Red cabbage salad with carrot and white radish

Red Cabbage Salad with Carrot and White Radish

A vibrant, easy-to-make salad packed with vitamins! This red cabbage salad with carrot and white radish is not just an excellent accompaniment to any meal, but also a dish with personality, harmoniously blending colors and flavors.

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

Recipe History

Over time, salads have been an essential element in diets, bringing not only a splash of color but also vitality. Red cabbage, in particular, is known for its antioxidant properties, and the combination with sweet carrots and crunchy radish offers an interesting contrast of textures and flavors. This simple recipe is perfect for warm days or to add a touch of freshness to festive meals.

Ingredients

- 1 medium red cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 1 medium white radish (or celery, according to preference)
- A bunch of fresh dill
- Iodized salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons vinegar (preferably wine or apple)
- 2-3 tablespoons water

Ingredient Details

- Red Cabbage: Besides its appealing appearance, red cabbage is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and anthocyanins, compounds that help maintain heart health.
- Carrots: An excellent source of beta-carotene, carrots contribute to eye health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- White Radish: This root vegetable adds a slightly spicy note to the salad but can be replaced with celery for a sweeter taste.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by removing the wilted outer leaves from the red cabbage. Cut the cabbage in half and then slice each half into thin strips using a sharp knife or food processor. This will help achieve an even texture in the salad.

2. Massaging the cabbage with salt: Place the chopped cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle iodized salt over it. Massage the cabbage with your hands for a few minutes. This process will help the cabbage release liquid and become softer, improving the final texture of the salad.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the carrots and white radish. Use a fine grater to shred them. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can cut the carrots and radish into thin strips.

4. Squeezing the cabbage: After massaging the cabbage, it will be full of liquid. Squeeze the cabbage by hand or in a cheesecloth to remove excess water. This step is essential to avoid a soggy salad.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the squeezed cabbage, shredded carrot, and radish, along with the finely chopped dill. Gently mix all the ingredients, ensuring they combine evenly.

6. Preparing the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

7. Finishing the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Let the salad sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.

8. Serving: Serve the red cabbage salad immediately, either as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or even as a vegetarian meal.

Practical Tips

- Customization: You can add other ingredients based on your preferences, such as diced apple for added sweetness or nuts for a crunchy flavor.
- Dressing variations: Instead of wine vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and for a sweet note, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
- Storing the salad: If you have leftover salad, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge, but the flavor will be best within the first 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cabbage?
Yes, you can experiment with white cabbage or napa cabbage, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?
You can add a bit of finely chopped chili pepper or chili sauce to the dressing.

3. Is this salad suitable for a diet?
Yes, the salad is low in calories, rich in fiber and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Recommended Pairings

This red cabbage salad with carrot and white radish pairs perfectly with a serving of grilled fish or chicken steak. It can also be enjoyed alongside a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or mint lemonade.

In conclusion, this salad recipe is not only simple and quick but also full of flavor and color. A perfect way to bring a touch of freshness to any meal! Enjoy!