Raw cabbage salad

Raw Cabbage Salad with Olive Oil and Honey Apple Cider Vinegar

Total preparation time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

In a world where fast food and elaborate meals constantly attract our attention, a raw cabbage salad remains a classic that brings a touch of freshness and health to our table. This simple and quick recipe not only combines accessible ingredients but is also an excellent way to consume raw vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it is a perfect accompaniment to various dishes, from barbecues to roasts or even as a light snack between meals.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1/2 raw cabbage
- 1 onion (preferably white or red, depending on your preference)
- 1 carrot (optional, but recommended for added color and sweetness)
- 20 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons honey apple cider vinegar
- 1 tomato (for garnish and an extra splash of color)
- Seasonings to taste: salt, pepper, and optionally, Knorr salad dressing with bell pepper and herbs

Preparing the salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the cabbage well under a stream of cold water. This removes any impurities or pesticides. Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Use a sharp knife or a grater to slice it into thin strips (shredded). If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a food processor.

2. Onion and carrot
The onion can be sliced thinly or diced, depending on your preferences. If you choose to add carrot, peel it with a peeler and grate it. This will add a note of sweetness and enhance the salad's appearance.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, onion, and carrot. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed.

4. The dressing
In a small container, combine the extra virgin olive oil with the honey apple cider vinegar. This dressing not only enhances the salad's flavor but also brings the nutritional benefits of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, while apple cider vinegar aids digestion and regulates blood sugar levels.

5. Final assembly
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and vegetable mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix everything carefully to avoid crushing the vegetables. A well-mixed salad will have a uniform and delicious flavor.

6. Garnishing
Slice the tomato and use the slices to garnish the salad. You can also add other ingredients, such as toasted sunflower seeds or olives for an extra texture and flavor.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the cabbage: Choose a fresh cabbage with firm and crisp leaves. Avoid cabbage with spots or wilted leaves.
- Customized dressing: You can experiment with the dressing by adding crushed garlic for a more intense flavor or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy note.
- Vegetable varieties: Add ingredients like bell pepper, cucumber, or even fresh dill to diversify the salad's taste and texture.
- Serving: This salad is ideal as a side dish for meat dishes but can also be served as a main course alongside whole-grain bread.

Nutritional benefits
Cabbage is an extremely nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as dietary fiber that helps maintain digestive health. Consuming raw cabbage contributes to increasing your antioxidant intake, thus protecting you from various ailments.

Calories
A serving of raw cabbage salad contains approximately 80 calories, depending on the amount of dressing used and additional ingredients added.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can the salad be stored?
The raw cabbage salad is best consumed immediately after preparation. However, if stored in an airtight container, it can be consumed the next day, but the texture will be softer.

- Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, but choose quality vinegars for the best results.

- What can I do with leftovers?
If you have leftover salad, you can use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, along with meat or cheese.

Possible variations:
If you want to bring a touch of innovation to your recipe, here are some delicious variations:

- Cabbage salad with fruits: Add diced apple or raisins for a sweet note.
- Cabbage salad with nuts: Lightly roast the nuts or hazelnuts and add them for a crunchy texture.
- Cabbage salad with cheese: Incorporate feta cheese or grated parmesan for an extra flavor boost.

This simple yet flavorful dish is an excellent way to bring a touch of freshness to your diet. Enjoy it as is or use it as a base for other creative dishes. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a canvas on which you can leave your personal mark. Enjoy your meal!