Thanksgiving Coleslaw: 5 Reasons to Love This Refreshing Side

novembre 12, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish for Thanksgiving: *thanksgiving coleslaw*! It’s like a breath of fresh air amidst all the rich, hearty dishes. The crunch of the cabbage, the sweetness of the carrots, and those little pops of raisins just dance together in perfect harmony. I remember the first time I brought this to a family gathering; everyone was raving about how it balanced out the heavier flavors on the table. It’s so refreshing, and I love how it adds a splash of color to the feast too! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen during the holiday season. Trust me, you’ll want this on your table to complement your turkey and stuffing!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Coleslaw

4 cups green cabbage, shredded: This is the base of your coleslaw, giving it that classic crunch. Use fresh cabbage for the best texture.
1 cup carrots, grated: Grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and lovely orange color that brightens up the dish.
1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded: Not only does it enhance the color, but it also adds a slightly peppery flavor. Plus, it looks so pretty mixed in!
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creamy element binds everything together and gives the coleslaw that deliciously rich flavor. You can use regular or light mayonnaise depending on your preference.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness from the carrots and raisins. It’s a must for that fresh taste!
2 tablespoons sugar: Just a little sweetness to round out the flavors. Feel free to adjust this based on your taste!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in your coleslaw. Don’t skip this step!
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds a bit of warmth and depth to the dish.
1/4 cup raisins: These little gems bring sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the cabbage.
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional): If you want an extra crunch, toss in some walnuts or pecans! Just make sure they’re roughly chopped for even distribution.

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Coleslaw

First things first, grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots. Mix them gently with your hands or a spatula until they’re well combined. This colorful mixture is going to be the star of your coleslaw!
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s creamy and smooth—this dressing is what brings all those wonderful flavors together.
Now, pour that delicious dressing over the cabbage mixture. Take a moment to breathe in that tangy aroma; it’s so good! Carefully fold everything together until every bit of cabbage and carrot is coated in that creamy goodness.
If you’re adding raisins and chopped nuts, sprinkle them in now and give it another gentle toss. You want those little bursts of sweetness and crunch to be evenly distributed.
Finally, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t skip it! When you’re ready to serve, give it one last toss and enjoy this refreshing side dish with your Thanksgiving feast!

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Coleslaw

Quick preparation: This coleslaw comes together in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for those busy holiday cooking days.
Refreshing taste: It’s the ideal palate cleanser amidst all the rich flavors of Thanksgiving. The crunch and sweetness will make your taste buds dance!
Great for large gatherings: This recipe serves 8, making it an easy choice for feeding a crowd without breaking a sweat.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight for an even tastier dish!
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Add in your favorite nuts or swap the dressing if you like!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect *thanksgiving coleslaw* is all about the little details, so here are my top tips to ensure your dish shines!

Use fresh veggies: Freshness is key! Make sure your cabbage and carrots are crisp and vibrant. Wilted or old veggies can really take away from the crunch.
Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. I promise it’s worth the wait!
Adjust the sweetness: Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to adjust the sugar. Start with the suggested amount and add more if you like it sweeter!
Mix gently: When combining the dressing with the veggies, be gentle. You want to keep that lovely crunch intact, not mush it all together!
Experiment with add-ins: Don’t be afraid to play! Try adding diced apples for extra sweetness or some celery for an additional crunch. Get creative!
Watch the nuts: If you’re adding nuts, make sure to chop them finely so they distribute evenly. Large chunks can overpower the dish!

With these tips, your *thanksgiving coleslaw* will be a hit at your holiday table! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Variations of Thanksgiving Coleslaw

One of the best things about *thanksgiving coleslaw* is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or the mood of the gathering! Here are some fun variations that I love to experiment with:

Crunchy Apple Slaw: Add diced apples for a sweet crunch! Granny Smith apples work great for a tart contrast, while sweeter varieties like Fuji can add a lovely sweetness.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. It gives the coleslaw a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with rich holiday dishes!
Herbed Delight: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro can bring a bright, fresh flavor to the coleslaw. Just chop them finely and mix them in for a fragrant twist.
Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Swap out the mayonnaise for a sesame dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Add in some shredded carrots, bell peppers, and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch!
Nutty Variation: Use different types of nuts like pecans or almonds for a unique flavor profile. You can also toast them for added depth and crunch!
Fruit Medley: Incorporate other fruits like dried cranberries or chopped pineapple for a burst of sweetness and color. They add a gorgeous contrast to the savory elements of your meal!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a *thanksgiving coleslaw* that’s uniquely yours! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes it so much fun to make!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your *thanksgiving coleslaw* properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious for those post-holiday munchies! Here’s how I do it:

Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may separate a bit.
Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, I recommend preparing the coleslaw a day in advance. The flavors will develop beautifully overnight, but don’t mix in the nuts or any delicate ingredients until just before serving to maintain their crunch!
Freezing: While I don’t recommend freezing coleslaw (the texture can get a bit mushy after thawing), if you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze the dressing separately. Just date and label it, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge and then mix with fresh veggies!

As for reheating, don’t worry—this coleslaw is meant to be enjoyed cold! Just take it out of the fridge, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve. Trust me, the refreshing crunch is what makes it so perfect alongside your Thanksgiving feast, so keep it chilled and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the estimated nutritional information for this delightful *thanksgiving coleslaw*! Remember, these numbers can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea to help you out:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 2g

This *thanksgiving coleslaw* is not only a refreshing addition to your plate, but it also packs a good balance of nutrients! So, as you enjoy this crunchy side, you can feel good about what you’re eating. Just keep in mind, these values are estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients and measurements!

FAQ About Thanksgiving Coleslaw

Can I make this coleslaw the day before Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. The flavors really meld together beautifully overnight, giving you a tastier dish. Just remember to add any nuts or delicate ingredients right before serving to keep that crunch!

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It gives a nice creaminess with a bit of tang! You could also try a vinaigrette if you want something a bit different.

How do I keep the coleslaw crunchy?

To maintain that satisfying crunch, use fresh, crisp vegetables and avoid over-mixing once you add the dressing. Chilling it in the fridge for a bit helps too, just don’t let it sit too long before serving!

Can I use different types of cabbage?

Definitely! You can mix it up by using Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Each variety brings its own unique twist to your *thanksgiving coleslaw*!

Is this coleslaw gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check any store-bought ingredients like mayonnaise to ensure they’re gluten-free!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this delicious *thanksgiving coleslaw* ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This vibrant side dish pairs perfectly with so many classic Thanksgiving flavors, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you!

Roast Turkey: Of course, nothing beats the classic turkey! The coleslaw’s crunch and tangy flavor balance out the savory richness of the turkey beautifully.
Honey Glazed Ham: The sweetness of honey-glazed ham complements the refreshing taste of coleslaw, making for a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
Stuffing: Whether it’s traditional bread stuffing or a wild rice mix, the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that cuts through the heaviness of the stuffing.
Mashed Potatoes: Pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes brings a lovely contrast in texture. Plus, a little coleslaw on top of mashed potatoes? Genius!
Green Bean Casserole: The creamy, savory nature of green bean casserole is made even better with a side of crunchy coleslaw, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve it with a medley of grilled or roasted veggies. The fresh flavors of the coleslaw will brighten up the dish!
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce and the sweetness of the coleslaw work together beautifully, creating a well-rounded flavor profile on your plate.

So, don’t hesitate to load your plate up with these delicious pairings! Each bite of *thanksgiving coleslaw* alongside your favorite dishes will elevate your holiday meal to a whole new level. Enjoy every moment of your Thanksgiving feast!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.