This Winter Slaw, also known as Christmas Coleslaw, is a colourful no cook side dish or salad made with kale, cabbage, cranberries and apple. It’s made without mayo in favour of a tangy, lemony dressing.

winter slaw served on a black oval serving plate. - 1
  • Winter Slaw Ingredients Winter Slaw Dressing:
  • Alternatives
  • How to make Winter Coleslaw
  • Serving Suggestion
  • Winter Slaw Storage

Winter slaw is a delightful and refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, featuring a vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables.

Crisp cabbage, kale, and carrots provide a hearty base, while sweet apples and pomegranate seeds add a burst of flavor.

Tossed in a zesty vinaigrette made with mustard and apple cider vinegar, this winter slaw is a perfect balance of crunch and brightness, making it a versatile side dish for cold-weather meals.

It is also known as a winter coleslaw salad .

The slaw is so beautiful too – a bit like a jewelled salad with the purple cabbage, vibrant orange carrots and pomegranates peeking through.

It is also easy to make – all you need to do is chop up a bunch of winter vegetables.

christmas slaw served on a plate with two serving spoons next to dressing bowl.  - 2

Winter Slaw Ingredients

You need to use fresh vegetables for the best results. Try and make the slaw as soon as you purchase the produce.

Red cabbage – alternatively, use white cabbage. Leftover red cabbage can be used in making my Indian Red Cabbage Stir-fry .

Carrots – peel and julienne the carrots. For ease, you can purchase pre-grated carrots from the supermarket.

Kale – slice the kale as fine as you can.

Apples – apple matchsticks are super crunchy and add a pop of flavour.

Red onion – if you’re not a fan of red onion you can leave it out. Slice the onion into thin crescents.

Dried cranberries – cranberries add a burst of sweetness.

Nuts – chopped walnuts work really well. You could also use pumpkin seeds. Other nuts such as pecans are good too. For allergies, omit the nuts entirely, the slaw still tastes wonderful.

Pomegranate – optional but make the slaw festive and pretty.

Winter Slaw Dressing:

Olive oil – go for good extra virgin olive oil

Lemon juice – freshly squeezed lemon juice is best but bottled works too

Apple cider vinegar – adds tartness and zing.

Mustard – adds a delicious savoury flavour. Use english mustard or dijon mustard.

Salt and black pepper – to taste

Alternatives

Lemon juice substitute – add orange juice or blood orange juice for the vinaigrette.

Cabbage – use shaved or shredded brussels sprouts in replacement of the cabbage.

Leave out the kale if you’re not a fan.

Apples – go for pear instead.

winter slaw ingredients such as kale and cabbage, apple and dried cranberries in small bowls on the black backdrop.  - 3

How to make Winter Coleslaw

Prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and mustard.

Start by prepping all of the veggies to thin shreds. I like to chop the apples last so that they do not discolour.

I’ve provided tips below that should help with cutting the vegetables a bit easier.

For the cabbage , I used a vegetable peeler which gave me perfect size and thickness of shredded cabbage.

Onions , a sharp knife is best to cut into half moons.

Kale – wash and leave to drain or pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to prevent the slaw from getting soggy. Slice finely with a sharp knife.

For the apples , use a sharp knife to cut into halves, core and slice into matchsticks.

In a large bowl, assemble the slaw. Add in the cabbage, carrots, red onion, kale, dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.

If ready to serve, pour over the dressing, little by little, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Do not add too much dressing in one go as you do not want the slaw to go soggy.

Top with pomegranate arils and serve.

ingredients for christmas slaw dressing in a jar. - 4 dressing for winter slaw apple and cranberries is in a small jar. - 5 winter slaw ingredients placed in the black bowl.  - 6 Winter slaw with kale cabbage mixed with dressing in a bowl. - 7

Serving Suggestion

Christmas Slaw is delicious alongside this Potato Tart which is flavoured with lemon, thyme and garlic.

This Vegan Stuffed Baked Butternut Squash calls for this winter slaw on the side.

It would make a great option alongside Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese and Triple Cooked Chips .

Enjoy a cosy vegetable pie (external link) with a side of winter slaw for a well-rounded winter meal.

I’ve even enjoyed it alongside a bowl of butternut squash soup !

It is great as a side to your festive Christmas dinner.

Winter Slaw Storage

Storage Instructions:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within the next day for best taste and texture.
  • Keep at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
  • Avoid freezing to maintain texture.
  • Consider storing dressing separately.

Make-Ahead Options:

  • Prep ingredients a day or two in advance.
  • Dress the slaw just before serving if possible.
  • Use a layering technique for assembling.
  • Keep ingredients dry to prevent sogginess.
  • Re-toss before serving if it has been refrigerated.
  • Consider storing the dressing separately until serving.
winter slaw with apple and cranberries served with fork on the side. - 8

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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winter slaw served on a black oval serving plate. - 9

Winter Slaw with Kale, Cranberry and Apple

Ingredients

Slaw Veggies

  • 2 cup Kale chopped
  • 2 cup Red cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup Carrots grated
  • 1 Apples sliced into matchsticks
  • ¼ Red onion sliced into half moons
  • ¼ cup Dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup Walnuts chopped
  • Pomegranate optional to garnish

Winter Slaw Dressing

  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • For the slaw dressing, whisk together all the dressing ingredients except salt and pepper.
  • To assemble the slaw, in a large bowl, add the kale, carrots, apples, cabbage, dried cranberries and nuts.
  • Pour over the dressing a little at a time, season with salt and pepper and toss everything together.
  • Sprinkle over pomegranate seeds if using.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

winter slaw served on a black oval serving plate. - 10

Winter Slaw with Kale, Cranberry and Apple

Ingredients

Slaw Veggies

  • 2 cup Kale chopped
  • 2 cup Red cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup Carrots grated
  • 1 Apples sliced into matchsticks
  • ¼ Red onion sliced into half moons
  • ¼ cup Dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup Walnuts chopped
  • Pomegranate optional to garnish

Winter Slaw Dressing

  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • For the slaw dressing, whisk together all the dressing ingredients except salt and pepper.
  • To assemble the slaw, in a large bowl, add the kale, carrots, apples, cabbage, dried cranberries and nuts.
  • Pour over the dressing a little at a time, season with salt and pepper and toss everything together.
  • Sprinkle over pomegranate seeds if using.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

These Mini Baked Potatoes, also known as baby jacket potatoes, are topped with whipped feta dip and cranberry sauce . This easy recipe makes for a delicious appetizer that can be served hot or cold.

mini baked potatoes canapes served on a round pewter plate. - 11
  • Ingredients
  • Which potatoes can I use?
  • Roasted Mini Potatoes Filling Variations
  • How to make Mini Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Mini Baked Potatoes
  • Oven Baked Mini Potatoes
  • Microwave Mini Baked Potatoes
  • Serving suggestions and other appetizers
  • Storage

Make simple mini baked potato canapes that are perfect for entertaining! Potatoes are budget friendly and take on flavour really well.

Small potatoes are tossed in olive oil and seasoned with a little salt and black pepper just before baking. The skin becomes wonderfully crisp whilst the inside remains buttery soft.

The potatoes are then slit open ready to be filled to your hearts desire!

I’ve topped mine with creamy whipped feta and cranberry sauce but you can customise the recipe to suit your taste buds or whatever you have to hand.

For a quick small baked potato recipe, I suggest using the air fryer – you’ll only need to bake for 15 minutes rather than the 45-60 minutes it can take in the oven.

small baked potatoes are topped with feta dip and chutney.  - 12

Ingredients

(Full ingredients list wit measurements can be found in the recipe card below)

Mini Potatoes

Olive Oil – or other

Salt and black pepper

Filling: Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip and fresh thyme. Alternatively, use rosemary

Which potatoes can I use?

You may see that mini potatoes are sold under a few different names. Baby potatoes have a waxy texture which is good for holding shape and serving as canapes.

New potatoes

Baby potatoes

Salad potatoes

Baby red potatoes

Baby Yukon gold potatoes

Russet potatoes would not work as they are floury.

Roasted Mini Potatoes Filling Variations

Sour cream and chives dip – homemade or store bought works

Winter slaw

Salsa – use store bought or homemade or try this mango pico de gallo

Hummus – such as chestnut , red pepper , or caramelized onion

Cheese – a small slice of cheddar cheese or brie can work really well. Alternatively, top with grated parmesan cheese. You can optionally bake them further to melt the cheese.

Garlic butter with fresh herbs of choice – mix together herbs, fresh garlic or garlic powder and softened butter

How to make Mini Baked Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly then pat dry with a paper towel.

In a large bowl, toss with oil, salt and pepper.

Bake the potatoes either in the air fryer, oven or microwave (steps below)

Once the roasted baby potatoes have cooled just enough to handle, cut a small slit through the potato lengthways using a sharp knife.

Add a small spoon of whipped feta and cranberry inside the potato and finish with fresh thyme. (Or filling of choice).

Serve warm or cold in a serving tray.

Air Fryer Mini Baked Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air Fry at 200C/400F for around 10-15 minutes. Exact times will vary based on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer model.

The potatoes should have a golden brown skin and be fork tender in the middle.

seasoned mini potatoes coated in oil in a clear bowl. - 13 small potatoes in the air fryer basket ready to bake in the air fryer. - 14 baked mini potatoes are in the air fryer basket. - 15 small baked potatoes in oven are on the plate topped with feta dip and cranberry sauce. - 16

Oven Baked Mini Potatoes

Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet.

Bake in the centre of a preheated oven at 200C or 400F for approximately 40-50 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

Microwave Mini Baked Potatoes

Place the washed baby potatoes on a microwave safe plate. Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until tender.

I recommend giving them a minute or so in the air fryer or a couple of minutes in the oven to crisp up but this is optional.

Serving suggestions and other appetizers

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Puff Pastry

Baked Sweet Potato Crisps with Orange Oil and Thyme

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Frozen Spring Rolls

Onion Bhaji in Air Fryer

Storage

Potatoes are perishable so do not leave them out for too long. Store them away in the fridge as soon as you are able to.

Refrigerator – store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and eat within 2 days. If possible, store the filling separately.

Freezer – I do not recommend freezing as it will alter the texture of the potatoes.

baked baby potatoes served on a plate with coktail sticks.  - 17

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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a serving plate of mini baked potatoes canapes placed on the table next to kitchen napkin. - 18

Mini Baked Potatoes (Oven, Air Fryer and Microwave Method)

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl
  • 1 air fryer or oven or microwave
  • 1 Baking sheet if using oven
  • 1 Sharp knife

Ingredients

  • 25 baby potatoes aka mini potatoes, small potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or oil of choice
  • salt and black pepper

Filling

  • ½ cup cranberry whipped feta dip
  • thyme fresh, for garnishing

Instructions

  • Wash the potatoes thoroughly then pat dry with a paper towel.
  • In a large bowl, toss with oil, salt and pepper.
  • Bake the potatoes either in the air fryer, oven or microwave (steps below)
  • Once the roasted baby potatoes have cooled just enough to handle, cut a small slit through the potato lengthways using a sharp knife.
  • Add a small spoon of whipped feta and cranberry inside the potato and finish with fresh thyme. (Or filling of choice).
  • Serve warm or cold in a serving tray.

Air Fryer Mini Baked Potatoes

  • Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air Fry at 200C/400F for around 10-15 minutes. Exact times will vary based on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer model.
  • The potatoes should have a golden brown skin and be fork tender in the middle.

Oven Baked Mini Potatoes

  • Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the centre of a preheated oven at 200C or 400F for approximately 40-50 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

Microwave Mini Baked Potatoes

  • Place the washed baby potatoes on a microwave safe plate.
  • I recommend giving them a minute or so in the air fryer or a couple of minutes in the oven to crisp up.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.