This Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad with Lemon and Dill is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of cabbage, the sweetness of apples, and the earthiness of fresh dill. It’s a salad that celebrates the natural flavors of its ingredients, offering a delightful contrast in textures and a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a light, healthy side dish or a simple, refreshing meal, this salad fits the bill.
The combination of cabbage, carrot, and apple is both nutritious and versatile. Cabbage, often overlooked, is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its mild flavor serves as the perfect base for other ingredients, and when thinly sliced, it adds a wonderful crunch. Carrots, with their naturally sweet taste, provide a bright pop of color and nutrients like beta-carotene and fiber. Apples add a touch of sweetness and a juicy, crisp texture, while the lemon juice and olive oil dressing tie the flavors together with just the right amount of acidity and richness.
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be made with just a few pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you need a quick meal or a healthy side dish. It’s also a perfect addition to any picnic, barbecue, or holiday spread, and can be prepared ahead of time to save time on busy days. The fresh herbs like dill and spring onions add a burst of flavor that makes this salad feel extra special.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Young Cabbage: 1 kg (thinly sliced)
- Carrot: 1 large (grated)
- Firm Sweet Apple: 1 (cored and thinly sliced)
- Lemon Juice: 3-4 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 5 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Spring Onions: Chopped (based on preference)
- Fresh Dill: Chopped (based on preference)
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit
- Start by washing the cabbage thoroughly. Remove any outer leaves that may be tough or wilted. Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Slice the cabbage into thin strips, as thin as possible to ensure a delicate texture.
- Grate the carrot using a fine grater or a box grater for long, thin strands.
- Core the apple and slice it into thin wedges or julienne strips. You can leave the peel on for added texture and nutrients, but if you prefer, feel free to peel it.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and olive oil. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, grated carrot, and apple slices.
- Add the chopped spring onions and fresh dill to the bowl, according to your taste preferences.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the lemony dressing.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the salad is well mixed, serve immediately, or refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad can be eaten immediately or stored for later, but it tastes best fresh.
Why This Recipe Is Timeless
This Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad is timeless because it combines simple, affordable ingredients that have been staples in home cooking for generations. It’s a dish that balances flavors and textures so perfectly that it can complement nearly any main course. It also works as a stand-alone light meal, perfect for when you need something fresh and satisfying but don’t want anything too heavy.
The inclusion of cabbage, a vegetable that has been a part of human diets for centuries, makes this salad both historical and practical. Cabbage is not only a great source of vitamin C but also offers dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full. Combined with the sweetness of carrots and apples, this salad is not just a treat for the palate—it’s a healthy choice that provides a broad spectrum of nutrients.
The lemon juice and olive oil dressing is simple but packs a punch of freshness and tang, which perfectly enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and fruits. The spring onions and fresh dill provide an extra burst of flavor, making this dish interesting and unique. It’s a recipe that is both easy to make and adaptable, which is why it has remained a classic.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cabbage, carrot, apple, and herbs ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. This will help preserve the crunchiness of the cabbage and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Q2: Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any variety of apple, but sweet apples such as Fuji or Gala work best for this salad. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Q3: How can I make this salad spicier?
If you want to add some heat to the salad, consider including a few slices of jalapeño or chili pepper. Alternatively, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle spice.
Q4: Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
Tips for Making the Perfect Salad
- Thinly Slice the Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage will make the salad feel more delicate and will allow the dressing to be absorbed better, giving every bite a burst of flavor.
- Use a Firm Apple: A firm, crisp apple will hold up better in the salad, adding texture and preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Balance the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier salad, feel free to add extra lemon juice. For a richer flavor, increase the amount of olive oil.
- Customize the Herbs: While dill and spring onions are traditional, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cabbage will soften over time, but the salad will still taste delicious.
- Prevent Oxidation: To prevent the apple from browning, toss the slices in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing on the Side: If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss it just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp.
Conclusion
The Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad with Lemon and Dill is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Its timeless appeal lies in the fact that it combines the earthiness of cabbage, the sweetness of apple, and the refreshing crunch of carrot, all elevated by the bright citrusy dressing. It’s a salad that works for any occasion, from a quick lunch to a festive gathering.
What makes this dish so timeless is its versatility and its ability to satisfy a wide range of palates. It can easily be modified to suit your preferences, and the base ingredients can be found in almost every kitchen. But even with its simplicity, this salad never feels ordinary. The fresh herbs, lemon dressing, and a touch of olive oil elevate it from something basic into a delightful culinary experience.
This salad’s rich nutritional profile and refreshing nature make it the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re looking to balance a heavier main course or simply enjoy a light, wholesome dish. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a burst of fresh flavors. And, best of all, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a recipe you’ll turn to time and again.