This vibrant and crunchy cabbage salad is full of fresh vegetables, nuts, and a tangy lemon-honey dressing. It’s a perfect side dish to serve with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. The combination of cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers offers a refreshing texture, while the dressing adds a zesty and slightly sweet finish.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine
This salad is inspired by Mediterranean and Asian flavors, combining fresh, raw vegetables with a simple, savory-sweet dressing.
Full List of Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 20g (about a handful) nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice 1 cucumber, 1 onion, and 1 red pepper. Grate 1 carrot and shred 1/2 head of cabbage.
- Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Garlic and Nuts:
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Chop 20g of nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) and add them to the bowl for crunch and added flavor.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and the juice of 1 lemon.
- Add 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well until the dressing is fully combined.
4. Toss the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the salad with fresh, chopped parsley to taste.
- Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This type of fresh, vegetable-packed salad is popular in many global cuisines, with Mediterranean and Asian influences. The combination of crunchy vegetables, healthy fats from the nuts, and the tangy dressing is refreshing and vibrant, making it a popular choice for a side dish or light meal.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and no cooking required, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this salad is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
- Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegan meals.
- Flavorful: The sweet, tangy dressing and crunchy texture make this salad irresistibly flavorful.
Health Benefits
- High in Fiber: The cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables provide a good amount of fiber, which helps digestion and supports overall health.
- Healthy Fats: The nuts and olive oil provide healthy fats, which are good for heart health.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: The vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which support immune function and promote glowing skin.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Pair this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy the salad on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.
- With Bread: Serve alongside a warm piece of crusty bread to round out the meal.
Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables, especially when it comes to the cabbage and cucumber.
- Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce based on your sweetness or saltiness preference.
- Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for a spicy kick.
Variations to Try
- Add Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture that pairs well with the crunchy vegetables.
- Swap the Nuts: Use different nuts such as cashews or pecans, or add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for added protein and to make this salad more filling.
Conclusion
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Lemon-Honey Dressing is a simple, vibrant, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy vegetables, nuts, and the zesty, tangy dressing makes it a refreshing and satisfying meal. Whether as a side dish or a main, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, it’s best to toss the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.
2. Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! You can swap almonds or walnuts with cashews, pistachios, or sunflower seeds, depending on your preference.
3. Can I make this salad without soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari (for a gluten-free option) or coconut aminos for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumber, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the salad has been dressed, it might become slightly soggy, but it will still taste good.
6. Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, feta or goat cheese would be a great addition to this salad for extra flavor.
7. Can I use frozen vegetables?
It’s best to use fresh vegetables for this salad, but you could use frozen peas or corn if needed.
8. Can I add fruits to this salad?
Yes, adding fruits like apples, pears, or even citrus segments can provide a nice sweetness to balance the tanginess of the dressing.
9. Can I make the dressing without honey?
Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener.
10. Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, add some chili flakes, fresh chili, or hot sauce to the dressing to give the salad a spicy kick!