This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors provide a perfect contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying an intimate dinner, this slaw is versatile enough for any occasion. With its combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing, it’s sure to impress your guests while adding a touch of healthiness to your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This slaw comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy holiday prep.
- Flavorful Crunch: The mix of crisp vegetables and toasted almonds adds unique texture and taste.
- Versatile Side: Perfect for Thanksgiving, but great for summer picnics or casual barbecues too.
- Healthy Option: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this slaw is a guilt-free addition to your feast.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time to save yourself stress on the day of your event.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this slaw, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and help you create the perfect dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small bowl for dressing
- Dry pan for toasting almonds
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: Essential for easily shredding the cabbages and slicing apples without bruising them.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps blend the dressing smoothly for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits
- Shred the green and red cabbage into thin strips using a sharp knife.
- Peel and shred the carrots with a grater or food processor.
- Slice the apples into thin sticks. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
- Place sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat.
- Toast them for a few minutes until they are golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Mix the Slaw
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, apples, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
- Add chopped parsley and toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Dress the Slaw
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture in the large bowl.
- Toss gently until everything is well coated with dressing.
Step 6: Let It Rest
- Allow the slaw to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps all flavors meld beautifully together.
How to Serve Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is not only delicious but also versatile. It complements various main dishes and can be served in several creative ways.
As a Standalone Salad
- Serve it chilled as a refreshing salad on its own. The crunch from the almonds and the sweetness of cranberries make it delightful.
With Roast Turkey
- Pair this slaw with roast turkey. The tangy dressing enhances the flavor of the turkey, providing a nice balance.
In a Wrap
- Use the slaw as a filling in wraps or sandwiches. Its vibrant colors and flavors brighten up any meal.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Add this slaw to your charcuterie board. It adds color and texture, making it an eye-catching addition.
As a Topping for Tacos
- Use the slaw as a topping for tacos. The crispness complements the warm ingredients perfectly.
With Grilled Meats
- Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork. It adds a fresh element that cuts through the richness of grilled dishes.
How to Perfect Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
To make your Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and apples will enhance both flavor and crunch in your slaw.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting almonds brings out their natural oils and adds depth to the dish.
- Allow Time to Marinate: Letting the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes after dressing allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the maple syrup in the dressing based on your personal preference for sweetness.
- Experiment with Apples: Try different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for varied flavors.
- Add Additional Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
This slaw pairs wonderfully with many side dishes, making it an excellent choice for your holiday table. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing, whether savory or sweet, complements the slaw’s freshness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a delicious earthiness that balances well with the slaw.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of this dish contrasts nicely with the tangy slaw.
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish offers creaminess and crunch that pairs well with crunchy slaw.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread adds warmth and complements all flavors on your plate.
- Cranberry Sauce: A side of cranberry sauce provides an additional layer of tartness that enhances the meal.
- Buttered Corn: Simple buttered corn offers a touch of sweetness that works harmoniously with the other dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
This section highlights common errors when preparing the Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure a vibrant and delicious dish.
- Overdressing the slaw: Adding too much dressing can make the slaw soggy. Start with half of the dressing, toss it, and add more if needed.
- Not toasting almonds: Skipping this step can result in bland almonds. Toasting them enhances their flavor and adds crunch, so always take a few minutes to do this.
- Using unripe apples: Unripe apples can be too tart and crunchy. Choose sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for a balance of sweetness and texture.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly: Uneven cuts lead to varying textures. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent shreds and slices.
- Forgetting about lemon juice: Neglecting this step can cause apple slices to brown quickly. Tossing them in lemon juice keeps them fresh and appealing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover slaw in an airtight container.
- It stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain crunchiness.
Freezing Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in cabbage and apples.
- If necessary, freeze without the dressing for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet for a few minutes until just warm; avoid cooking it through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store the Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the slaw ingredients ahead but wait to add the dressing until just before serving for maximum crunch.
Is Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw healthy?
Absolutely! This slaw is packed with vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats from almonds. It’s a nutritious choice among traditional holiday dishes.
What variations can I try for this slaw recipe?
You can customize it by adding ingredients like sliced celery, chopped walnuts instead of almonds, or swapping out apples for pears.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
While you can use fresh cranberries, they are much more tart. If using fresh cranberries, consider adding extra sweetener like maple syrup.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is not only a delightful addition to your holiday table but also offers versatility throughout the season. Its refreshing flavors complement hearty dishes perfectly. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or fruits to make it uniquely yours!
Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw
Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that perfectly complements your holiday feast. This slaw combines crunchy green and red cabbage, sweet apples, and tangy dried cranberries, all brought together with a light maple-Dijon dressing. With its array of textures and flavors, it not only offers a healthy option among richer Thanksgiving dishes but also impresses guests with its stunning appearance. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, this versatile slaw is suitable for any occasion—from festive dinners to summer barbecues. Make it ahead of time to reduce stress on the big day or serve it fresh for an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Shred green and red cabbage; grate carrots; slice apples (toss with lemon juice).
- Toast almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden.
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, apples, toasted almonds, and cranberries.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over slaw mixture.
- Toss gently to coat and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Adjust maple syrup to taste for sweetness. You can add variations like chopped walnuts or different apple types for unique flavors.
