Name: Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw for a Crunchy Holiday Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced); 4 cups red cabbage (thinly sliced); 2 medium carrots (shredded); 2 medium fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Gala) (sliced and tossed with lemon juice); 0.5 cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch); 0.5 cup dried cranberries; 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 0.33 cup olive oil; 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic (minced); to taste salt; to taste pepper

As I stood in the kitchen, overwhelmed by the aroma of roasting turkey and spiced pumpkin pies, a thought struck me: I needed something vibrant to cut through the holiday heaviness. Enter my refreshing Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw—just the antidote I craved. This dish brings together the satisfying crunch of fresh cabbage and carrots with the delightful balance of sweet-tart dried cranberries and juicy apples. Not only is it a colorful addition to your festive table, but it’s also gluten-free and vegan, making it a guilt-free crowd-pleaser. Imagine a light yet invigorating bite among the classic comfort foods, perfectly complementing those rich, savory flavors. Ready to bring some zest to your Thanksgiving meal? Let’s toss together this simple yet stunning slaw that your guests won’t stop talking about!

Why Should You Make This Slaw?

Bright, Festive Colors: This slaw is a visual delight, combining the vibrant hues of cabbage and carrots with the ruby-red cranberries, making it the perfect festive addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

Nutty Crunch: Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch while enhancing the flavor profile, ensuring each bite is exciting and textural.

Refreshing Contrast: It contrasts beautifully against heavier holiday dishes, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that leaves everyone feeling light and satisfied.

Easy Prep: With minimal cooking involved, this slaw can be quickly thrown together, making it the perfect last-minute dish.

Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free and vegan, it caters to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring all your guests can enjoy it. If you’re looking for more nutritious sides, check out my recipe for Garlicky Green Beans too!

Make Ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance, you can store your veggies and dressing separately and simply combine right before serving. This makes your holiday meal planning so much easier!

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Ingredients

For the Slaw

Green Cabbage – Provides crunch and structure; it holds up well even after being dressed.
Red Cabbage – Adds visual appeal and a hint of spice, enhancing the slaw’s flavor.
Carrots – Contribute natural sweetness and significant crunch; they can be shredded or cut into matchsticks.
Fresh Apples (Honeycrisp or Gala) – Offer a sweet and juicy bite; toss sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Sliced Almonds – Introduce a nutty flavor and extra crunch; toast them for enhanced taste. For a nut-free option, consider sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Dried Cranberries – Add a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor that complements the apples and almonds.
Fresh Parsley – Provides a fresh taste and color pop; can be substituted with dill or chopped green onions.

For the Dressing

Olive Oil – Acts as the base, lending richness to the dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds tanginess, balancing out the sweetness from other ingredients.
Maple Syrup – Naturally sweetens the dressing; feel free to adjust to taste.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle spice and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth texture.
Garlic – Provides aromatic depth; use minced garlic for the most flavor.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste.

With these Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw ingredients, you’ll create a delightful dish that not only enhances your holiday table but also brings joy to everyone’s taste buds!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Begin by thinly slicing about 4 cups each of green and red cabbage, ensuring uniform pieces for even dressing. Shred 2 medium carrots to contribute crunchy sweetness. Next, take 2 fresh apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), slice them thinly, and toss the slices with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Set this vibrant mix aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add ½ cup of sliced almonds. Toast them for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning; they should have a lovely, nutty aroma. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let cool briefly before adding to the slaw for an extra crunch.

Step 3: Combine Slaw Ingredients
In the large bowl with the prepared cabbage and carrots, add the sliced apples, cooled toasted almonds, and ½ cup of dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast. Gently toss everything together with your hands, incorporating a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. The sweetness of the cranberries will beautifully complement the freshness of the slaw.

Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, showcasing a glossy texture that will coat your Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw perfectly.

Step 5: Dress the Slaw
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture, ensuring every ingredient gets a delectable coating. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors. For best results, let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together while keeping the vegetables crisp.

Step 6: Serve
Before serving, give the slaw one final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw can be prepared ahead, but dress it just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch. Place it in a serving bowl, and watch your guests enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors that beautifully contrast with hearty holiday dishes.

What to Serve with Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw?

This lively slaw is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing complement to your holiday spread.

Herb-Roasted Turkey: Juicy and tender, the turkey’s savory flavor contrasts beautifully with the slaw’s crunch and brightness.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these comforting potatoes provide a deliciously smooth texture that balances the slaw’s crispness.
Grilled Vegetable Platter: A selection of charred seasonal veggies adds a smoky flavor, enhancing the fresh and vibrant notes of the slaw.
Stuffed Butternut Squash: The sweet, savory stuffing contrasts perfectly with the tart cranberries and crunchy almonds in the slaw.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized bites offer a crispy texture and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the slaw.
Cranberry Sauce: Keep the holiday spirit alive with a dollop of sweet-tart sauce that echoes the flavors found in your slaw.
Sparkling Cider: Refreshing and bubbly, this drink cuts through savory dishes and enhances the zesty taste of the slaw.
Pumpkin Pie: The warm spices and creamy texture of pumpkin pie serve as a delightful closure to your Thanksgiving feast, balancing the slaw’s acidity.

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Variations

Feel free to give your slaw a personal twist and explore these delightful variations!

Nut-Free: Substitute sliced almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, nut-free alternative. This keeps the texture while making it allergy-friendly.
Sweetness Variation: Swap out maple syrup for honey or agave for varying sweetness levels. Each option brings a unique flavor, adding a fun twist to your dressing.
Extra Texture: Enhance crunch by adding thinly sliced celery, or toss in some pomegranate seeds for festive flair and juicy bursts of flavor.
Herb Swap: Try using fresh dill or chopped green onions instead of parsley for a distinct herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
Heat it Up: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing. The subtle heat will awaken the flavors, leaving your guests wanting more.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate additional fruits such as thinly sliced oranges or pears to introduce a refreshing sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Creamy Option: For those who enjoy a creamier slaw, add a dollop of vegan mayo to the dressing, creating a richer texture that is still guilt-free.

As you get creative, remember that this slaw pairs beautifully with other festive dishes. Elevate indulgent meals like roast turkey with this invigorating side, and check out my recipe for Garlicky Green Beans if you’re looking for even more veggie insight!

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw elements are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the vegetables—cabbage, carrots, and apples—up to 24 hours in advance; just remember to toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. The toasted almonds can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, for the best crunch, hold off on adding the dressing until right before serving. Simply combine your prepped ingredients with the dressing when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll impress your guests with a crisp, refreshing dish needing minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw

Fridge: Store leftover slaw in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezer: It’s best to freeze the slaw without dressing, as the crisp veggies don’t fare well. If prepared, the slaw can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Dressing Storage: Store the salad dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Whisk again before use to recombine ingredients.

Reheating: While this slaw is best enjoyed cold, if you prefer it warmed, gently heat it in a skillet for just a minute or two before serving.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw

• Crisp Veggies: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture; wilted ones can lead to a soggy slaw.

• Toast Almonds: Always toast your almonds for maximum flavor and crunch; un-toasted nuts can taste bland in the slaw.

• Dress Last: For optimal freshness, do not dress the slaw until just before serving. This keeps the veggies crunchy and vibrant.

• Taste Test: Always taste the dressing before adding it to the slaw; adjust sweetness or acidity as needed to suit your palate.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the slaw ingredients in advance and store separately in the fridge. Mix everything together right before serving for maximum freshness.

• Diet Options: If you need a nut-free version of this Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw, swap the almonds for sunflower or pumpkin seeds!

Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cabbage for my slaw?
For the best flavor and texture, select heads of cabbage that feel firm and heavy—look for leaves with a vibrant color and no dark spots, as this indicates freshness. Both green and red cabbage should have a crispness to them, which will contribute to the satisfying crunch of your slaw.

How should I store leftover Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw?
To keep your slaw fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. It’s important to keep the dressing stored separately and only dress the slaw just before serving to maintain its crispiness and vibrant colors.

Can this slaw be frozen?
Freezing is not ideal for this slaw, as the texture of fresh vegetables can suffer. However, if you’re making the slaw ahead of time, you can freeze the un-dressed slaw for up to 1 month. To do this, place the slaw in a freezer-safe container and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Add the dressing fresh after thawing.

What should I do if my slaw turns out soggy?
To avoid a soggy slaw, use only fresh and crisp vegetables. Make sure to dress the slaw right before serving and avoid letting it sit in the dressing for too long. If it does turn out soggy, try adding a little more fresh cabbage or carrots just before serving to help bring back some crunch!

Are there any allergens I should consider for this slaw?
Yes! While this Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is gluten-free and vegan, it’s essential to be mindful of nut allergies if you’re using almonds. You can easily substitute almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version without compromising the slaw’s delightful crunch! Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden allergens are present.

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetables a day in advance and store them in the fridge. However, for the best texture and flavor, keep the dressing separate until right before you’re ready to serve. Combining them just before serving will maintain that all-important freshness and crunch.