Festive Red Cabbage, Apple, and Pecan Crunch Salad
Brighten up your winter gatherings with this Festive Red Cabbage, Apple, and Pecan Crunch Salad. This vibrant slaw combines the crispness of finely shredded red cabbage with the sweetness of fresh green apples and the earthiness of grated carrots, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Complemented by thinly sliced red onions and topped with crunchy pecans, this salad is as stunning to behold as it is delicious. The tangy dressing, made with zesty Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic, and a blend of olive and walnut oils, ties everything together beautifully. Whether served alongside holiday cold cuts, rich pies, or as a refreshing accompaniment to a buffet, this versatile dish is sure to impress. Option to enhance this recipe includes the addition of semi-dried cranberries and grated beetroot for an extra touch of sweetness and color. The vibrant hues and varied textures of this salad make it a show-stopper on any festive table, so be prepared to receive plenty of compliments!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
red cabbage
1/2 medium (finely shredded and outer leaves trimmed)
green apples
2 (cored and thinly sliced)
carrots
4 (peeled and grated)
red onion
1/2 small (peeled and thinly sliced)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons
garlic clove
1 (peeled and finely minced)
caster sugar
1 teaspoon
olive oil
3 tablespoons
walnut oil
2 tablespoons
white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
pecan nuts
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
parsley
to taste (for garnish)
semi-dried cranberries
1/2 cup (optional extra)
walnuts
1/2 cup (finely chopped, optional extra)
raw beetroot
1 (finely grated, optional extra)
Instructions
1
In a jar, combine Dijon mustard, minced garlic, caster sugar, olive oil, walnut oil, and white wine vinegar to create the dressing. Shake well until all ingredients are fully blended. This dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a cool place for up to 2 days.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced green apples, grated carrots, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently mix by hand to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3
One hour before you plan to serve the salad, pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated and allow the flavors to mingle and develop.
4
Transfer the salad to an attractive serving bowl. Just before serving, sprinkle the finely chopped pecan nuts over the top and toss lightly, leaving some pecans on the surface for garnish.
5
For an added pop of color and freshness, garnish the salad with finely chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Red Cabbage, Apple, and Pecan Crunch Salad?
It is a vibrant winter slaw that combines finely shredded red cabbage, sweet green apples, grated carrots, and red onions with a tangy Dijon and walnut oil dressing, topped with crunchy pecans.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The primary ingredients are red cabbage, green apples, carrots, red onion, and pecan nuts.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a jar, combine Dijon mustard, minced garlic, caster sugar, olive oil, walnut oil, and white wine vinegar, then shake well until blended.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a cool place for up to 2 days.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture one hour before you plan to serve to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.
How long should the salad sit after dressing?
It should sit for approximately one hour to ensure all ingredients are coated and the flavors are fully developed.
What type of cabbage should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 a medium red cabbage, with outer leaves trimmed and finely shredded.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 green apples, cored and thinly sliced.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 4 carrots, which should be peeled and grated.
What type of onion is used in the salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 a small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
Finely chopped pecan nuts provide the signature crunch.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, you can add semi-dried cranberries, grated raw beetroot, or walnuts for extra flavor and color.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses a blend of 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of walnut oil.
What type of mustard is required?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Is there any sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1 teaspoon of caster sugar.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be peeled and finely minced before being added to the dressing jar.
What type of vinegar is used for the acidity?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
When should I add the pecans?
Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans over the top just before serving and toss lightly.
What is the recommended garnish?
Finely chopped parsley is recommended for an added pop of color and freshness.
What dishes does this salad pair well with?
It is an excellent accompaniment to holiday cold cuts, rich pies, or as part of a festive buffet.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, all the listed ingredients including the oils and mustard are plant-based.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts are listed as an optional extra and can be used as a substitute for pecans if desired.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it uses 1/2 a medium cabbage and 4 carrots, making it suitable for a medium to large gathering.
Can I add raw beetroot to this salad?
Yes, adding 1 finely grated raw beetroot is a suggested option to enhance the color and sweetness.
What is the texture of the salad?
The texture is a mix of crisp cabbage, crunchy pecans, and soft shredded carrots and apples.
Should the pecans be roasted?
The recipe calls for finely chopped pecans; while roasting is not required, it can be done to enhance the nutty flavor.
How should the salad be presented?
Transfer it to an attractive serving bowl and leave some pecans on the surface for garnish.
Is this salad a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish featuring fresh vegetables and heart-healthy nut oils.
Does the recipe include cranberries?
Semi-dried cranberries are an optional extra that can be added for a touch of sweetness.
How do I mix the vegetables?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, apples, carrots, and onion, and gently mix by hand to distribute the ingredients evenly.