Maple Cider Holiday Salad: Your Essential Make-Ahead Slaw for Thanksgiving & Christmas
Are you searching for the perfect vibrant green salad to complement your festive spread this Thanksgiving or Christmas? Look no further! This Maple Cider Holiday Salad, affectionately dubbed “Holiday Slaw,” stands out as my absolute favorite make-ahead recipe for any holiday gathering, party, or potluck. Its robust flavors and impressive staying power also make it an ideal candidate for healthy weekday lunches. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, crisp ingredients united by an irresistible homemade dressing that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Honestly, my affection for this salad runs deep. I prepare it countless times throughout the year, but it truly shines during the holiday season. Serving it at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner has become a tradition, and for good reason. It’s not just good; it’s *that* good – a refreshing counterpoint to the richer, heavier dishes typically found on holiday tables.
The Secret to Holiday Simplicity: A Shortcut to Deliciousness
So, what’s my secret weapon for creating such a consistently amazing holiday salad? A portion of it comes straight from a bag! Have you ever tried that fantastic “Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Kit” from Costco? If not, you’re missing out on a serious gem. It’s an incredible value for the sheer volume and variety of wholesome ingredients it packs.
Inside that magical bag, you’ll find a medley of nutrient-dense greens: crisp Brussels sprouts, hearty kale, fresh cabbage, and vibrant broccoli slaw. It’s a treasure trove of goodness, making this an incredibly easy holiday salad. While the kit usually comes with its own dressing packet and toppings, I opt to toss those aside. Why? Because, despite my love for the convenience of pre-chopped veggies, nothing beats the fresh, bright taste of a homemade dressing. And this Maple Cider Vinaigrette? It’s a game-changer. I’ve used it before in my popular Fall Harvest Mason Jar Salads, and its perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes makes it the ideal complement to this festive holiday slaw.
Crafting Your Own Holiday Salad from Scratch (No Costco? No Problem!)
For those who don’t have a Costco nearby, or simply prefer to work with fresh, whole ingredients, fret not! I’ve included detailed instructions in the recipe card below for making this vibrant salad entirely from scratch. It’s still remarkably easy, especially if you have a food processor to help with the chopping. I’ve personally made it this way countless times, as my nearest Costco requires a bit of a journey, which can be quite an undertaking, especially with kids in tow.
To prepare the salad base yourself, you’ll want to thinly slice about 8 oz of Brussels sprouts. A sharp knife or a food processor with a slicing disc will achieve the best results. Next, finely chop 2 cups of kale, removing any tough stems. Add 1 cup of broccoli slaw for texture and color, and finally, 2 cups of thinly sliced cabbage. You can often find pre-sliced red cabbage in small bags at most grocery stores, which offers a convenient shortcut without compromising the homemade quality. This combination of sturdy greens is key to the salad’s incredible texture and its ability to hold up beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead holiday dish.
Why This Salad is Perfect for Make-Ahead Holiday Planning
Beyond the delightful mix of veggies and that incredible homemade dressing, I intentionally keep the core salad relatively simple before serving. This deliberate choice ensures that when it’s time for dinner, I can dress the salad without any worry of the ingredients getting soggy. This is especially crucial when you’re serving this dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday party or dinner. You can assemble the base well in advance, even a day or two before, and simply dress it right before it hits the table, confident that it will remain perfectly crisp.
Think of this dish less as a typical “green salad” and more like a robust “Holiday Slaw.” In fact, I almost named it that initially, and as I write this, I’m tempted to make the change! The hardy greens – kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts – are superstars when it comes to holding their texture. Unlike delicate lettuce, these powerhouses won’t wilt under pressure, allowing you to prepare ahead and enjoy a stress-free holiday. It’s a truly resilient and delicious make-ahead holiday salad solution.
Enhancing Your Holiday Salad: Delightful Topping Ideas
While the salad base and dressing are fantastic on their own, a few well-chosen toppings can elevate this Maple Cider Holiday Slaw to new heights. My usual go-to additions include sliced almonds, pecans, or a mix of your favorite seeds, along with a sprinkle of dried cranberries. When selecting dried cranberries, always try to find varieties without added sugar to keep things healthier and allow the natural tartness to shine. Simply add these with the dressing and you’re good to go!
However, when I’m feeling a little extra festive, I love to offer additional toppings on the side. This allows guests to customize their holiday salad to their liking. Some favorites include fresh clementine segments, thinly sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), elegant matchstick pears, or a sprinkle of tangy goat cheese. These additions introduce wonderful contrasts in texture and flavor, making each bite an adventure.
This versatile salad also transforms into a delicious and wholesome dinner or lunch when paired with your favorite protein. I particularly enjoy it alongside my Air Fryer Salmon (fresh or frozen) for a light yet satisfying meal, or with my Chicken Salad with Grapes for a different flavor profile. The vibrant flavors and textures of the Holiday Slaw truly complement a wide range of main dishes.
Prep-Ahead Perfection: Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
A resounding yes! One of the greatest advantages of this Maple Cider Holiday Salad is its fantastic make-ahead potential. You can confidently combine all the salad base ingredients (the Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and broccoli slaw) well in advance without any issues. The homemade Maple Cider Vinaigrette can also be prepared a day or two beforehand and stored in the refrigerator; in fact, some might argue it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld!
Simply store the dressing separately from the salad base, then dress and toss the salad just before you’re ready to serve. For added convenience and to cater to different preferences, I often put the various topping options on the side, allowing each guest to customize their own perfect serving of this festive holiday slaw. It’s truly a perfectly delicious and adaptable Holiday Salad that you can “fix and forget” until serving time, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests and the festivities!
A Fresh Perspective for Your Holiday Table
In a season often defined by rich, heavy foods, this Maple Cider Holiday Salad offers a delightful and much-needed fresh perspective. Its bright flavors and crisp textures provide a welcome contrast, ensuring that your holiday meal feels balanced and complete. Plus, it’s packed with nutrient-rich greens, making it a healthy holiday side dish that everyone can feel good about enjoying. This recipe is also incredibly versatile for various dietary needs, being naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (when using appropriate toppings) and adaptable for plans like 21 Day Fix, Weight Watchers (WW), and 2B Mindset. It’s a Paleo-friendly option too, making it accessible for a wide range of guests.
Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast, an intimate Christmas dinner, or simply looking for an easy, delicious, and healthy salad for everyday meals, this Maple Cider Holiday Slaw is guaranteed to impress. Its prep-ahead convenience and vibrant appeal make it an indispensable addition to your recipe repertoire. Give this festive salad a try, and watch it become a new favorite tradition!
Like this Holiday Salad recipe? Try another Salad/Potluck Recipe-
Easy Gluten-free Mediterranean Chickpea Salad | 21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers | 2B Mindset
Warm Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Salad (21 Day Fix)
21 Day Fix Greek Pasta Salad
21 Day Fix Ramen Noodle Salad
21 Day Fix Harvest Salad Bites with Honey Goat Cheese
21 Day Fix Mexican Street Corn Salad
Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad {21 Day Fix}
More Thanksgiving and Holiday Recipe Ideas –
40+ Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes
21 Day Fix and 2B Mindset Thanksgiving Recipes
Instant Pot Stuffing with Brown Rice and Sausage (21 Day Fix)
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole [21 Day Fix | Gluten-free | Dairy-free | Paleo]
Warm Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Salad (21 Day Fix)
21 Day Fix Cranberry Holiday Salsa
21 Day Fix Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan, and Balsamic
Holiday Bruschetta Appetizers {21 Day Fix}
Instant Pot Baked Brie (21 Day Fix Approved)
Instant Pot Deviled Eggs with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives | 21 Day Fix, WW, Keto
21 Day Fix Mini Arancini Rice Balls {Gluten-free}
Maple Cider Holiday Salad
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Salad Option 1
- 1 bag Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Kit from Costco
Salad Option 2
- 8 oz Brussels sprouts sliced thin using a sharp knife or food processor
- 2 cups finely chopped kale
- 1 cup broccoli slaw
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage I buy a small bag of pre sliced red cabbage
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 5 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Sprinkle salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Toppings (Optional)
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped nuts or seeds
- Fruit: apples, clementines, pears, berries
- Goat cheese or feta cheese
Instructions
-
Combine ingredients for dressing and refrigerate until ready to use.
-
Toss vegetables together for salad and add desired toppings. If you plan to dress the salad before serving, I would serve fruit and cheese toppings on the side.
-
When you are ready, pour dressing over salad and toss well to combine.
-
Store leftovers in the refrigerator…I still love it the next day!
Notes
WW link for personal points: Maple Cider Holiday Salad (base, without optional toppings or dressing); Dressing: Maple Cider Vinaigrette [Note: feel free to use your favorite low point dressing, or count dressings as you normally would]; Toppings are extra- don’t forget to calculate!
Nutrition