This Fresh Cabbage and Carrot Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables like shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and cucumber, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The addition of grated apple adds a subtle sweetness, balancing out the crisp vegetables. The star of this salad, however, is the Greek Yogurt Honey Mustard Dressing—a tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for barbecues and potlucks. The refreshing combination of fresh vegetables, fruit, and a tangy dressing makes this salad both satisfying and nutritious, while the Greek yogurt-based dressing provides a healthier alternative to creamier, calorie-dense dressings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Cabbage – ½ head, shredded
- Carrots – 2 medium, grated (use a special grater if you have one for fine grating)
- Cucumber – 1, sliced
- Apple – 1, grated
For the Dressing:
- Greek yogurt – 75 g
- Mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – from ½ a lemon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Apple:
- Start by shredding the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and finely slice it into thin shreds. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for best results.
- Peel the carrots and grate them finely. If you have a special grater that creates long, thin strips, use that for a better texture.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Finally, grate the apple. You can choose to leave the skin on for extra fiber, but make sure to grate the apple just before adding it to the salad to avoid browning.
2. Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced cucumber, and grated apple.
- Toss the ingredients together gently until well-mixed and evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy, with all the ingredients fully incorporated. The dressing should be tangy with a slight sweetness from the honey and a creamy consistency from the yogurt.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt or more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
4. Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be sure that the dressing covers all the vegetables without drenching them.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. The cabbage will soften slightly as it absorbs the dressing.
5. Serve:
- Once the salad has marinated for a short while, it’s ready to be served. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy it as a healthy side or a light main course.
Cooking Tips
- Cabbage Variety: You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both to add more color to the salad. Red cabbage offers a slightly peppery flavor and vibrant color, making the salad even more visually appealing.
- Grating the Carrots and Apple: For the best texture, use a fine grater or a mandolin to create long, thin strips of carrot and apple. This creates a better mouthfeel and allows the flavors to blend well with the dressing.
- Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be made ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crunchy. If you want to prep in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss it into the salad when you’re ready to serve.
- Additions: For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds to the salad. These ingredients provide a crunchy contrast to the soft vegetables.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage may soften as it sits in the dressing, but it will still taste fresh.
- Dressing: The dressing can be made ahead and stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before using it.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
2. Can I use another type of dressing?
Absolutely. While the Greek yogurt honey mustard dressing adds a lovely tangy sweetness, you can use other dressings like vinaigrette, lemon tahini dressing, or even a classic olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix.
3. What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also great as a side dish for barbecue, or you can enjoy it on its own as a light lunch.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes! You can add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or celery to enhance the texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
5. How do I keep the salad crunchy?
To maintain the crunchiness of the salad, only dress it right before serving. You can store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the fridge and combine them when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Fresh Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Greek Yogurt Honey Mustard Dressing is a refreshing, light, and nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy vegetables, sweet apple, and a creamy yogurt-based dressing creates a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying salad. Whether served as a side or a light main dish, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling both nourished and satisfied.
The versatility of this salad makes it easy to customize with different vegetables, fruits, or even added proteins, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences. Plus, the tangy and slightly sweet Greek yogurt dressing adds a delicious twist to the classic salad, making it a delightful option for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. Enjoy it fresh for lunch, dinner, or as a perfect addition to any gathering!