The aroma of crunchy cabbage mingling with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the nutty crunch of almonds is what dreams are made of. This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw doesn’t just look pretty; it dances on your taste buds and sings sweet melodies of the holidays. Imagine a dish that brings color to your table and joy to every bite—yes, it’s that good!
Gather ’round as I share how this festive dish stole the show last Thanksgiving when my cousin tried to pass off soggy mashed potatoes as a side! Spoiler alert: they didn’t stand a chance against this vibrant slaw. It’s perfect for family gatherings or just when you need a little crunch in your life.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stunning slaw is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor
- Its bright colors make it an eye-catching addition to any feast
- You can enjoy it as a side or a light lunch option all year round
- The mix of sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds creates an irresistible texture contrast
Last year at our family gathering, everyone raved about this slaw’s fresh flavors while my cousin sulked in his potato corner.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green Cabbage: Choose firm heads for crisp texture; shredded finely for maximum crunch.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use whole cranberries for tartness; frozen works too if fresh isn’t available.
- Almonds: Opt for sliced or chopped almonds for added crunch; toasted enhances the flavor even more.
- Carrots: Grate fresh carrots for sweetness and vibrant color; they add great texture too.
- Red Onion: Thinly slice red onion for mild flavor; soak in water briefly if too pungent.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess; use quality mustard for best results.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity; balance it well with sweetness from other ingredients.
- Honey: Use raw honey if possible; it enhances flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; drizzle generously for smoothness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Veggies: Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly under cool water. Remove any wilted outer leaves before shredding it into fine strips using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Add Some Color: Grate the carrots while marveling at their bright orange hue. Combine them with the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl—this is where the magic begins!
Cranberries & Nuts: Toss in those glorious fresh cranberries along with sliced or chopped almonds. Their crunch will contrast beautifully against the tender veggies.
The Dressing Dance: In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. It should smell divine!
Tossing Time: Pour the dressing over your vibrant vegetable mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes—this allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Savor & Serve: Taste test your masterpiece before serving—it should be tangy yet slightly sweet! Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes during Thanksgiving festivities.
This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw not only delivers on taste but also dazzles visually on your holiday table. Enjoy every crunchy bite while reminding family members that soggy mashed potatoes are never acceptable!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw is not just a beautiful dish; it combines crunch and zing perfectly
- The flavors mingle beautifully, creating a refreshing side that complements any holiday feast
- Plus, its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create this slaw efficiently, chop your veggies while toasting the almonds for maximum flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out almonds for walnuts or add some crumbled feta for creaminess. Customize it to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No need to reheat; serve chilled!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw, ensure your ingredients are fresh; wilted veggies ruin the crunch!
- Toasting nuts enhances their flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Dress the slaw just before serving to keep it crispy and vibrant
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we savored each colorful bite.
FAQ
Can I make cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance but add dressing just before serving.
What type of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage is traditional, but you can mix it with red cabbage for more color.
How do I store leftovers of cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a vibrant, crunchy side dish bursting with festive flavors. A perfect addition to your holiday table, combining tart cranberries and crunchy almonds for an irresistible texture.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage
- Fresh cranberries
- Sliced almonds
- Grated carrots
- Red onion
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Wash and finely shred the green cabbage.
- Grate the fresh carrots and combine them in a large bowl with the shredded cabbage.
- Add whole cranberries and sliced almonds to the vegetable mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the veggie mix and toss thoroughly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your holiday favorites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Toast the almonds for enhanced flavor before adding them to the slaw. Swap out almonds for walnuts or add crumbled feta for a creamy twist. Dress the slaw just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.