A Celebration of Summer: Light and Refreshing Cabbage Salad

Summer is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, and this cabbage salad does not disappoint! Packed with crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, cool cucumber, and juicy apple, it’s a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. Topped with a light and tangy dressing made with yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to any summer barbecue or a light lunch on its own.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Cabbage is a great source of vitamin C and fiber, while carrots add beta-carotene, essential for eye health. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, and apples provide a touch of sweetness and a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

This salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, requiring minimal prep time.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this refreshing summer salad:

Ingredients:

  • 1 small head of white cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
  • Salt
  • 2 carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

For the Dressing:

  • 5 tablespoons plain white yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Lemon juice, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Protein: 3g

Let’s Get Cooking!

  1. Prep the Cabbage: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage with a sprinkle of salt. Massage the cabbage with your hands for a few minutes to soften it slightly. This will help to release some of the water content and make the cabbage more tender. Transfer the massaged cabbage to a colander and let it drain for about 10 minutes.
  2. Assemble the Salad: While the cabbage drains, grate your carrots, thinly slice the cucumber, and core and thinly slice your apple. Add these ingredients to a large bowl along with the drained cabbage.
  3. Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh summer flavors!

A Message from Us:

We hope you love this light and refreshing cabbage salad recipe! It’s a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of the summer season. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Share your thoughts, recipe modifications, or any other questions you might have.

For more delicious and healthy recipe inspiration, be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is the classic choice, you can also use red cabbage for a vibrant color or a Savoy cabbage for a more delicate texture.

Q: What can I substitute for the Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use a similar amount of yellow mustard or even a touch of horseradish for a bit of a kick.

Q: How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage might soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.