Description
Zesty Thanksgiving Slaw blends crisp cabbage with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans in a festive side dish. Holiday tables welcome this refreshing salad that complements traditional roasted meats with its light, flavorful profile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups (1.4 kg) green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups (0.5 kg) red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup (0.2 kg) carrots, shredded
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup almonds, toasted and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Shred cabbage and carrots using a box grater or food processor into delicate, uniform strips for consistent texture and flavor distribution.
- Slicing: Thinly slice red onion and apple into translucent pieces that will integrate seamlessly with the other components.
- Pecan Toasting: Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they release a rich, nutty fragrance and achieve a golden-brown color. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper into a smooth, creamy dressing with balanced tanginess and subtle sweetness.
- Mixing: Combine shredded vegetables, sliced apple, fresh cranberries, and toasted pecans in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and colorful foundation.
- Dressing Integration: Drizzle prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, folding carefully to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and seasoned.
- Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to slightly soften, enhancing the overall taste profile. Toss gently before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Slice Precisely: Use sharp knives or a mandoline for ultra-thin, uniform vegetable cuts to ensure consistent texture and even dressing absorption.
- Toast Nuts Carefully: Watch pecans closely while toasting to prevent burning; they can quickly go from perfectly golden to bitter and charred.
- Make Ahead Advantage: Prepare slaw 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop and meld, creating a more complex taste profile.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter, alternative versions that maintain creamy dressing consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg