their nutty richness and add extra crunch to the dish.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or use agave nectar to create a plant-based alternative dressing.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the slaw might lose some initial crispness after the first day.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg