Vibrant Middle Eastern Cabbage Salad
This Vibrant Middle Eastern Cabbage Salad is a refreshing addition to your table during Ramadan, bursting with flavor and color. The crunchiness of red cabbage combined with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich olive oil creates a delightful medley that complements your meals perfectly. It's not only nutritious but also a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for festive gatherings. Marinating the cabbage overnight enhances the flavors, infusing each bite with a tangy goodness that your family will love!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Cabbage
1 small head (Discard the tough stems, separate leaves, and chop into thin strips.)
Lemon Juice
2 (Juice the lemons.)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (Use extra virgin for best flavor.)
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced.)
Salt
2 teaspoons (Adjust to taste.)
Instructions
1
Begin by discarding the tough stems from the cabbage. Stack three leaves together, roll them tightly, and chop into thin strips.
2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and blanch for 1 minute to soften slightly.
3
Drain the cabbage and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to cool quickly. Once cooled, drain thoroughly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cabbage, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
For enhanced flavor, cover the salad and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you can, marinate overnight for best results.
6
Optionally, garnish with thin slices of red radish for a pop of color and added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Middle Eastern Cabbage Salad?
It is a refreshing and crunchy side dish made with red cabbage, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Is this cabbage salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is 100% vegetarian as it contains only vegetables and plant-based dressing components.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What type of cabbage should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one small head of red cabbage.
How do I prepare the cabbage for the salad?
Discard the tough stems, stack three leaves together, roll them tightly, and chop them into thin strips.
Why should I blanch the cabbage?
Blanching the cabbage for 1 minute helps to soften it slightly while maintaining its vibrant color and crunch.
How long should I blanch the cabbage?
The cabbage should be blanched in boiling water for exactly 1 minute.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath?
The ice water bath cools the cabbage quickly after blanching, which stops the cooking process and keeps the texture crisp.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is a medley of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and salt.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use other oils, though extra virgin olive oil provides the most authentic Middle Eastern taste.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove to add an aromatic flavor.
How much salt should I add to the salad?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, but you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious salad that is low in protein and features fresh, healthy ingredients like cabbage and lemon juice.
Is this salad suitable for Ramadan?
Yes, it is specifically described as a refreshing and ideal addition to your table during Ramadan and festive gatherings.
How long should I let the salad marinate before serving?
You should cover the salad and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I marinate the cabbage salad overnight?
Yes, marinating the salad overnight is recommended to achieve the best results and deepest flavor.
What are the benefits of marinating the salad overnight?
Marinating overnight enhances the flavors, infusing each bite of cabbage with tangy goodness.
What can I use as a garnish for this dish?
You can optionally garnish the salad with thin slices of red radish for a pop of color and added crunch.
Is this recipe low in protein?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a low protein recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While red cabbage is the star, the recipe suggests adding radish as a garnish, and you could experiment with other crunchy vegetables.
Is this dish a side or a main course?
This recipe is intended to be a side dish that complements your main meals.
How many lemons do I need for the juice?
The recipe requires the juice of 2 lemons.
How difficult is it to prepare this salad?
It is very easy to prepare, described as a 'breeze' and ideal for quick meal prep.
How do I ensure the cabbage strips are thin?
Rolling the stacked cabbage leaves tightly before chopping allows you to create thin, uniform strips.
What makes the salad 'vibrant'?
The combination of deep red cabbage, bright lemon juice, and optional red radish creates a visually striking and colorful dish.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including cabbage, lemon, oil, garlic, and salt, are naturally gluten-free.
What does the salad taste like?
It has a zesty, tangy, and aromatic flavor profile due to the lemon, garlic, and olive oil dressing.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
What is the texture of the cabbage after preparation?
The cabbage is slightly softened from blanching but retains a delightful crunchiness.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time is encouraged to allow the flavors to develop through marination.