The thrill of crunching through a bowl of vibrant colors and flavors is almost as good as hearing the turkey sizzle in the oven. This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw bursts with festive spirit, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch that makes every bite a celebration. Picture this dish at your table, its ruby red cranberries glistening like tiny jewels among crisp greens – it’s not just food; it’s a feast for the senses.
Every Thanksgiving gathering calls for that one standout dish that makes everyone say “Wow!” This slaw is my go-to secret weapon. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or serves as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier holiday fare. I still remember the first time I brought it to a family feast; my Uncle Charlie was busy trying to convince everyone that his pumpkin pie was the highlight until he tasted the slaw. You could practically see his mind changing right on the spot!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This colorful Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is easy to whip up and adds crunch to your meal
- It combines sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds for a delightful flavor explosion
- The vibrant colors will brighten any holiday table and impress your guests with its fresh taste
- Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
I once brought this slaw to a potluck where it disappeared faster than Aunt Edna’s famous pecan pie – now that’s saying something!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Red Cabbage: Choose firm heads without blemishes; they add vibrant color and crunch.
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red berries; frozen can be used but fresh gives better texture.
- Sliced Almonds: Use toasted almonds for extra flavor; they provide a delightful crunch.
- Carrots: Shred them finely for sweetness and color; they balance the tartness of cranberries well.
- Green Onion: Use fresh green onions for a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash adds tanginess; you can substitute with lemon juice if needed.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dressing richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: Gather all your ingredients together because we don’t want any last-minute trips to the store when we’re in full cooking mode!
Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by shredding half a head of red cabbage into thin strips. The color will pop against other ingredients while adding great crunch.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Toss in about 1 cup of fresh cranberries – these little gems will burst with tangy goodness in every bite. Next, add 1 cup of shredded carrots for sweetness.
Mingle Those Flavors: Slice 3 green onions thinly and add them to the mix along with 1 cup of sliced almonds. The combination will create an irresistible contrast in flavors and textures.
Create Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, and ½ cup olive oil until well blended. This dressing will tie everything together beautifully.
Toss it All Together: Pour the dressing over your colorful mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so that flavors meld perfectly.
Enjoy this incredibly tasty Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw at your next gathering! Remember, every bite carries that joyful spirit of celebration – because what’s Thanksgiving without great food?
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw adds a refreshing twist to your holiday table
- The crunchiness of the almonds perfectly complements the tangy cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, ensuring you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the almonds for a few minutes; this enhances their flavor. Next, mix the slaw ingredients in a large bowl while the dressing chills. Finally, toss everything together just before serving for maximum crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add diced apples or shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color. You can also swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor in your slaw.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently on low heat while adding a splash of vinegar to retain flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw, remember that freshness counts!
- Use crisp cabbage and vibrant cranberries
- Also, don’t skimp on letting your dressing chill; this allows flavors to develop beautifully
- Always toss the slaw just before serving to maintain its crunchiness
When I first served this cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw at my family gathering, I was surprised by how quickly it disappeared! My aunt even asked for the recipe after declaring it her new favorite dish.
FAQ
Can I make cranberry almond Thanksgiving slaw ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the components but mix them right before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for almonds in this recipe?
You can use walnuts or pecans as tasty alternatives to almonds.
Is there a way to make this slaw vegan?
Absolutely! Just use a vegan mayo or yogurt alternative in the dressing.
Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant, crunchy slaw combines sweet cranberries and toasted almonds, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- ½ head red cabbage
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred half a head of red cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- Add fresh cranberries and shredded carrots.
- Incorporate sliced green onions and toasted sliced almonds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg