Ingredients

Salad Ingredients:

• 1/3 head of cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the cabbage)
• 1-2 cucumbers (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the cucumbers)
• 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/3 head of red cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 carrot (grated or julienned)
• 20g walnuts (roughly chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Thinly Slice the Cabbage: Take 1/3 head of cabbage and thinly slice it. Place the cabbage in a large bowl.
2. Season with Salt: Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the sliced cabbage. Massage the cabbage gently with your hands for a few minutes to soften it and help release excess water. Set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers

1. Slice the Cucumbers: Thinly slice 1-2 cucumbers (depending on your preference). Place the cucumber slices in a separate bowl.
2. Add Salt: Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the cucumbers and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to draw out water.

Step 3: Prepare the Other Vegetables

1. Slice the Onion: Thinly slice 1/2 onion and add it to the bowl with the cabbage.
2. Shred the Carrot: Use a grater or julienne peeler to shred 1 carrot. Add the grated carrot to the cabbage mixture.
3. Slice the Red Cabbage: Thinly slice 1/3 head of red cabbage and add it to the bowl. The combination of green and red cabbage adds color and extra nutrients to the salad.

Step 4: Mix the Salad

1. Drain Excess Water: After the cucumbers have rested for a few minutes, drain any excess water they’ve released. Add the cucumbers to the cabbage mixture.
2. Add Rice Vinegar: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar over the salad. This adds a mild tangy flavor that brightens up the dish.
3. Add Walnuts: Roughly chop 20g of walnuts and sprinkle them over the salad. Walnuts add a nice crunch and provide healthy fats that help with satiety.

Step 5: Toss the Salad

1. Mix the Ingredients: Toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the cabbage, cucumbers, and other vegetables are evenly coated with the rice vinegar.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Immediately: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. You can serve it immediately as a light dinner or alongside your main meal. The crunchy texture and vibrant colors make it visually appealing and satisfying.

Cooking Tips

1. Adjust the Ingredients: Feel free to add more or fewer cucumbers, cabbage, or carrots based on your preferences. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for added flavor.
2. Use Fresh Vegetables: To get the best results, use fresh, crisp vegetables. If the cabbage or cucumbers are soft, the salad may lose its refreshing crunch.
3. Massaging the Cabbage: Massaging the cabbage with salt not only softens it but also enhances its flavor. This technique is especially useful if you prefer a tender texture.
4. Add More Nuts: If you love nuts, you can increase the amount of walnuts or substitute them with almonds or sunflower seeds for variety.
5. Flavor Enhancements: You can experiment by adding more seasonings, such as a dash of pepper, garlic powder, or even a bit of olive oil for extra richness.
6. Rice Vinegar Substitutes: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute. These options still add a tangy flavor that complements the salad.

Storage

• Refrigeration: You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose their crunch over time as they release water.
• Avoid Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of the vegetables.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 220mg

This salad is low in calories and provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which makes it an excellent choice for weight loss and digestive health.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes, you can use any variety of cabbage such as Napa cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or even purple cabbage. The recipe works well with different cabbage textures and flavors.

2. Is this salad suitable for a weight loss diet?

Absolutely! This cabbage salad is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients that promote weight loss and fat burning. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner or lunch.

3. Can I add protein to the salad?

You can easily add a source of protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make this salad more filling and nutritionally balanced.

4. Is the salad keto-friendly?

Yes, this salad is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it a great choice for those on a keto diet. Just be sure to watch your portion size for the walnuts, as nuts can be calorie-dense.

5. How can I make the salad more flavorful?

For more flavor, you can add fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or parsley. Additionally, a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese will enhance the taste.

Conclusion

This Cabbage and Cucumber Salad is a simple yet powerful addition to your weight loss plan. It’s refreshing, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for those who want to shed belly fat without sacrificing flavor. The combination of crunchy cabbage, juicy cucumbers, and wholesome walnuts creates a delightful mix of textures, while the rice vinegar adds a pleasant tang. Incorporate this salad into your daily meals and enjoy its health benefits while relishing its taste!