Red Cabbage Salad

Tips: Enhance your red cabbage salad experience

While this recipe for red cabbage salad is pretty easy and straightforward, we still have put together a few tips for you. These will help you get the best result and flavour possible.

Master the art of dressing emulsification

To ensure your red cabbage salad dressing clings to every bite, combine olive oil, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a jar that you can seal. Screw the lid on tight and give it a good shake until the mixture thickens and blends smoothly. This helps emulsify the dressing, breaking the oil into tiny droplets that disperse evenly throughout the vinegar. It also ensures that the dressing adheres well to all the ingredients in the salad.

Selecting the best red cabbage

Choose a red cabbage that feels heavy, boasts a vibrant purple colour, and has crisp, shiny leaves. Avoid any with bruises, discolouration, or wilted leaves, as these could mean the cabbage is past its best and lacking in both crunch and flavour. Store your red cabbage in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.

Thin slices for a luxurious result

To thinly slice cabbage for your salad, use a mandolin slicer for quick, even cuts or a sharp chef’s knife for more control. Aim for thin slices to ensure the cabbage stays crisp and absorbs the dressing well without becoming too delicate. It also makes the red cabbage salad look appetising and luxurious.

Explore the vibrancy of red cabbage salad

If you are like us and cannot resist the taste of something vibrant, fresh, and colourful, you must try this recipe. Our delightful red cabbage salad offers the perfect mix of easy-to-prepare ingredients and aesthetic splendour. The crisp red cabbage serves as the backbone of the salad, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Paired with sweet, juicy oranges, each mouthful offers delicious tastes and textures.

Completed by the dressing

This red cabbage salad is not complete until it has been mixed with a zesty dressing that gives every bite a vibrant kick. A mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar forms a silky, tangy base with a hint of nutty warmth from the sesame oil. Dress the salad just before serving to ensure every last bit is coated in a beautiful sheen, perfectly ready to be enjoyed.

Effortless preparation, stunning results

Take to the kitchen early and make the salad ahead so it is ready to serve when needed. Doing so makes it ideal for meal prep or if you are hosting a dinner. Slicing the cabbage and cutting the cheese and oranges require minimal effort, and all the ingredients come together so easily. Whether it is for a dinner party or a quick lunch, this stunning salad with red cabbage will surely be a hit.

Serve with various dishes

Having a freshly made red cabbage salad sitting in the fridge allows it to be whipped out as the perfect side for grilled meats or fish. Its crispness and vibrant colour offer a pleasing contrast to heavier dishes. You can also serve it alongside a spinach potato salad or a chicken and potato salad.

For a quick lunch, add the salad to your wrap filling or sandwiches with grilled meat. The combination of oranges, walnuts, and dressing, wrapped in a tortilla or served with bread, makes for an exciting and enjoyable meal. This salad also works well for buffets and pot lucks, adding colour and a refreshing taste to the selection.

Enjoy it any time of the year

Since red cabbage is such a popular winter vegetable, our salad is ideal for the winter. However, given its wonderful taste and readily available ingredients, our recipe for red cabbage salad transcends seasons. With flavours like these, the weather is less important. Its refreshing crunch and dressing make it perfect for summer barbecues and chilly winter days.

Suggestions for varying the recipe

Here are a few suggestions to help you customise the recipe to your liking. For extra crunch, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or even pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness. If you stick to the walnuts, consider toasting them first. Heat the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown and give off a more prominent nutty scent. After toasting, sprinkle them with a little salt to enhance their flavour, ensuring they pair well with the zesty oranges and tangy dressing.

Explore other dressings! For a zesty Asian-inspired flavour, combine lime juice with a neutral oil like grapeseed. If you fancy a Middle Eastern twist, add aromatic spices such as cumin or sumac to your dressing. For a sweeter touch, an apple cider vinaigrette with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of honey would be perfect. Trying different dressings can bring a new dimension to your red cabbage salad.