17+ Thanksgiving Slaw Recipes

The Thanksgiving table is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, with a tapestry of colors and flavors. Among the traditional dishes, there’s always room for a refreshing twist that adds crunch and zest to your holiday spread.

Cranberry Apple Slaw

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw from Lemon Tree Dwelling

Rating: 5 (5 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw from Barefeet In The Kitchen

Rating: 5 (10 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Apple Slaw

Apple Slaw from Cooking Classy

Rating: 5 (72 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

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This delightful slaw is a vibrant mix of tart cranberries and sweet apples, creating a balance of flavors that’s sure to complement your Thanksgiving meal. The base of the slaw is a crisp cabbage mix, with shredded carrots adding a pop of color and texture. Tossed in a light, tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this slaw is as refreshing as a crisp autumn day.

What sets this recipe apart is the use of fresh, whole cranberries, which are both festive and flavorful. The cranberries provide a burst of tartness, beautifully offset by the sweetness of thinly sliced apples. It’s a perfect side dish that celebrates the bounty of the fall harvest, bringing a touch of brightness to your table. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also provides a lighter option amid the heavier Thanksgiving fare.

Classic Coleslaw with a Twist

Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw

Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw from Barefeet In The Kitchen

Rating: 4.8 (226 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Classic Coleslaw

Classic Coleslaw from Serious Eats

Rating: 4.3 (33 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

Coleslaw Recipe

Coleslaw Recipe from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.5 (10 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

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Everyone loves a good coleslaw, but this version brings a surprising twist that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Starting with the classic combination of green and red cabbage, this slaw adds a dash of mustard and honey for a sweet and tangy kick. The dressing is creamy, yet not overpowering, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through.

What makes this slaw unique is the addition of toasted pecans and dried cherries. The nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the cherries offer a chewy sweetness, perfectly complementing the creamy dressing. This slaw is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, offering a delightful contrast to the rich and savory dishes typically found on the Thanksgiving table. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates the humble coleslaw to new heights.

Spicy Jalapeño Slaw

Jalapeño Coleslaw Recipe

Jalapeño Coleslaw Recipe from Serious Eats

Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Jalapeno Slaw

Jalapeno Slaw from Salt & Lavender

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Jalapeño Coleslaw: Sweet and Spicy Slaw

Jalapeño Coleslaw: Sweet and Spicy Slaw from No Spoon Necessary

Rating: 5 (18 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

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If you’re looking to spice things up this Thanksgiving, this jalapeño slaw is just what you need. With a base of shredded cabbage and carrots, this slaw is amped up with the heat of fresh jalapeños. The dressing is a zesty lime and cilantro concoction that brightens the dish and adds a refreshing touch.

The beauty of this slaw lies in its bold flavor profile. The jalapeños provide a fiery kick, balanced by the tangy lime and the hint of sweetness from a touch of honey. It’s a slaw that awakens the senses and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and savory sides. The vibrant green of the jalapeños and cilantro creates a visually appealing dish that is as exciting to the eyes as it is to the palate. This slaw is not just a side dish; it’s a conversation starter.

Asian-Inspired Sesame Slaw

Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw (w/ BEST Asian Dressing!)

Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw (w/ BEST Asian Dressing!) from Feasting At Home

Rating: 5 (258 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing from Connoisseurus Veg

Rating: 4.9 (26 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Asian Coleslaw with Sesame Dressing

Asian Coleslaw with Sesame Dressing from Just One Cookbook

Rating: 4.7 (176 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

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This slaw takes a flavorful journey across the globe, bringing a touch of Asian flair to your Thanksgiving table. Featuring a mix of napa cabbage, red bell peppers, and carrots, it’s tossed in a sesame ginger dressing that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds depth and complexity to this already vibrant dish.

What makes this slaw special is its versatility and its ability to complement a variety of dishes. The sesame ginger dressing is a standout, providing a unique taste that’s both familiar and exotic. This slaw is a wonderful way to introduce new flavors to your Thanksgiving spread, adding an element of surprise and delight. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure in their culinary experiences.

Maple Dijon Brussels Sprout Slaw

Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts Salad

Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts Salad from The Savvy Spoon

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Maple–Dijon Brussels Sprout Slaw

Maple–Dijon Brussels Sprout Slaw from The All Purpose Kitchen

Maple-Dijon Brussels Leaf Salad

Maple-Dijon Brussels Leaf Salad from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (15 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

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Brussels sprouts might be a traditional holiday vegetable, but this slaw gives them a modern twist that’s sure to impress. Shredded Brussels sprouts form the base, mixed with thin slices of red onion and a handful of dried cranberries for sweetness. The dressing, a delightful blend of maple syrup and Dijon mustard, brings it all together with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

The genius of this slaw lies in its simplicity and elegance. The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts, while the Dijon mustard gives it a subtle heat and complexity. This slaw is a great way to showcase Brussels sprouts in a new light, offering a fresh, crunchy alternative to the typical roasted version. It’s a dish that feels both traditional and innovative at the same time.

Avocado and Lime Slaw

Avocado-Lime Slaw

Avocado-Lime Slaw from How To Feed A Loon

Rating: 5 (6 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

20-Minute Avocado Cilantro Lime Slaw

20-Minute Avocado Cilantro Lime Slaw from Wendy Polisi

Total Time: 20 min.

Avocado Lime Slaw

Avocado Lime Slaw from Namaste Home Cooking

Total Time: 15 min.

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For a creamy, zesty addition to your Thanksgiving table, this avocado and lime slaw is a must-try. Shredded cabbage and carrots form the base, with ripe avocados mashed into a smooth dressing with lime juice and a hint of garlic. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

The avocado dressing is what makes this slaw truly special. It’s rich and creamy without being heavy, offering a delightful contrast to the crisp vegetables. The lime juice adds a refreshing tang that brightens the dish, making it an ideal palate cleanser between bites of hearty Thanksgiving dishes. This slaw is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for the holiday feast. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating can be both tasty and festive.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Slaw Recipes

Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe

Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (73 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.5 (10 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Chick-fil-A Cole Slaw

Chick-fil-A Cole Slaw from Shugary Sweets

Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 5 min.

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Make Your Dressing Ahead

Prepare your slaw dressing a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. This makes the dressing even more flavorful and saves time on the big day.

Keep It Crisp

To keep your slaw crisp and crunchy, wait to toss the dressing with the vegetables until just before serving. This prevents the slaw from becoming soggy.

Balance Your Flavors

When creating your slaw, aim for a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. This ensures a well-rounded dish that will appeal to a variety of palates.