A salad of young cabbage with apples is a refreshing and crunchy dish that combines the crispness of young cabbage with the sweetness and tartness of apples. It’s a simple yet flavorful salad that works well as a side dish or a light meal. Here’s a basic recipe for this salad:
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups young cabbage (shredded or thinly sliced)
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced or julienned
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted nuts or seeds (such as sunflower seeds or walnuts) (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded young cabbage, thinly sliced apples, and red onion if using.
- Add the chopped parsley or dill, and toasted nuts or seeds if desired.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk until well combined and emulsified.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat the cabbage and apples evenly with the dressing.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese if using.
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Serve:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch of the salad. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips and Variations
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Crunch Factor: Add extra crunch with ingredients like roasted chickpeas or croutons.
- Seasonal Variations: Swap in seasonal fruits or vegetables such as pears, celery, or bell peppers.
- Spices and Herbs: Experiment with additional spices like cumin or paprika, or use other fresh herbs like chives or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
This young cabbage and apple salad is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish. Enjoy!
