Sweet autumn cabbage salad

Sweet Cabbage Salad with Autumn Vegetables: A Delight for the Senses

When autumn arrives, markets fill with vibrant colors and unmistakable aromas. Imagine strolling through the stalls of fresh vegetables, admiring the richness of the season. This sweet cabbage salad is inspired by those moments of inspiration, where each ingredient contributes to a feast of flavors. With a perfect combination of juicy vegetables and enticing aromas, this salad will quickly become a family favorite. Let's get started!

Preparation Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1/2 sweet cabbage (approximately 300g)
- 1 large carrot
- A handful of fresh celery leaves
- 1 large tomato
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1/4 grated horseradish (about a tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or honey apple cider vinegar
- Himalayan pink salt or sea salt, to taste

Necessary Utensils
- Large and small grater
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Vegetables
Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities, especially from the celery leaves. The first essential step is cleaning, and I recommend choosing fresh, seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor.

2. Grating the Cabbage
Take the cabbage and cut it in half. Use the large grater to grate it. This will help release the natural juices of the cabbage, making it more flavorful. Once grated, place it in a large bowl.

3. Celery Leaves
Now, take the celery leaves. Lift them and rub them between your fingers to release their aroma. Add them to the cabbage and mix gently with your hands to combine the ingredients.

4. Carrot and Horseradish
Grate the carrot using the small grater and add it to the cabbage and celery mixture. Horseradish can be a surprising ingredient, but it adds a spicy note. Grate it and add it to the bowl as well.

5. Tomato and Dill
Chop the tomato into small cubes and finely chop the dill. These will bring a fresh taste and an unmistakable aroma to the salad. Add them to the bowl and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.

6. The Dressing
Now, let’s make the dressing! Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad. Add the olive oil, vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. These ingredients will add a pleasant acidity and highlight the flavors of the vegetables.

7. Seasoning
Sprinkle Himalayan pink salt (or sea salt) to taste. Mix everything again, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving; this way, the flavors will blend perfectly.

Serving Suggestions
This salad is delicious served as a side dish alongside meat or fish dishes. You can accompany it with fresh bread or a portion of hummus for a healthy lunch. It is also perfect to be enjoyed as an appetizer at a festive meal.

Variations and Tips
If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add:
- Cucumbers for a note of freshness.
- Bell peppers for a splash of color and flavor.
- Nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Feta cheese or goat cheese for a rich flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients! Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, and horseradish provides antioxidants. Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, help maintain eye health, while celery is known for its hydrating properties. The combination of these ingredients will help you stay energetic and healthy.

Calories
A serving of this salad contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It is a perfect option for those looking for a filling yet light dish.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pickled cabbage instead of sweet cabbage?
- Yes, but you should reduce the amount of salt since pickled cabbage is already salty.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
- Of course! You can experiment with seasonal vegetables such as beets or radishes.

3. How can I keep the salad fresh?
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but ideally, consume it on the same day to benefit from all the nutrients and flavors.

I hope you enjoyed discovering this sweet cabbage salad! A simple yet flavorful recipe that will take you back to the colorful autumn. Savor each ingredient and enjoy every bite!