Cranberry Pecan Slaw Recipe

If you’re searching for a zesty, colorful, and endlessly crowd-pleasing side dish, look no further: Cranberry Pecan Slaw is a crispy, tangy, and sweet delight that checks all the boxes! This hearty slaw combines crunchy cabbages, vibrant carrots, chewy cranberries, and nutty pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re whipping this up for a backyard barbecue, holiday feast, or a quick weeknight meal, this fresh, flavor-packed slaw will quickly become a new favorite. Bonus: it’s just as delicious as it is beautiful!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cranberry Pecan Slaw is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. With just a handful of everyday staples, every component brings its own pop of flavor, texture, or color, making this slaw as irresistible to look at as it is to eat.

• Green cabbage: The crisp, sturdy base that gives the slaw its satisfying crunch and staying power.
• Red cabbage: Adds a burst of vibrant color and a gentle peppery bite to each forkful.
• Matchstick carrots: Sweet and crunchy, they effortlessly blend in while brightening up the whole bowl.
• Dried cranberries: Their chewy texture and tart-sweet flavor infuse each bite with fruity goodness.
• Pecans: Chopped and (if you have a moment) lightly toasted for extra nutty crunch and buttery notes.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced, they give a mild oniony zing without overpowering the dish.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy component that brings everything together; swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
• Apple cider vinegar: Offers just the right pop of acidic brightness to balance out the sweetness.
• Honey or maple syrup: A natural way to highlight the cranberries and round out the flavors.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth that makes the dressing anything but basic.
• Salt: Enhances every single flavor in the bowl.
• Black pepper: A little fresh ground pepper adds gentle heat and balance.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Slaw

Step 1: Prep and Combine the Vegetables and Mix-ins

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—it makes tossing everything together so much easier! Add your green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots to the bowl, followed by the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions. Mixing these now ensures that you get a perfect distribution of crunchy, sweet, and nutty bites in the finished slaw.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is velvety smooth and homogenous. This dressing is the real magic—rich but tangy, sweet but not too sweet. Trust me, it’s worth a little extra whisking time.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour every last drop of that luscious dressing over your cabbage mixture. Use tongs or clean hands to toss everything together until all the components are coated and glossy. The colors will look absolutely stunning, and you’ll notice the dressing starts to soften the cabbage just a touch—perfect!

Step 4: Chill to Marry the Flavors

Pop your Cranberry Pecan Slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This brief chill allows the flavors to blend and the vegetables to soak up that irresistible creamy dressing. If you can wait even longer, the flavors only get better!

Step 5: Toss Again and Serve

Give your slaw one final toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Now it’s ready to make your table shine—just watch everyone dive in for seconds!

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Slaw

Garnishes

For that wow-factor presentation, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries and pecans over the top right before serving. Chopped fresh parsley or thin-sliced green onions also add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Don’t be shy about adding a pinch of flaked sea salt for a chef’s touch!

Side Dishes

Cranberry Pecan Slaw shines next to anything fresh off the grill—think smoky chicken, tender pulled pork, or juicy burgers. It’s also the perfect bright and creamy counterpoint to heavy holiday classics or as a cool, crisp salad at a summer picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your slaw high on sliders for a gourmet upgrade, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a gluten-free appetizer. Pack it into mason jars for picnic lunches, or top grain bowls for a hearty, nutritious lunch on-the-go. This slaw is as versatile as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Pecan Slaw keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As it sits, the flavors deepen and meld, giving you an even tastier bite the next day. Just give it a quick stir before serving again for maximum freshness.

Freezing

While freezing creamy slaws isn’t recommended, you can prepare the veggie mixture (without the dressing) and freeze that for up to a month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the fresh dressing and toss before serving for best results.

Reheating

Cranberry Pecan Slaw is best served cold or at cool room temperature; no reheating necessary. If it’s been chilling for a while, let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill and enhance the flavors before eating.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s actually best when made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and it’ll taste fresh and delicious.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’d like a lighter or tangier version, swap half or all of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. This keeps things creamy and rich but with a fresh, lighter flavor and a little extra protein.

Is Cranberry Pecan Slaw gluten-free?

Yes—every ingredient in this recipe is naturally gluten-free (as long as you double-check that your Dijon mustard is certified GF). It’s a perfect side dish for anyone avoiding gluten at your next gathering.

Can I add protein to make it a main course?

Sure! Try tossing in shredded rotisserie chicken, diced turkey, or chickpeas for a heartier lunch or light dinner. Cranberry Pecan Slaw is a great foundation for all sorts of creative add-ins.

How do I toast pecans for extra flavor?

It’s easy—just scatter chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Be sure to stir often and watch carefully, as they can burn quickly!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a fresh take on classic slaw, Cranberry Pecan Slaw is calling your name! With its bright flavors, crunchy veggies, and that creamy sweet-tangy dressing, this dish is downright irresistible. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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