Cabbage Salad

Ukrainian Cabbage Salad Recipe - A Delicious and Nutritious Dish

Region / culture: Ukraine | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cabbage salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. This recipe combines the crispness of cabbage with the sweetness of apples and the creaminess of mayonnaise for a delicious and satisfying salad.

History

Cabbage salad has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that has been used in cooking for thousands of years. The addition of apples and mayonnaise to cabbage salad is a more modern twist on the classic recipe, adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the dish.

Ingredients

1 firm head of cabbage (white), about 1.5 lb (680 g)
0.5 tsp salt
1 medium onion
1 large apple (peeled and cored)
1 cup mayonnaise
3 – 4 tbsp thin carrot shavings
sugar (to taste)
parsley sprigs and/or thin wedges of red-skinned apples.

How to prepare

Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Slice it into thin strips.
Sprinkle 0.5 tsp of salt over the cabbage strips and massage them. Also, julienne the onion and apple, and mix them with the cabbage, mayonnaise, and carrot shavings.
Season with salt and sugar according to your taste. Refrigerate until chilled.

Variations

You can customize this cabbage salad recipe by adding other fruits or vegetables, such as shredded carrots, raisins, or nuts. You can also experiment with different seasonings or dressings to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making cabbage salad, be sure to slice the cabbage thinly to ensure a crisp and crunchy texture. Massaging the cabbage with salt helps to soften it slightly and bring out its natural flavors. Be sure to refrigerate the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs well with sandwiches or wraps for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious cabbage salad is to slice the cabbage thinly and massage it with salt to soften it slightly. Be sure to refrigerate the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette dressing as a substitute. You can also use red cabbage or Napa cabbage instead of white cabbage for a different flavor and texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Cabbage salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to mix the salad well before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cabbage salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a bed of lettuce for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cabbage salad pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish. It also goes well with sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Cabbage salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to mix the salad well before serving to redistribute the flavors. Do not freeze cabbage salad, as the texture will become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cabbage salad contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Cabbage salad is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the cabbage and apples. The mayonnaise adds a small amount of carbohydrates as well.

Fats

Mayonnaise is the main source of fat in this cabbage salad recipe. Be sure to use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.

Proteins

There is a small amount of protein in this cabbage salad recipe, mainly from the mayonnaise.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage is a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Apples also provide vitamins and minerals, making this salad a nutritious choice.

Alergens

Mayonnaise contains eggs, so be sure to use a vegan or egg-free mayonnaise if you have an egg allergy.

Summary

Cabbage salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Cabbage salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. This recipe combines the crispness of cabbage with the sweetness of apples and the creaminess of mayonnaise for a satisfying and refreshing salad. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Cabbage Salad. It was a warm summer day when I was just a young girl, helping my mother in the kitchen. We had a big garden in the backyard, filled with all sorts of vegetables and herbs. My mother always had a knack for creating delicious dishes out of whatever we had on hand, and that day she decided to make a simple cabbage salad.

I watched as she chopped up the fresh green cabbage, mixing it with shredded carrots, bell peppers, and a homemade vinaigrette dressing. The colors of the vegetables mixed together in the bowl, creating a vibrant and inviting dish. I couldn't wait to taste it.

As I took my first bite, I was hooked. The crunch of the cabbage, the sweetness of the carrots, and the tanginess of the dressing all came together in perfect harmony. It was a flavor I had never experienced before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged my mother to teach me the recipe, and she happily obliged. She showed me how to chop the cabbage into thin strips, how to shred the carrots, and how to mix up the dressing with just the right amount of vinegar, oil, and seasonings. I practiced making the salad over and over again, until I had it perfected.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I would throw in some dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, or sprinkle in some toasted nuts for extra crunch. Each time I made the salad, it brought back memories of that warm summer day in the kitchen with my mother.

Over the years, I shared my Cabbage Salad recipe with friends and family, who all raved about it. They couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious. I even entered it into a local cooking contest and won first prize! It was then that I realized the power of a good recipe - it has the ability to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I continued to cook and bake throughout the years, I collected recipes from all different sources - cookbooks, magazines, friends, and even strangers. Each recipe told a story, whether it was passed down through generations or discovered in a moment of inspiration. But the recipe for Cabbage Salad always held a special place in my heart.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I still make Cabbage Salad for my family on special occasions. It has become a tradition, a dish that everyone looks forward to. And as I watch my grandchildren take their first bites of the crunchy, flavorful salad, I can't help but smile. I know that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing joy and deliciousness to many more family gatherings to come.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Cabbage Salad, a simple dish that holds a lifetime of memories and love. I hope that you will enjoy making it as much as I have, and that it will bring you as much happiness as it has brought me. Bon appétit!