Zesty Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Recipe

Crafting a delightful crunchy cabbage, carrot, and apple salad brings unexpected joy to your mealtime adventure.

Crisp vegetables dance together in a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures.

Raw ingredients sing with freshness and natural sweetness.

Chopped cabbage provides a satisfying crunch that awakens your palate.

Carrots add brilliant orange hues and earthy undertones.

Crisp apple slices introduce a subtle hint of brightness.

You’ll find this simple combination surprisingly addictive and refreshing.

Dive right in and experience a salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Pops with Flavor

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and minerals from cabbage, carrots, and apples, this salad delivers a healthy punch of fresh ingredients that nourish your body.
• Master Quick Preparation: With minimal chopping and a simple dressing, this recipe comes together faster than most salads, making it perfect for busy people seeking delicious, nutritious meals.
• Celebrate Textural Delight: Crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and juicy apples create an amazing sensory experience that keeps every bite interesting and enjoyable.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish that appeals to both health-conscious eaters and those who love vibrant, fresh flavors.

What You’ll Need for Crunchy Cabbage Salad

• Cabbage: A crisp and nutritious base that provides a satisfying crunch to the salad.
• Carrot: Adds sweet flavor and bright orange color to enhance the overall texture.
• Green Apple: Brings a tart and fresh element that complements the other vegetables.
• Spring Onion: Provides a mild onion flavor and a subtle green accent to the salad.

• Dill, Parsley: Optional herbs that add a fresh and aromatic touch to the salad.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt: A simple dressing that creates a light and tangy coating for the vegetables, helping to soften and flavor the salad.

How to Build This Colorful, Crisp Salad

Step 1: Slice and Dice Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Thinly slice cabbage into delicate ribbons.

Shred carrots using a grater or julienne peeler. Cut green apple into slim half-moons.

Chop spring onions into thin rings. If you love herbs, roughly chop fresh dill or parsley for an extra flavor punch.

Toss all these colorful ingredients into a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Select a small bowl or mason jar with a tight lid.

Pour in fresh lemon juice. Add extra virgin olive oil.

Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt. Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake energetically until the dressing transforms into a silky, unified mixture.

Step 3: Marry the Flavors

Drizzle the bright dressing over your vegetable medley. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together.

Ensure each veggie gets a beautiful, glistening coating of the tangy dressing.

Step 4: Let the Magic Happen

Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.

This magical waiting period lets the flavors mingle and the vegetables soften slightly while maintaining their delightful crunch.

Tips for Maximum Crunch and Tang

• Slice vegetables and apple uniformly for consistent texture and even dressing absorption.
• Let salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor depth and allow ingredients to marinate.
• Use fresh, crisp vegetables and apples for maximum crunchiness and vibrant taste.
• Adjust lemon juice and olive oil ratio to suit personal preference, balancing acidity and richness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining salad's fresh crispness.

Fresh Mix-Ins for This Crunchy Slaw

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace spring onion with mint leaves and add crumbled feta cheese. Swap lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Asian Sesame Crunch: Substitute olive oil with sesame oil, add toasted sesame seeds, and include a tablespoon of rice vinegar. Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top for extra texture.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños for heat, use lime juice instead of lemon, and add a pinch of ground cumin. Mix in chopped cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Herb Variation: Blend Greek yogurt with the olive oil and lemon juice to create a creamy dressing. Stir in fresh chives and tarragon for an herbal, rich flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Cabbage and Apple Salad

• Pair with Grilled Chicken: Complement the salad's crisp texture with tender, herb-seasoned grilled chicken breast for a balanced protein-packed meal that enhances the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Recommend Sauvignon Blanc: Select a light, crisp white wine with citrus and herbal notes that mirrors the salad's zesty lemon dressing and refreshing ingredients, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Match with Toasted Walnut Bread: Serve alongside a slice of rustic walnut bread to add a nutty, crunchy dimension that contrasts with the salad's smooth dressing and provides a satisfying textural counterpoint.

How to Keep Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Fresh and Crisp

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep crisp vegetables and dressing separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before serving leftovers, drain any accumulated liquid and gently toss the salad to refresh its crunchiness.
• Quick Refresh: If salad seems wilted, add a few fresh chopped green onions or a splash of lemon juice to revive the flavors and brightness.
• Do Not Freeze: Avoid freezing this salad as it will drastically change the texture of cabbage, apple, and carrots, making them mushy and unappetizing.

Common Questions About Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Answered

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. The cabbage, carrots, and apple provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and low-calorie option.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.

• What if I don't have dill or parsley?

No problem. The salad tastes great without herbs, or you can substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or mint.

• Is this salad suitable for special diets?

It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be easily made vegan by ensuring the olive oil is plant-based.

Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp “Crunchy Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad” delivers refreshing Mediterranean flavors with perfect texture harmony. Zesty dressing and colorful ingredients promise a delightful crunch you’ll savor in every colorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 200–400 grams (7–14 ounces) cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 green apple, thinly sliced

Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced
• Dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the fresh produce by slicing cabbage into delicate strips, grating carrots into fine shreds, and cutting green apple into thin, uniform pieces.
2. Finely chop spring onions and optional herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the salad’s aromatic profile.
3. Create a vibrant dressing by combining fresh lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt in a sealed container.
4. Vigorously shake or whisk the dressing until it transforms into a smooth, emulsified mixture with a glossy appearance.
5. Transfer all prepared vegetables and apple into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
6. Drizzle the zesty dressing over the salad, using gentle tossing motions to coat every ingredient thoroughly without bruising the delicate components.
7. Allow the salad to rest for approximately 10 minutes at room temperature, enabling the flavors to harmonize and slightly soften the crisp vegetables while maintaining their textural integrity.
8. Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the ingredients’ vibrant colors and textures.

Notes

• Slice vegetables and apple uniformly for consistent texture and even dressing distribution.
• Use fresh, crisp produce to maximize the salad’s crunch and vibrant flavors.
• Allow salad to marinate briefly to enhance taste absorption and slightly tenderize raw vegetables.
• Customize the salad by adding protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or nuts for extra nutrition and variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg