Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish or light meal? Look no further! This vibrant purple cabbage salad recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and requires minimal ingredients. Get ready to add a splash of color and deliciousness to your table!
Ingredients:
- 1 small red (purple) cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Begin by thinly slicing the red cabbage. Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife will ensure consistent, thin slices, which help the cabbage absorb the dressing more effectively. If you prefer a coarser salad, you can chop the cabbage instead.
Making the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. The dressing should be emulsified, meaning the oil and vinegar are evenly blended.
Combining the Salad:
-
In a large bowl, combine the sliced red cabbage, shredded carrots, red onion, and parsley.
-
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to over-toss, as this can bruise the cabbage and make it soggy.
Serving and Storage:
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Tips for the Best Purple Cabbage Salad:
- Thinly Sliced Cabbage: The thinner you slice the cabbage, the better it will absorb the dressing and the more tender it will become.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. If you don’t have parsley, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like cilantro or dill.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar, maple syrup, or Dijon mustard to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more maple syrup; if you prefer a tangier salad, add more vinegar.
- Add Protein: To make this salad a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese.
Delicious Variations:
- Cranberry-Walnut Purple Cabbage Salad: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for a festive twist.
- Spicy Purple Cabbage Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a kick.
- Apple Purple Cabbage Salad: Dice a crisp apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and add it to the salad for a sweet and tart flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
This purple cabbage salad recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. It’s packed with nutrients, vibrant in color, and easily customizable to your taste preferences. It’s the perfect healthy side dish or a light lunch, and it's a great way to add more vegetables to your diet. Enjoy!