Are you tired of boring, wilted salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your dining experience with this Quick Easy Red Cabbage Salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor-packed sensation! Bursting with crisp textures, tangy-sweet dressing, and nutritional powerhouse ingredients, this recipe will take your taste buds on an unexpected culinary adventure in just 15 minutes. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who loves bold, fresh flavors, this salad is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the red cabbage thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any damaged outer leaves and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, finely shred the red cabbage into thin, uniform strips. Transfer the shredded cabbage to a large mixing bowl.
- Peel the carrot and use a box grater or food processor to grate it into fine, thin shreds. Add the grated carrot to the bowl with the cabbage.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the shredded cabbage and carrot. Use tongs or clean hands to thoroughly mix and coat all the vegetables with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The cabbage will slightly soften and absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Knife Skills Matter: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform, thin cabbage strips to ensure even dressing absorption and a professional presentation.
- Freshness is Key: Choose a firm, vibrant red cabbage with deep purple color for maximum crunch and nutritional value.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the vinaigrette thoroughly to create a smooth emulsion that coats the vegetables evenly.
- Marinating Magic: Letting the salad sit for 5-10 minutes allows flavors to develop and slightly softens the cabbage without losing its crisp texture.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add toasted nuts, seeds, or herbs like chopped parsley for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 107kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
