This refreshing cabbage salad is a perfect side dish for any meal, offering a crisp combination of vegetables, fruit, and a tangy honey mustard dressing. The crunchiness of cabbage and carrots is complemented by the sweetness of apple, and the creamy yogurt dressing brings everything together. It’s an easy-to-make, light, and flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The honey mustard dressing adds a slight sweetness with a touch of tanginess from the mustard and lemon juice, making this salad an all-around favorite!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- Salt, to taste
- 2 carrots
- 1 cucumber
- 1 apple
- 75 grams yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit
- Start by washing the cabbage thoroughly. Remove any outer leaves that may be damaged or dirty.
- Slice the cabbage in half and remove the core. Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer.
- Peel and grate the carrots.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons.
- Core and thinly slice the apple. You can leave the peel on for added color and nutrients or peel it if preferred.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mustard, honey, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Add salt to taste and stir the dressing until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced cucumber, and apple.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the vegetables and fruit evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish the salad with extra fresh parsley or seeds for a decorative touch (optional).
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors marinate.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this cabbage salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or meat.
- Pair it with a light soup for a healthy and refreshing meal.
- Enjoy it as a vegetarian lunch, perhaps with a slice of whole-grain bread.
- For extra crunch, add some toasted sunflower seeds or walnuts as a topping.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh, crunchy cabbage and apples for the best texture.
- If the salad sits for a while before serving, give it a quick toss to mix the dressing again, as it can settle.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and mustard depending on your desired sweetness and tanginess.
- For a creamy dressing, you can add a little extra yogurt or a spoonful of mayonnaise if preferred.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cabbage: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, cabbage supports digestion and boosts immunity.
- Carrots: Packed with vitamin A, carrots promote eye health and skin vitality.
- Apple: Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and a natural sweetness that balances the salad.
- Yogurt: The yogurt adds creaminess while providing probiotics for gut health.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that supports heart health and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Conclusion: This cabbage salad with apple and honey mustard dressing is a delicious, healthy option that’s quick and easy to prepare. With its blend of crunch, sweetness, and tang, it will be a hit at your next meal. The yogurt dressing ties all the ingredients together perfectly, making it a refreshing dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe? Yes, you can use red cabbage for a different color or napa cabbage for a softer texture.
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Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
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Can I substitute the honey with something else? You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
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Can I make this salad without yogurt? Yes, you can use mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a different twist.
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How can I make this salad more filling? Add some protein, such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu, to make it a complete meal.
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Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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Can I use a different type of mustard? Absolutely! You can use Dijon, yellow, or even spicy mustard depending on your taste.
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How long will the leftovers last? The salad will keep for 1-2 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
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Can I add other vegetables to this salad? Yes, feel free to add radishes, bell peppers, or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.
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What else can I garnish this salad with? Fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or seeds like sunflower seeds make great additions to the salad for extra texture and flavor.