Welcome to a fresh and vibrant salad recipe that is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. This Crunchy Cabbage and Walnut Salad, drizzled with a homemade Honey Mustard Dressing, is the perfect dish to brighten up your meal, whether you’re looking for a nutritious side or a light main course. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this colorful and nutritious salad in no time!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1/3 whole green cabbage, shredded
- 1/3 whole red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
- 20g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided (plus more to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon natural honey
- 2 tablespoons your favorite mustard
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by thinly shredding the green and red cabbage into a large salad bowl. This not only adds a beautiful mix of colors to your dish but also incorporates a variety of nutrients.
- Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the green cabbage and gently massage it. This step helps in softening the cabbage, making it more palatable and easier to digest.
- Add the thinly sliced cucumber, onion, and carrot to the bowl. These vegetables contribute to the salad’s refreshing and crunchy texture.
- Roughly chop the walnuts and toss them into the salad for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, honey, mustard, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth. This dressing combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that perfectly coat the salad.
Combine and Season:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop. This resting time makes a significant difference in taste.
- Give it a final toss, taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Then, it’s ready to serve!
This Crunchy Cabbage and Walnut Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Its blend of sweet and tangy flavors, along with the satisfying crunch from the fresh vegetables and walnuts, makes it a delightful choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a nutritious addition to your daily meals. For those looking to make it a heartier option, consider adding a protein of your choice to transform it into a fulfilling main course. Enjoy the freshness and let this salad be a staple in your culinary repertoire!
