The Cabbage Apple Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Combining crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and toasted nuts, this salad brings a delightful crunch and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or just a simple lunch at home, this recipe is quick to throw together and loaded with nutrients. It’s a refreshing choice that not only satisfies the palate but also looks stunning on the plate. The colorful ingredients make it a feast for the eyes too! Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit various tastes, which is a major bonus. Let’s explore why this salad is a must-try and how you can make it yourself!
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of textures and flavors in this Cabbage Apple Salad creates a delightful culinary experience. The crispness of the cabbage paired with the sweetness of the apples ensures that every bite is refreshing and satisfying. The addition of toasted walnuts adds crunch and depth, while the parmesan brings a savory element that ties the whole dish together perfectly. This salad is not just a side; it’s an experience that engages the senses.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Apple Salad
This Cabbage Apple Salad is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for any meal. It’s healthy, quick to prepare, and can easily impress at potlucks or family gatherings. The combination of ingredients results in a beautiful, colorful dish that is not only appetizing but also packed with nutrients. You’ll love how it can be customized for different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Cabbage Apple Salad
- 1 medium head (about 14 oz / 400 gr) green or red cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, sliced
- ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shaved (or ⅓ cup crumbled cheddar)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make Cabbage Apple Salad
Preparing the Cabbage
Begin by removing the outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then section each half into two segments. Slice off the tough white core and finely slice the cabbage segments. A sharp knife or mandolin works wonders for even slices. Once you’ve got that luscious shredded cabbage, place it in a large salad bowl.
Slicing the Apples
Now, it’s time for the apples! Core them and cut the apples into quarters. Depending on your preference for texture, slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices or chop them into cubes. The juicy apple pieces go into the bowl with the cabbage, adding natural sweetness.
Toasting the Walnuts
To toast the walnuts, heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil. Toss in the chopped walnuts and toast them, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they become fragrant and a beautiful golden brown. After cooling, chop them and add to the salad bowl, but don’t forget to set aside some for garnishing!
Making the Dressing
In a glass jar with a lid, combine the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until everything is well combined and emulsified. This dressing will bring tremendous flavor to the salad!
Assembling the Salad
With all your ingredients prepped, add half of the shaved parmesan cheese to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until fully coated. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Letting it rest for at least 10 minutes really helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving the Salad
Now for the best part—serving! You can serve the Cabbage Apple Salad at room temperature or slightly chilled. To make it even more appealing, garnish with the reserved walnuts and some additional shaved parmesan cheese for that elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cabbage Apple Salad with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying meal. It also makes an excellent side dish for barbecues and picnics, complementing rich flavors beautifully. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a fall gathering, this salad fits right in.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cabbage is finely shredded for optimal texture. This will enhance the overall experience.
- Feel free to mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor profile. A mix of sweet and tart apples can brighten things up.
- Allowing the salad to rest helps soften the cabbage slightly and enhances flavor melding so it’s extra delicious.
Variations
- Swap out walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheese or substitute nutritional yeast.
- Adding sliced carrots or bell peppers introduces even more color and crunch to the dish.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad crisp and fresh, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to dive in.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the Cabbage Apple Salad a day in advance?
Yes, but for best results, dress the salad just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp.
2. What type of apples work best in this salad?
Both sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work beautifully.
3. Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be great substitutes for walnuts.
4. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
5. How can I add more protein to this salad?
You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even crumbled feta cheese for added protein.
This Cabbage Apple Salad not only brings together vibrant flavors and textures, but it also stands as a testament to the artistry of combining simple ingredients. Whether served as a refreshing side or the star of your meal, this salad is sure to please. With its balance of sweetness, crunch, and savory notes, it’s a delightful addition to any table. So gather your ingredients and enjoy this easy, delicious dish that brings everyone together.
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Cabbage Apple Salad
This Cabbage Apple Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish, featuring crisp cabbage, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for any meal or gathering.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium head (about 14 oz / 400 gr) green or red cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, sliced
- ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shaved (or ⅓ cup crumbled cheddar)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Remove outer leaves and core of cabbage, then slice into fine strips.
- Core and slice apples into quarters or cubes.
- Toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
- Mix dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
- Combine cabbage, apples, half of the parmesan, and dressing in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes and serve, garnished with remaining walnuts and parmesan.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Finely shredded cabbage enhances the salad’s texture.
Mixing apple varieties can improve flavor complexity.
Resting the salad allows flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5
