Red cabbage salad, a vibrant and crunchy delight, is a welcome addition to any meal. Its beautiful purple hue adds a splash of color to your plate, while its slightly peppery flavor offers a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. This salad is incredibly versatile – enjoy it as a light lunch, a simple side dish, or a flavorful topping for sandwiches and tacos. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a delicious red cabbage salad right in your own kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients
For this easy red cabbage salad recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Red Cabbage: 1/2 head of red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- Carrots: 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Apple: 1 small apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well), cored and diced
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Toasted Seeds/Nuts: 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. For example, some prefer a touch of sweetness, so adding a tablespoon of dried cranberries or chopped dates can enhance the flavor.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Grater (optional, for carrots)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl (for whisking the dressing)
- Whisk
Let’s Make the Salad!
Step 1: Prep the Red Cabbage
Remove any tough outer leaves from the red cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage in half, then thinly slice one half into shreds. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniformity if desired. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Remaining Veggies and Apple
Wash and prepare the remaining vegetables. Grate or julienne the carrot, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the apple. Add these to the bowl with the red cabbage.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In the small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Red Cabbage Salad Ingredients
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Add Some Crunch (Optional)
For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts over the salad.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
Tips for a Flavorful Salad:
- Massage the Cabbage: For a milder flavor and softer texture, massage the shredded cabbage with a pinch of salt for a minute or two before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add different vegetables like shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped bell peppers, or sliced cucumbers.
- Make it a Meal: Turn your salad into a satisfying meal by adding grilled chicken or tofu, crumbled feta cheese, or a handful of quinoa.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The salad actually tastes better the longer it sits, as the flavors have time to develop. You can make it up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What other dressings can I use for red cabbage salad?
A: The options are endless! For a creamy dressing, try our Chinkiang Vinegar Dressing. If you prefer something with a kick, our Wasabi Soy Dressing would be fantastic.
Close-Up of Red Cabbage Salad
A Final Word
Making a delicious and healthy red cabbage salad at home is easier than you think! With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative and add your personal touch to this versatile salad. Enjoy!
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how you made it your own. For more delicious salad recipes and tips, explore our website!
