Name: Holiday Slaw with Red Cabbage, Apples, and Cranberries
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups red cabbage, shredded; 1 apple, cored and diced; 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried); 1/4 cup carrots, shredded; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional); 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or yogurt for a lighter version); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar, optional); Salt and pepper to taste

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you want something crunchy, tart, and slightly festive but you also want to avoid becoming a kitchen martyr tonight? Same. This Holiday Slaw with Red Cabbage, Apples, and Cranberries is the kind of side that looks like you tried hard and tastes like you worked a little harder than you did. It pairs with pretty much anything or stands alone as a crunchy, sweet-sour snack while you judge holiday cookie decorating on TV. Want a wild dessert match for the spread What about these Star Wars cupcakes if you are feeling extra dramatic

Why This Recipe is Awesome (H2)

It balances textures like a pro. Crunch, chew, and tiny pops of tartness all in one bowl.
It is basically foolproof. Honestly I have messed up tougher things than this salad.
It is flexible. Add or omit nuts, swap mayo for yogurt, toss in a different apple if you are feeling rebellious.
It looks festive. That purple red cabbage is basically holiday fireworks on a plate.
It plays nice with leftovers. It actually gets better after a short chill. Weird but true.

Pro tip If you want to impress people who pretend to be food snobs just say it is a composed slaw and watch them nod like it is some culinary achievement.

Ingredients You’ll Need (H2)

2 cups red cabbage, shredded
1 apple, cored and diced
1 cup cranberries fresh or dried your call
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped optional but recommended for crunch
1/4 cup mayonnaise or use yogurt for a lighter version
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or sugar optional depending on your sweet tooth
Salt and pepper to taste

Yes this list is tiny and forgiving. You can eyeball things like a rebel and still end up with something delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions (H2)

In a large bowl combine the red cabbage diced apple cranberries carrots and walnuts. Toss gently so nothing gets bruised. This is your colorful base.
In a separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise apple cider vinegar honey or sugar and salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust it for tang or sweetness. Keep it lively not bland.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Make sure everything gets a light coating but do not drown it. You want every bite to have flavor and crunch.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling helps the cabbage soften slightly and the cranberries mellow. Patience here rewards you.
Give the slaw one last toss before serving and if you like add more salt pepper or a drizzle of honey. Serve with protein or as part of your holiday spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (H2)

Thinking more mayo equals more love. Nope. Too much dressing makes the slaw soggy and sad. Use just enough to coat.
Using a mushy apple because you were in a hurry. A mushy apple ruins the vibe. Use a crisp one for texture contrast.
Skipping the chill. Serving this straight away is allowed but chilling for at least 30 minutes gives you a much better final result.
Forgetting to taste the dressing. You might need a pinch more salt or a touch more honey. Tasting fixes a lot of problems.
Overtoasting the walnuts. Burnt nuts taste like regret. Lightly toast them for extra flavor then stop.

Alternatives & Substitutions (H2)

No mayo Is your fridge full of yogurt Instead of mayonnaise use Greek yogurt or a dairy free yogurt. You still get creaminess without the heaviness.
No walnuts Use pecans almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut free option. Toast them lightly for deeper flavor.
No fresh cranberries Use dried cranberries or rehydrate them in a splash of hot water if they are rock hard. Fresh gives a tart bite dried gives sweet chew.
Want more color Add thinly sliced radish or pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate seeds give sparkle and a juicy pop.
Vinegar swap Use lemon juice if you do not have apple cider vinegar. It gives a bright clean acidity that plays nicely with apples.

My opinion If you are going to substitute go bold rather than timid. The slaw is forgiving and can handle flavor tweaks.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) (H2)

Q What if I only have green cabbage Can I use it
A Of course you can. Green cabbage works fine though it will lack that dramatic holiday color. Still tastes great so do not stress.

Q Can I make this a day ahead
A Yes and no Make it a few hours or the morning of. After a full day the cabbage may soften too much. Best to serve within 24 hours.

Q Fresh or dried cranberries Which is better
A Fresh are tart and bright dried are sweet and chewy. Use what you have. Want both Try a mix for texture contrast.

Q How can I make it vegan
A Swap mayo for a vegan mayo or coconut yogurt Use maple syrup instead of honey and pick nut or seed alternatives if needed.

Q Do I have to toast the walnuts
A No but toasting enhances flavor. Heat a skillet for a minute then toss walnuts until fragrant do not scorch them.

Q Can I add herbs
A Sure add chopped parsley or mint for freshness. Mint makes it feel almost dessert like in a good way.

Q Is this kid friendly
A Yes kids usually like the crunch and apple If they balk on color try mixing in more apple than cabbage

Final Thoughts (H2)

This slaw is one of those effortless wins that makes you look like you have your life together even if you just microwaved something else. It balances sweet tart crunchy and creamy in a way that will have guests asking for seconds and then pretending they meant to ask. Remember to chill it at least 30 minutes and resist the urge to over dress it. Now go impress someone or at least yourself with a bowl of crunchy holiday joy You earned it

Conclusion

If you want more ideas that play with similar flavors check out this take on a classic with nuts and apples at Colorful Cabbage Salad with Apples Walnuts and Cranberries and another bright coleslaw spin at Apple Cranberry Coleslaw for inspiration and variations.