Cabbage salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the crispiness of shredded cabbage, the freshness of cucumber, and the sweetness of carrot, all brought together with a tangy mustard dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect as a side dish or a main course, and it’s versatile enough to accompany any meal or occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 of a whole green cabbage, shredded
- 1/3 of a whole red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 of a medium onion, finely sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
- 20g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (divided, plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of natural honey
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite mustard
- 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the vegetables. Thinly shred both the green and red cabbage into a large salad bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the green cabbage and gently massage it in to soften the leaves.
- Add the sliced cucumber to the bowl. Optionally, sprinkle the cucumber with a pinch of the remaining salt.
- Thinly slice the onion and add it to the bowl. Then, julienne or grate the carrot and toss it in with the other vegetables.
- Roughly chop the walnuts and add them to the salad.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, honey, mustard, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to make the dressing. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
- Taste the dressing and adjust flavors as desired. Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Tips:
- For added crunch, toast the walnuts before chopping them.
- To save time, use a food processor to shred the cabbage and slice the vegetables.
- Customize the salad by adding other favorite vegetables or protein options.
Conclusion:
This homemade crunchy cabbage and cucumber salad with its tangy mustard dressing is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, its vibrant flavors and crisp textures are sure to impress. Enjoy the freshness and nutrition of this colorful salad at your next gathering or as part of a wholesome meal.
1. How long will this cabbage salad stay fresh after preparation?
Answer: Cabbage salad can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after preparation. However, it’s important to note that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly over time, becoming softer as they absorb the dressing. To maintain the salad’s crispiness for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. If you’re planning to serve the salad over multiple days, consider dressing only the portion you’ll consume immediately and keeping the rest undressed until serving.
2. Can I make any substitutions or additions to this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences?
Answer: Yes, this cabbage salad recipe is quite flexible and can be customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences. For example, if you’re following a vegan diet, you can replace the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Similarly, if you have nut allergies or prefer a different type of nut, feel free to substitute the walnuts with almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Additionally, you can add extra ingredients such as sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of the salad.
3. How can I adjust the dressing to suit my taste preferences?
Answer: The dressing for this cabbage salad is a delicious combination of olive oil, honey, mustard, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. However, you can easily adjust the proportions of these ingredients to achieve your desired flavor profile. For a sweeter dressing, simply increase the amount of honey or add a splash of maple syrup. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the quantity of rice vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Similarly, you can adjust the intensity of the mustard and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less accordingly.
4. Can I prepare this cabbage salad in advance for a special occasion or potluck?
Answer: Yes, this cabbage salad is an excellent option for preparing in advance for gatherings or events. In fact, allowing the salad to marinate in the dressing for a few hours or overnight can enhance its flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together. To prepare the salad ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions but hold off on adding the dressing until shortly before serving. Store the dressed salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to enjoy it. Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
