Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful, crunchy, and colorful salad that feels like a big warm hug for your taste buds, this Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe is absolutely for you. It marries the crisp freshness of green and red cabbage with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the rich, nutty crunch of toasted pecans. The tangy dressing, made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and a hint of Dijon mustard, brings all the components together in a perfect symphony of flavor and texture that’s sure to brighten up any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance taste, texture, and a vibrant appearance that makes the salad as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a crunchy, fresh base that’s mildly sweet and juicy.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds vivid color and a slightly peppery flavor to the mix.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a bright orange hue for visual appeal.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Offers chewy pockets of tart-sweet flavor, balancing the savory elements.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted): Toasting intensifies their nutty aroma and adds reassuring crunch.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Contributes a subtle sharpness and a splash of green freshness.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, smooth coating that holds the slaw together.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Delivers bright acidity that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances tang with a natural, gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Lends a tangy depth and slight bite to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Mix the Salad
Start by shredding the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots finely enough so every bite will have an ideal crunch. Toss these vibrant veggies into a large bowl along with the dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced green onions. This combination creates a delightful contrast of colors and textures that is visually appealing and tantalizing to the taste buds.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and beautifully combined. This dressing will be the magic glue that balances tang, sweetness, and creaminess, elevating all the raw ingredients to a new level of deliciousness.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every shred and morsel is lightly coated. This step is crucial because it helps every flavor marry beautifully. Pop the slaw into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill, making it refreshingly crisp when served.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe with a few extra pecan halves or a sprinkle of fresh green onion slices amps up the texture and visual charm. You might also add a few whole dried cranberries on top to show off that delicious pop of color and hint at the sweetness inside.
Side Dishes
This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or alongside hearty fall dishes like roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin soup. Its sweet and tangy crunch offers a fantastic contrast to smoky, savory, or rich flavors, making it an ideal companion for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for a charming appetizer or party side. You can also layer it on top of a bed of mixed greens, or even stuff it into whole wheat pita pockets along with some grilled protein for a vibrant sandwich filling that pops with texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 days, although it’s best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crunch. Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of the fresh cabbage and creamy dressing, freezing this slaw is not recommended as it will lose its texture and become watery once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, remove it from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without losing its vibrant crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier option?
Absolutely! For a lighter twist, you can replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It keeps the creaminess but adds a bit of tang and ups the protein content, making your Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe both delicious and a bit healthier.
What type of pecans works best for this recipe?
Fresh, raw pecans that you toast yourself usually give the best flavor and crunch. Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a lovely aroma that complements the slaw perfectly. Avoid pre-sweetened or salted varieties to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I add other fruits or veggies to the slaw?
Definitely! Thinly sliced apples or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the slaw even more. Feel free to experiment with ingredients that add color and texture without overpowering the base flavors of this Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe.
Is this slaw gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your mayonnaise and any store-bought ingredients for gluten-containing additives if you have a sensitivity.
How far ahead can I prepare Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe?
You can prepare this slaw up to a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and give it a gentle stir before serving. This resting time actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, delivering an even tastier result.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe is like inviting a burst of autumn sunshine to your table. It’s an easy, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing salad that pairs wonderfully with so many meals or can stand proudly on its own. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into making it—you’ll find it not only quick and simple but endlessly satisfying and sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any season.
Print
Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and crunchy cranberry pecan slaw combining shredded green and red cabbage, sweet dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or salad, this recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for holidays or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted for extra flavor
- 2 green onions, sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Vegetables and Mix-Ins: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted chopped pecans, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Slaw with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill to Blend Flavors: Refrigerate the slaw for at least 20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the taste and texture.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry pecan slaw chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile and flavorful accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.
- Add sliced apples or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra bright and fresh flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
