As I chopped fresh cabbage and sliced crisp apples, the vibrant colors reminded me of a sunny day picnic—perfect for sharing with loved ones. This Quick and Crunchy Cabbage Apple Salad is a delightful blend of texture and flavor, combining the crispness of apples with savory walnuts and a sprinkle of parmesan. Not only does this recipe come together in just 15 minutes, making it an incredibly easy addition to your meals, but it’s also a healthy choice that satisfies cravings without the heaviness. Whether served as a refreshing side dish at dinner or a light lunch on its own, this salad is bound to impress. Ready to elevate your culinary repertoire with this bright and invigorating dish? Let’s dive in!
Why is this salad a must-try?
Freshness at Your Fingertips: This Cabbage Apple Salad is a quick solution for those busy weeknights, requiring just 15 minutes of prep.
Healthy & Delicious: Packed with nutrients from cabbage and apples, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome, gluten-free option.
Customizable for Your Taste: Easily swap out ingredients like walnuts for almonds or add protein such as chicken for a heartier meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual picnic, this salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats.
Satisfying Crunch: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crunchy cabbage and sweet apples, making every bite refreshing and flavorful.
Let this salad shine on your table alongside other favorites like Cucumber Pasta Salad or Cheese Egg Salad!
Cabbage Apple Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Cabbage – A firm head, whether green or red, creates the perfect crunchy base for this Cabbage Apple Salad.
• Apples – Opt for crisp varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a delightful sweetness and crunch.
• Walnuts (or Pecans) – Toasted, they lend a nutty flavor and healthy fats; feel free to switch to almonds for a change.
• Parmesan Cheese – Use shaved parmesan to add a savory kick; crumbled mature cheddar is a tasty alternative.
For the Dressing
• Extra virgin olive oil – This rich oil forms the base of your salad dressing, but feel free to substitute with another light oil.
• Apple cider vinegar – The acidity balances the sweetness; other vinegars can be used but will alter the taste slightly.
• Honey – Sweetens the dressing; swap with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
• Dijon mustard – Provides depth and zing to the dressing; standard mustard can work in a pinch.
• Salt and Freshly cracked black pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together; season to taste.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating a vibrant Cabbage Apple Salad that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cabbage Apple Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Begin by removing the outer leaves from a firm head of cabbage and cut out the core with a sharp knife. Finely slice the cabbage using either the knife or a mandolin for even pieces. Place the shredded cabbage in a large salad bowl, ensuring it’s crisp and fresh, ready to form the base of your Cabbage Apple Salad.
Step 2: Slice the Apples
Next, take two crisp apples, such as Gala or Honeycrisp, and cut them into quarters. Remove the cores and slice the apple quarters into 1/4-inch thick pieces or small cubes for an enjoyable bite. Gently fold the apple slices into the salad bowl with the cabbage, adding a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy greens.
Step 3: Toast the Walnuts
In a skillet, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add about a cup of walnut halves, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat, and chop the toasted walnuts roughly. Mix them into the salad, saving a few pieces for a crunchy garnish at the end.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a clean jar, combine 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a drizzle of honey, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified, creating a flavorful blend for your Cabbage Apple Salad.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Toss half of the shaved Parmesan cheese into the bowl with the cabbage, apples, and walnuts. Pour the homemade dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, add the reserved toasted walnuts and the remaining shaved Parmesan on top of the salad for added texture and flavor. This Cabbage Apple Salad is now ready to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, making it a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Cabbage Apple Salad Variations
Feel free to make this delightful salad your own by exploring these tasty variations!
- Protein Boost: Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a hearty and nutritious touch. This twist enhances the salad’s filling nature, making it a perfect standalone meal.
- Nut-Free Delight: Swap out walnuts for sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free. The seeds add a lovely crunch while ensuring everyone can enjoy the salad.
- Fruity Fusion: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and chewiness. This fruity option elevates the fresh ingredients and adds a beautiful pop of color!
- Spice It Up: For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño. This adds a zing that beautifully balances the sweetness of the apples.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can elevate the flavor profile of your salad. A sprinkle of chopped herbs brings brightness and freshness to the mix.
- Savory Spin: Substitute parmesan cheese with crumbled feta or blue cheese for a salty kick. The rich flavors give the salad a unique twist that’s simply irresistible!
- Crunchy Layers: Layer in some crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch. These additions not only enhance the texture but also provide a delightful contrast to the fresh ingredients.
- Zesty Dressing: Experiment with a citrus variation of the dressing by swapping apple cider vinegar for lemon juice. The bright acidity adds a refreshing twist to the salad!
Let your creativity flow! For more satisfying meals, enjoy this salad alongside a hearty BLT Chicken Salad or a refreshing Cucumber Pasta Salad.
What to Serve with Quick and Crunchy Cabbage Apple Salad
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the vibrant Cabbage Apple Salad beautifully, making each meal unforgettable.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and a smoky flavor, harmonizing with the salad’s crispness. It’s a classic combo that’s perfect for a wholesome dinner.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy dressing, creating a satisfying balance of flavors. Their warm texture also adds a delightful element.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs adds a hearty side that pairs well while boosting the nutritional value of your meal. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate more grains into your diet!
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Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread, like sourdough or focaccia, is perfect for sopping up the delicious juices of the salad, making it a comforting side that everyone loves.
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Light White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc can bring out the fresh notes of the salad, creating a refreshing pairing that enhances your dining pleasure without overpowering the dish.
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Fruit Sorbet: A light fruit sorbet is a refreshing dessert to round out the meal. Its sweet and fruity flavor gives a delightful endnote to your dining experience, echoing the apple’s sweetness in the salad.
Make Ahead Options
These Cabbage Apple Salad preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking to save time on busy days! You can slice the cabbage and apples up to 24 hours in advance, just be sure to refrigerate the apples in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Additionally, the walnuts can be toasted ahead of time—simply store them in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to serve, just toss the prepped ingredients with the dressing and remaining Parmesan, giving it a quick stir for that fresh-out-of-the-bowl flair. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, crisp salad that’s just as delightful as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Cabbage Apple Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep the cabbage crisp, dress the salad just before serving.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the texture of ingredients like cabbage and apples can become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating: Since this salad is best enjoyed fresh, there’s no need to reheat. Just prepare equal portions as needed to avoid sogginess.
Flavor Preservation: If you’d like to enjoy this Cabbage Apple Salad over several days, consider storing the dressing separately to maintain freshness and taste.
Expert Tips for Cabbage Apple Salad
Flavor Melting Time: Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes after tossing; this lets the ingredients mingle and enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh Apple Advice: Cut the apples just before serving to prevent browning. Choose varieties like Honeycrisp for the best taste in your Cabbage Apple Salad.
Cabbage Selection: Opt for a firm, dense head of cabbage to maintain a crunchy texture; avoid any that feel loose or wilted.
Nutty Goodness: Toast walnuts in olive oil for richer flavor; you can also experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.
Dressing Balance: Always taste your dressing before serving. Adjust the vinegar or honey to ensure the perfect sweet-and-sour harmony!
Cabbage Apple Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of cabbage is best for this salad?
Absolutely! For the best crunch and flavor, I recommend using a firm, compact head of either green or red cabbage. Look for heads that feel heavy for their size and have a vibrant color without any dark spots or wilting.
How should I store leftovers of the Cabbage Apple Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Dressing the salad just before serving will help maintain the crispness of the cabbage and apples.
Can I freeze Cabbage Apple Salad?
Very! However, freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the textures of the cabbage and apples. Freezing can make these ingredients mushy when thawed. Instead, it’s best enjoyed fresh or prepared in smaller portions that can be eaten within a couple of days.
My walnuts are soggy. What should I do?
If your walnuts have become soggy, they may not have been toasted properly or may have absorbed moisture. To revive them, you can toast them again in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they regain their crunch. For next time, be sure to store any unused walnuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Cabbage Apple Salad vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup in the dressing. Additionally, you can skip the parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative to keep the flavors intact without the dairy.
What types of apples work best for this salad?
Great question! Crisp apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith are perfect for this salad. Their natural sweetness and crunch complement the savory cabbage beautifully. Just make sure to slice them right before serving to prevent browning.
Crisp Cabbage Apple Salad for a Refreshing Healthy Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and cut out the core. Finely slice the cabbage.
- Slice the apples into quarters, remove the cores, and slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Toast the walnuts in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- In a jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper and shake well.
- Toss half of the Parmesan into the salad bowl, pour the dressing over, and mix to combine.
- Garnish with reserved walnuts and remaining Parmesan before serving.
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