Cabbage Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cabbage Salad is the ideal dish when you’re looking for something light, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. The combination of green and red cabbage offers a range of antioxidants and vitamins, while the cucumbers and carrots add freshness and crunch. The addition of walnuts introduces a delightful nutty texture. The tangy dressing made with honey, mustard, and garlic brings everything together in a perfectly balanced way. This salad is quick to prepare, customizable, and can easily be made ahead, making it perfect for busy weekdays or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1/3 head green cabbage
• 1/3 head red cabbage
• 1-2 cucumbers
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 20g walnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for green cabbage)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for cucumbers)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Dressing:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons mustard

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Shred the green and red cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
   • Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
   • Peel and grate the carrot.
   • Finely chop the onion.
   • Roughly chop the walnuts into smaller pieces.
2. Season the Vegetables:
   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, cucumbers, onion, grated carrot, and walnuts. Sprinkle the salt over the green cabbage and cucumbers, and toss everything together.
   • Drizzle with rice vinegar and toss again. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and mustard until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Toss the Salad:
   • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the cabbage salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes for an extra-refreshing, chilled salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes (including preparation)

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even kale for extra texture and flavor.
• Add Protein: To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Nut Variations: If you prefer a different nut, almonds or pecans are great alternatives to walnuts.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you want to preserve the salad’s crunchiness.
• Reheating: This salad is not intended to be reheated. However, if you want to serve it later, just toss it again and add a bit more dressing if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this cabbage salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve it to prevent the cabbage from getting soggy.

Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes, you can use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a different texture and flavor, but green and red cabbage are the best choices for this particular recipe.

Can I substitute the mustard in the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or even mayonnaise for a different flavor.

Is this cabbage salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients.

How do I make the salad spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing, or even sprinkle some chili powder over the vegetables before tossing them together.

Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes! Sliced apples or grapes would add a sweet contrast to the crunch of the cabbage and veggies. You can also try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, depending on your taste preferences.

How long will this cabbage salad last in the fridge?

The cabbage salad can last for up to 2 days in the fridge. However, the longer it sits, the softer the cabbage will become, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later.

Can I make this salad with pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, using pre-shredded cabbage can save you some time, but fresh, finely shredded cabbage will give the salad a better texture and flavor.

How can I make this cabbage salad even crunchier?

To increase the crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, or even crispy chickpeas for extra texture.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Salad is a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and full of texture. With its vibrant mix of cabbage, cucumbers, and walnuts, all brought together with a zesty mustard and honey dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or a refreshing main for warmer days. This versatile salad is not only nutritious but can also be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy it fresh or make it ahead for an even more convenient meal!

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