Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a bright, crunchy side dish perfect for holiday meals. The tangy apple cider vinaigrette pairs beautifully with sweet dried cranberries and toasted almonds, adding a fresh, festive touch to your table.

Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 head green cabbage
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the apple cider vinaigrette by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small mason jar. Screw the lid on tightly and shake well to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 2: Prepare the slaw by slicing the cabbage into wedges and removing the core. Thinly slice the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- Step 3: Thinly slice the red onion and chop the parsley, then add both to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Step 4: Add dried cranberries and sliced almonds to the bowl. Toss all ingredients together to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 5: Before serving, shake the vinaigrette well and pour it over the slaw. Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the slaw.
- Swap maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
- Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced apples for additional color and flavor.
- If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
Storage
Store any leftover slaw and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the slaw with the vinaigrette just before serving to preserve its crisp texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw and vinaigrette separately up to one day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm. If you prefer to use them, consider chopping them finely and adding a bit more sweetener to balance the tartness. Dried cranberries work best for this recipe’s texture and flavor.
PrintCranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw is a fresh, vibrant side dish featuring a crisp mix of cabbage, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it balances sweet, tart, and savory flavors in a colorful, crunchy salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 small clove Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Slaw
- 1/2 head Green Cabbage
- 1/2 small Red Onion
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1 cup Sliced Almonds
- 1/2 cup Flat Leaf Parsley
Instructions
- Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette: In a small mason jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended. Refrigerate the vinaigrette until you are ready to serve.
- Prep the Cranberry Almond Slaw: Slice the cabbage into wedges, remove the core, and thinly slice the cabbage. Transfer the sliced cabbage to a large bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the flat leaf parsley, then add them to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Add Cranberries and Almonds: Add the dried cranberries and sliced almonds to the cabbage mixture. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw until you are ready to serve.
- Serve the Cranberry Almond Slaw: Before serving, shake the vinaigrette well and pour it over the slaw. Toss everything together to ensure the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for optimal freshness.
Notes
- This slaw is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour after dressing.
- For a nut-free option, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice as a substitute for apple cider vinegar for a different tangy twist.
- Toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- The maple syrup can be adjusted to taste for more or less sweetness.
Keywords: cranberry almond slaw, thanksgiving slaw, cranberry salad, holiday side dish, cabbage salad, healthy slaw, no-cook salad

