Winter Salad

Winter salad with cabbage and carrots – a perfect accompaniment for festive meals

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

This winter salad is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for adding a touch of freshness to your dishes. With accessible ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, you will achieve a crunchy salad full of vitamins and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage (about 1 kg)
- 2 large carrots
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar (apple or balsamic, depending on preference)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: 1 finely chopped red onion, sunflower seeds or nuts for added texture

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by chopping the cabbage. Remove the core and, using a sharp knife, slice the cabbage into thin strips, about 1 cm wide. This will make mixing the salad easier and ensure a uniform texture.

2. Massage the cabbage with salt: Place the chopped cabbage in a large bowl, add the salt, and gently massage the cabbage strips with your hands for 2-3 minutes. This technique helps to soften the cabbage and release its juices, making it tastier and crunchier.

3. Preparing the carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them thinly or grate them, depending on your preference. Add the carrots to the massaged cabbage and mix well to combine the ingredients.

4. Making the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to emulsify the ingredients. The dressing can be adjusted according to personal preferences – if you prefer a tangier salad, you can add more vinegar.

5. Assembling the salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well, ensuring that each strip of cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serving: The winter salad can be served on its own or as a side dish for roasts, fish, or other seasonal dishes. You can add finely chopped red onion for extra flavor and color, or sprinkle sunflower seeds and nuts for a crunchy texture.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, to change the flavor profile of the salad.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or radishes, to diversify the colors and flavors.

This winter salad is not only healthy and delicious, but it also brings a splash of vitality to your table, making it a perfect choice for holiday meals or family dinners. Try it and enjoy its benefits!