Cabbage salad with carrots

Cabbage salad with carrots is a crisp, crunchy, and refreshing salad that's perfect as a side dish or even as a light main course. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with various ingredients and dressings. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Cabbage Salad with Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded or thinly sliced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
• 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or nuts (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables:

   • Finely shred or thinly slice the cabbage.
   • Peel and grate the carrots. If you’re using a food processor, this can make the process quicker.
   • Thinly slice the red onion if using.

2. Mix Vegetables:

   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and red onion (if using). Toss well to mix.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Dress the Salad:

   • Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss well to coat all the vegetables with the dressing.

5. Add Optional Ingredients:

   • Stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro and toasted sunflower seeds or nuts if desired.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture, or let it sit for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded red cabbage, sliced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of caraway seeds for additional flavor.
• Crunch Factor: Adding nuts or seeds not only enhances the texture but also provides a delightful crunch.
• Dressing Variations: You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a creamy ranch or a sesame-ginger dressing, to suit your taste.

This cabbage salad with carrots is versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it a great addition to any meal. Enjoy!