If you want a side dish that isn’t heavy, creamy, or carb-loaded, this high-protein Thanksgiving slaw recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday table. It’s crisp, refreshing, nutrient-dense, and designed to complement all the classic dishes — without weighing you down.
Unlike typical creamy slaws, this version uses a light dressing, crunchy seasonal ingredients, and an optional protein boost to help you stay fuller longer. Whether you’re trying to eat lighter during the holidays or simply want something refreshing between the stuffing and potatoes, this Thanksgiving slaw delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Why This Thanksgiving Slaw Works
- Light and refreshing: Cuts through heavier holiday food.
- High in protein: Greek yogurt + seeds + optional shredded chicken or chickpeas.
- Make-ahead friendly: Holds up well in the fridge.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive fall ingredients (cabbage, apples, carrots).
- Customizable: Easy to make dairy-free, vegan, or higher-protein.
This is holiday food you can feel good about.
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High-Protein Thanksgiving Slaw Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the slaw base:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, finely sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional for sweetness)
- ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
Optional high-protein add-ins (choose one):
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- ¾ cup cottage cheese (folded in carefully)
- ½ cup sliced almonds (for extra crunch instead of animal protein)
For the high-protein dressing:
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5% works best)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the slaw base
Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, apple, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and red onion to a large bowl. Toss to combine. - Make the dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, celery salt, and black pepper. If using poppy seeds, whisk them in as well. - Combine
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated. - Add protein (optional)
Gently fold in your protein of choice — chicken, chickpeas, cottage cheese, or almonds. Don’t overmix if you’re adding cottage cheese, as it can break down. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld and the cabbage softens slightly, but still stays crunchy. - Serve
Serve cold or slightly chilled alongside turkey, ham, or any holiday spread.
Nutritional Benefits
This Thanksgiving slaw is built to be nutrient-dense and fitness-friendly:
- High protein from Greek yogurt and add-ins
- Fiber-rich from cabbage, apples, and seeds
- Healthy fats from pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and olive oil
- Lower calorie compared to traditional creamy holiday sides
- Great for blood sugar control because cabbage and protein slow digestion
It’s a dish that keeps you satisfied without sabotaging your goals.
Related: Cold Weather Workouts for Plus-Size Men: How to Stay Active When It’s Freezing Outside
Variations to Try
1. Make It Dairy-Free
Swap Greek yogurt for:
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Tahini
- Vegan mayo
2. Add More Crunch
Try sliced pears, toasted pecans, or crispy Brussels sprout shavings.
3. Make It Sweeter
Mix in:
- A handful of grapes
- A splash of orange juice in the dressing
- Additional dried cranberries
4. Make It Spicy
Add chopped jalapeño or cayenne to the dressing.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Best made 4–24 hours ahead.
- Keep protein separate until serving if using chicken or cottage cheese.
- Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
- Avoid freezing — cabbage loses texture.
Why This Slaw Beats the Usual Holiday Sides
Traditional holiday sides are delicious, but they’re often:
- heavy with butter
- high in sugar
- carb-dense
- low in protein
This slaw gives your plate balance, and for many people, that’s the difference between feeling good after a meal and going into hibernation. It’s also crowd-friendly — most people love a fresh alternative to the usual lineup.
Final Thoughts
This high-protein Thanksgiving slaw recipe is simple, refreshing, and genuinely satisfying. It fits perfectly with traditional holiday dishes while offering a lighter option that supports your fitness goals. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting Friendsgiving, or just trying to stay on track during the season, this slaw adds color, crunch, and nutrition to your plate.
