Bright & Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Recipe

Crisp seasonal ingredients make this vibrant cabbage, carrot, and apple salad a refreshing culinary adventure.

Colorful chunks of vegetable and fruit dance together in a light, zesty dressing.

Crunchy textures provide unexpected delight with each forkful.

Nutritious and simple, this salad brings together classic produce in a playful combination.

Raw vegetables shine with minimal preparation, letting natural flavors speak loudly.

Bright and tangy notes will surprise you, turning an ordinary side dish into something memorable.

You can’t wait to mix these ingredients and experience a delightful crunch that awakens your taste buds.

Why Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad Is A Winner

• Boost Nutritional Power: Pack a punch of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants with every colorful bite, supporting your overall wellness journey.
• Create Quick Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a vibrant salad with minimal chopping and zero complicated techniques, perfect for kitchen newbies and seasoned cooks.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Play with herb choices, adjust dressing intensity, and pair with different proteins to make this recipe uniquely yours, turning a basic salad into a personalized dining experience.
• Embrace Wholesome Simplicity: Enjoy a naturally gluten-free, vegan dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and clean eating without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

What Goes Into Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad

• Cabbage: A crisp and nutritious vegetable that provides a crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Carrot: Adds a sweet and vibrant orange color to the salad, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Green Apple: Brings a tart and refreshing element that complements the other vegetables.

• Spring Onions, Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a burst of flavor and aromatic complexity to the salad.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt: A simple dressing that brightens the salad and helps prevent apple browning while adding moisture and seasoning.

Steps To Make Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad

Step 1: Prep Fresh Ingredients

Grab a clean cutting board and sharp knife. Wash the cabbage, carrot, and apple under cool running water.

Pat everything dry with a clean kitchen towel. Peel the carrot if desired.

Step 2: Slice and Dice

• Cabbage: Slice into ultra-thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline
• Carrot: Grate using a box grater for perfect thin ribbons
• Apple: Core and cut into delicate matchstick-sized pieces
• Optional herbs: Finely chop fresh dill or parsley for extra zing

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Toss all chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl. The colorful mix will look like a vibrant veggie confetti ready to party.

Step 4: Dress with Zing

Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the salad. Add a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil.

Sprinkle sea salt to enhance the natural flavors. The lemon acts like a magical shield preventing apple browning while adding bright tanginess.

Step 5: Blend and Massage

Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently mix everything. Ensure each veggie piece gets coated with the zingy dressing.

The mixing helps soften the cabbage and blend flavors.

Step 6: Chill and Enhance

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

This waiting period allows flavors to dance and mingle, creating a more complex taste profile.

• Perfect alongside grilled salmon
• Great with roasted chicken
• Excellent as a standalone light lunch
• Wonderful picnic or potluck contribution

• Use super fresh ingredients for maximum crunch
• Adjust lemon and oil to personal taste
• Add toasted nuts for extra texture
• Experiment with different herb combinations

Nutrition Highlights:

Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Each bite delivers immune-boosting nutrients and delicious crunch.

Storage Wisdom:

Refrigerate in sealed container.

Stays fresh and crisp for 2 days. Flavors continue developing, making leftovers even more delicious.

• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Paleo-friendly

Why You’ll Adore This Salad:

Lightning-fast preparation. Bursting with fresh flavors.

Nutritious and satisfying. A true crowd-pleaser that makes healthy eating a joy!

Tips To Make Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad Great

• Helpful Tips for Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad
• – Slice vegetables thinly for maximum crunch and even flavor distribution throughout the salad.
• – Squeeze fresh lemon juice immediately before adding to prevent apple browning and maintain vibrant colors.
• – Consider toasting nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and nutty depth to the salad.
• – Experiment with different herb combinations like mint or cilantro to create unique flavor profiles.
• – Massage dressing into cabbage slightly to soften leaves and enhance overall taste absorption.

Tasty Takes On Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad

• Spicy Asian Slaw: Add sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a bold, tangy kick. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for extra flavor and crunch.
• Mediterranean Cabbage Salad: Replace lemon juice with red wine vinegar, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh mint. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Apple Coleslaw: Mix in Greek yogurt and a touch of Dijon mustard to create a creamy dressing. Incorporate chopped walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Tropical Cabbage Salad: Include diced mango or pineapple chunks for sweetness.

What To Pair With Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salad's fresh and tangy flavors, cutting through the crispness of the vegetables.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Add grilled chicken breast or seared salmon as a protein partner, enhancing the salad's nutritional profile and creating a balanced, satisfying meal with contrasting textures.
• Serve with Rustic Bread: Include a slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a hearty accompaniment that soaks up the lemony dressing and adds a satisfying carbohydrate element to the light salad.

How To Store Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad Right

• Refrigerate in Sealed Container: Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping it crisp and fresh.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain the salad's crunchiness.
• Gentle Reheating: Gently bring the salad to room temperature before serving to help restore its original texture and flavor.
• Refresh Before Serving: Toss with a small amount of fresh lemon juice and olive oil to revive the salad's brightness and restore its original zesty taste.

FAQs About Cabbage Carrot Apple Salad

• Can I use different types of cabbage for this salad?

Yes, you can use green, red, or napa cabbage. Each variety brings a unique texture and slightly different flavor to the salad.

• Is this salad good for weight loss?

Absolutely! It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients. The combination of vegetables and apple makes it a great option for those watching their weight.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can easily add protein by including grilled chicken, tofu, nuts like almonds or walnuts, or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make it more filling.

• What alternatives can I use instead of lemon juice?

White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar work well as substitutes for lemon juice in the dressing, providing a similar tangy flavor.

Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty cabbage, carrot, and apple salad dances with crisp textures and tangy sweetness. Fresh ingredients blend perfectly, offering a light, refreshing side dish that energizes your meal with cool Nordic-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 200–400 grams (7–14 ounces) cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 green apple, cored and thinly sliced

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 spring onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dill or parsley, chopped

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean cabbage, carrot, apple, and spring onions under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Use a sharp mandoline or knife to finely shred the cabbage into delicate, uniform strips, creating a light and airy base for the salad.
3. Peel the carrot and grate it using a box grater, producing thin, wispy strands that will blend seamlessly with the cabbage.
4. Core the green apple and slice it into delicate matchstick-sized pieces, maintaining a consistent size for balanced texture.
5. Chop fresh herbs like dill or parsley into small, fragrant pieces to add a vibrant layer of flavor.
6. Transfer the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, apple matchsticks, and chopped spring onions into a spacious mixing bowl.
7. Sprinkle the herbs over the vegetable mixture, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
8. Drizzle fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the salad, ensuring each ingredient gets lightly coated.
9. Season with salt, tasting and adjusting to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
10. Gently toss all ingredients, allowing the dressing to blend and create a harmonious mixture.
11. Refrigerate the salad for 15 minutes at 40°F to allow flavors to meld and develop a refreshing, crisp taste.
12. Serve chilled as a light side dish or quick, nutritious meal, enjoying the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

Notes

• Slice ingredients uniformly to ensure consistent texture and even dressing distribution.
• Opt for green apples like Granny Smith for a tart crunch that balances the salad’s flavors.
• Massage cabbage lightly with salt to soften its texture and reduce raw intensity.
• Consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and protein boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg