Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is the perfect blend of festive flavors and refreshing crunch, making it an ideal side dish for your holiday table. Picture this: vibrant shredded cabbage mingling with tart, juicy cranberries and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that brings everything together. It’s a dish that not only adds a splash of color to your spread but also offers a lighter option among the heavier traditional sides like roasted turkey and mashed potatoes.

I love serving this slaw during Thanksgiving because it’s a delightful contrast to all the richness of the meal. The first time I made it, my family was pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed a slaw alongside their favorite dishes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with that satisfying crunch, makes each bite a joy. Plus, the slaw can be made ahead of time, which is a huge bonus when you’re juggling all the holiday prep.

Whether you’re aiming to sneak in some extra veggies or just want a fresh twist on a classic, this Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is sure to impress your guests. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds not only flavor but also a touch of holiday spirit to your table, making your Thanksgiving celebration even more memorable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll adore Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw:

• Festive Flavors: Combines sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds for a delightful contrast that captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
• Crisp and Refreshing: A light, crunchy slaw that balances heavier holiday dishes, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Easy to Prepare: Quick and simple to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday with family and friends.
• Vibrant Color: The bright red cranberries and green cabbage make for a visually appealing dish that brightens up the table.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables and fruits, making it a healthy addition to your holiday spread.
• Customizable Recipe: Easily adjustable to suit your tastes; add more nuts, swap ingredients, or modify the dressing for your preferences.
• Make Ahead: Can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld while saving time on the holiday.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with turkey, ham, or vegetarian dishes, making it a versatile option for any Thanksgiving feast.
• Sweet and Tangy Dressing: The dressing adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the slaw.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it a delicious option for post-Thanksgiving meals or lunch.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw:

For the Slaw

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Highlights

• Green and Purple Cabbage: Adds color, crunch, and a variety of nutrients.
• Dried Cranberries: Provides a sweet, tangy element that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds a nutty crunch and healthy fats.
• Mayonnaise-Based Dressing: A creamy, tangy base that ties all the flavors together.
• Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the dressing with sweetness and acidity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw:

Prepare the Slaw Base

1. Mix the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and red onion. Add the parsley if using. Toss to mix the ingredients well.

Make the Dressing

1. Whisk the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.

Assemble the Slaw

1. Add the Dressing to the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
2. Chill the Slaw: For the best flavor, refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

1. Final Touch: Give the slaw a quick toss before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw:

• Classic Thanksgiving Side: Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or other holiday dishes.
• With Barbecue: Pairs well with grilled meats or pulled pork for a non-traditional holiday meal.
• As a Sandwich Topping: Use as a fresh topping for turkey sandwiches or sliders.
• On a Buffet Table: A great addition to potlucks or buffet-style meals.
• With Baked Salmon: Complements the richness of baked or grilled fish.
• In a Wrap: Add the slaw to wraps with roasted meats or vegetarian fillings for added crunch.
• Paired with Roasted Vegetables: Adds a fresh contrast to roasted root vegetables or squash.
• With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor.
• For a Picnic: Perfect for a holiday picnic or casual outdoor gathering.
• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy as a stand-alone dish for a healthy, satisfying lunch.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make your Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and carrots will provide the best texture and flavor.
• Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.
• Add Extra Crunch: Include additional crunchy elements like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Make It Creamier: Add a bit more mayonnaise for a richer texture if desired.
• For a Healthier Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
• Let It Sit: Allow the slaw to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples or pears would complement the cranberries nicely.
• Make It Vegan: Use a vegan mayonnaise substitute to make the dish dairy-free.
• Use a Mandoline Slicer: For uniformly thin slices of cabbage and onions, use a mandoline slicer.

Recipe Variations

Try these variations to customize your Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw:

• Apple Cranberry Slaw: Add thinly sliced apples for extra sweetness.
• Blue Cheese Slaw: Include crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist.
• Spicy Cranberry Slaw: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little heat.
• Maple Pecan Slaw: Use maple syrup instead of honey and substitute pecans for almonds.
• Kale and Cranberry Slaw: Mix in some shredded kale for added nutrients.
• Orange Cranberry Slaw: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the dressing for citrusy flavor.
• Nut-Free Slaw: Skip the almonds and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
• Herbed Slaw: Include fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or mint for an aromatic twist.
• Vegan Cranberry Slaw: Use vegan mayo and skip the honey, opting for maple syrup instead.
• Bacon Cranberry Slaw: Add crumbled cooked bacon for a savory touch.

Freezing and Storage

Properly store or freeze your Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw with these tips:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage will change when thawed.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately up to a day in advance, then mix before serving.

Special Equipment

You may need the following equipment to make Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all the slaw ingredients thoroughly and allowing ample space for mixing without spills.
• Mandoline Slicer: Useful for achieving uniform, thin slices of vegetables like cabbage and carrots, ensuring consistent texture and appearance.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Ideal for chopping and dicing ingredients, ensuring clean cuts for a more professional presentation.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting vegetables, protecting your countertops and facilitating easy cleanup.
• Salad Spinner: Helps wash and dry greens thoroughly, ensuring they’re crisp and free of excess moisture for a fresh texture in the slaw.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like vinegar, oil, and spices to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
• Whisk: Used for mixing the dressing ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and well-blended mixture that evenly coats the slaw.
• Colander: Useful for draining any excess liquid from the slaw after washing ingredients, helping to maintain the slaw’s crunchiness.
• Storage Containers: Ideal for storing leftover slaw, keeping it fresh and ready to serve later without losing texture or flavor.
• Serving Platter: To elegantly present the slaw at the Thanksgiving table, enhancing the meal’s visual appeal and making it a focal point.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the slaw and dressing separately and combine just before serving.
2. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
   Yes, it’s a convenient option to save time, but fresh cabbage has a better texture.
3. How do I make the dressing dairy-free?
   The dressing is already dairy-free. Just ensure the mayonnaise is suitable for your dietary needs.
4. Can I add other dried fruits?
   Yes, dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots would work well.
5. What can I use instead of almonds?
   Substitute with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
6. How long can I store leftovers?
   Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I use a different vinegar?
   Yes, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
8. Can I make this vegan?
   Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.
9. Is this slaw gluten-free?
   Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
10. How do I keep the slaw from getting soggy?
    Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the slaw’s crunch.

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Conclusion

The Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a versatile, vibrant dish that brings a refreshing balance to any holiday meal. With its crisp textures, colorful presentation, and delicious mix of flavors, it’s a delightful addition to Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. This slaw combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the nutty crunch of almonds, creating a perfect contrast to rich holiday dishes.

Not only does this slaw offer a burst of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free option for your holiday menu. Serve it as a side dish or even as a topping for sandwiches or turkey wraps. Try this slaw for a new holiday favorite that’s sure to impress your guests and delight in the delicious blend of flavors and textures! I can’t wait to see how your Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your culinary creations!