Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a refreshing and colorful side dish that brings a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and tanginess to your holiday table. Featuring crisp cabbage, tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a light dressing, this slaw is a delightful contrast to rich Thanksgiving dishes. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Thanksgiving – A fresh, vibrant side dish that complements heavy holiday meals.
• Easy to Make – Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe quick and effortless.
• Crunchy & Flavorful – A mix of textures and flavors with sweet, tangy, and nutty notes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping in advance.
• Healthy Option – A light and nutritious alternative to traditional creamy slaws.

Ingredients

this recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Green cabbage, shredded
• Red cabbage, shredded
• Carrots, shredded
• Dried cranberries
• Sliced almonds
• Green onions, chopped
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables – Shred the green and red cabbage, then grate or shred the carrots. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the mix-ins – Toss in the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and chopped green onions.
3. Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine – Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Chill and serve – Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Fruit – Toss in sliced apples or pears for extra sweetness.
• Nut-Free Option – Substitute almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
• Creamy Dressing – Mix in a bit of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a richer texture.
• Extra Herbs – Add fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for a fresh herbal note.
• Protein Boost – Include grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – This slaw is best enjoyed cold, but if needed, bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Make-Ahead – Prepare the slaw ingredients and dressing separately, then mix before serving for maximum freshness.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this slaw?

You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors blend beautifully over time, but for the best texture, add the almonds just before serving.

Can I use a pre-shredded slaw mix?

Yes! Using a bagged slaw mix saves time and works well with this recipe.

What can I use instead of almonds?

Try walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, this recipe is completely vegan.

Can I add cheese to this slaw?

Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the cranberries and almonds.

How do I keep the slaw from getting soggy?

Avoid overdressing it and store the dressing separately if making it ahead of time.

What can I serve with this slaw?

It pairs well with turkey, roasted chicken, ham, or even vegetarian dishes like stuffed squash.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries are recommended for sweetness, but if using fresh, chop them finely and add a touch of honey to balance the tartness.

What type of cabbage works best?

A mix of green and red cabbage provides the best texture and color, but you can use just one type if preferred.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this slaw is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a vibrant and flavorful addition to your holiday menu. With its crunchy texture, sweet-tart cranberries, and nutty almonds, this slaw is a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, customizable, and perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving meal. Try it this year and impress your guests with a side dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

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