This Cabbage Apple Salad is a delightful blend of crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Coleslaw mix
- Sliced Granny Smith apple
- Diced celery
- Sliced green onions
- Apple cider vinegar
- Granulated white sugar
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Red pepper flakes
- Mayonnaise
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced apples, diced celery, and sliced green onions.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the mayonnaise until smooth.
- Pour the warm dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
A Versatile Dish for Any Meal
Cabbage Apple Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish for virtually any meal. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner, hosting a summer BBQ, or serving a holiday feast, this salad fits right in. It pairs particularly well with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables, making it a go-to option for both casual meals and special occasions.
The tangy dressing in this salad, made with apple cider vinegar and mayonnaise, helps to balance the natural sweetness of the apples and the earthy flavor of the cabbage. The Dijon mustard adds a bit of heat, while the red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick, making the dressing both flavorful and aromatic. This versatile dressing can also be adjusted to suit personal tastes, whether you prefer a sweeter or more tangy dressing.
Health Benefits of Cabbage and Apples
Both cabbage and apples are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Cabbage, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that is packed with antioxidants. It contains compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and support heart health. The fiber in cabbage also aids in digestion, promoting a healthy gut and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Apples, on the other hand, are known for their high content of dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which can help lower cholesterol levels and promote digestive health. They are also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports a strong immune system and protects against free radical damage. Apples are naturally sweet, which makes them a great addition to a savory salad, providing a pleasant contrast to the more robust flavors of the cabbage and dressing.
The combination of these two ingredients in the Cabbage Apple Salad provides a nutrient-dense meal that supports digestive health, boosts immunity, and promotes heart health. The addition of celery and green onions further enhances the salad’s nutritional profile, adding vitamins A and K, as well as additional fiber.
How to Customize Your Cabbage Apple Salad
One of the wonderful aspects of the Cabbage Apple Salad is its flexibility. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a bit more sugar or honey to balance the tanginess of the vinegar. Alternatively, if you like your salads with more heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
For those looking to increase the protein content of the salad, consider adding roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas. These additions will turn the salad into a more filling meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, the salad is already a great option as is, but you can further enhance it with other plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.
If you’re looking for extra texture or flavor, try adding nuts or seeds, such as toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts. These crunchy additions will complement the cabbage and apples, giving the salad a more substantial mouthfeel. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also be incorporated to add a bit of sweetness and contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
As with any salad, the quality of the ingredients used in the Cabbage Apple Salad makes a significant difference in the final result. Fresh, crisp cabbage and ripe apples will provide the best texture and flavor. When selecting apples, Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness and firmness, which holds up well in salads. However, you can experiment with other apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, depending on your sweetness preference.
It’s also essential to use fresh green onions and celery to add crunch and freshness to the salad. These ingredients should be chopped just before assembling the salad to maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
The dressing, too, should be made fresh, ensuring that the mayonnaise and other ingredients are well combined for the perfect consistency. The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience, but it’s best to toss the salad just before serving to prevent the cabbage from becoming too wilted.
The Appeal of a Simple, No-Cook Salad
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s always a bonus to have recipes that are quick and easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The Cabbage Apple Salad is a perfect example of this. The entire recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep work required. There’s no cooking involved, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want something fresh and healthy without turning on the stove or oven.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Salad for Every Occasion
In conclusion, the Cabbage Apple Salad is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish that deserves a spot in every recipe collection. Its combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and health benefits make it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish for a summer BBQ, a quick and easy salad for a weeknight dinner, or a nutrient-dense meal prep option, this salad delivers.
