Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious side dish that's sure to impress? Look no further! This Northwoods Inn Purple Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and flavorful recipe that's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. It's bursting with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing that will leave you wanting more. This easy recipe is a testament to how homemade cooking can create delicious dishes with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or pepitas for a nutty twist!)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
-
Prep the Veggies: Start by thinly slicing the purple cabbage and red onion. Aim for consistency; thin slices ensure even cooking and dressing distribution. A mandoline slicer can be helpful here, but a sharp knife works just fine. Wash and chop the parsley and cilantro.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cabbage, red onion, parsley, cilantro, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
-
Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
-
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Don't overmix, as you want to retain the cabbage's texture.
-
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial; the flavors deepen significantly after chilling. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add some crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Make it sweeter: Increase the maple syrup to your preference for a sweeter dressing.
- Substitute the cranberries: Dried cherries or chopped apples would make tasty substitutes.
- Meal Prep Magic: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Northwoods Inn Purple Cabbage Salad recipe is a true gem – a simple yet elegant side dish that's as healthy as it is delicious. It's a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be, offering a burst of fresh flavors that make it a fantastic addition to any meal. This best recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy!