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Crisp apple and cabbage salad with fresh cilantro and lime dressing in a white bowl
Soups & Salads

Apple and Cabbage Salad

What a beautiful combination of flavours. It's one of those dishes that has more complex and exciting flavours than it looks. This recipe is absolutely a keeper.

5.0 (1)
Prep
15 min
Rest
10 min
Cook
Total
15 min
Serves
4
Style
🍽 Elevated
Originally Published July 2023Last Updated July 2023

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 bag of coleslaw mix (about 4 cups)
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into matchsticks
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice, lemon juice, or rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or a combination of both
  • 1 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Sambal Oelek, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • Cranberries, nuts, pumpkin seeds, optional

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the cabbage, cilantro, and apple into a large bowl. Add all of the salad dressing ingredients except the oil to a small jar and whisk. Whisk in the oil to emulsify the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage. Toss to combine and serve. The salad can be served right away with any toppings of choice, or you can let it rest to allow the flavours to meld.

FAQ

Can I make apple and cabbage salad ahead of time?+
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 4 hours in advance—in fact, letting it rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add any crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds just before serving so they stay crispy.
What can I substitute for Sambal Oelek in this salad?+
You can use sriracha, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even fresh diced jalapeño to add that same spicy kick—just adjust the amount to your heat preference since some options are spicier than others.
Why is my apple and cabbage salad watery?+
This usually happens when the salad sits too long or if you use a sweeter apple instead of Granny Smith, which are firmer and less juicy. Stick with tart apples and serve within a few hours, or reserve some dressing to toss in just before eating if making it ahead.
What are the best toppings for apple and cabbage salad?+
Cranberries, toasted nuts (like almonds or pecans), and pumpkin seeds add great texture and complement the tangy-sweet flavors perfectly—sprinkle them on right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

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