This Health Salad is perfect for a light evening meal that keeps you feeling fit and energized. Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a refreshing dressing, it’s a balanced dish full of vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. The combination of cabbage, carrot, cucumber, red apple, and red onion provides a variety of textures and flavors, while the tangy lemon-mustard dressing adds a delicious zing. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a single meal for a satisfying and healthy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly nutritious. The cabbage provides fiber and antioxidants, the carrot and cucumber add hydration and vitamins, while the apple contributes a touch of natural sweetness. The dressing made with olive oil, honey, mustard, and lemon juice ties everything together, creating a flavorful yet light meal. It’s perfect for those who want to eat healthy without compromising on taste.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
- Cabbage: 1/3 of a medium head, thinly sliced
- Carrot: 1, peeled and grated
- Cucumber: 1, grated
- Red Apple: 1 large, not peeled, grated
- Red Onion: 1, thinly sliced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 1/2 tablespoons (50 ml)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (20 g)
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 15 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Thinly slice the cabbage with a knife, aiming for thin, even strips for the best texture.
- Put the sliced cabbage in a bowl, add salt and brown sugar, and mix with your hands until well combined. This helps soften the cabbage slightly and enhances its flavor.
- Transfer the cabbage to a clean bowl to remove any excess moisture released during the mixing.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
- Add the peeled and grated carrot, grated cucumber, grated red apple (with peel), and sliced red onion to the bowl with the cabbage. These vegetables add a variety of colors, textures, and nutrients, making the salad both tasty and visually appealing.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice (filtered), extra virgin olive oil, honey, and mustard. The lemon juice provides a fresh acidity that brightens up the flavors, while the olive oil adds healthy fats and a smooth texture.
- Mix well until you obtain a smooth and liquid consistency. Whisking the dressing helps emulsify the ingredients, ensuring they coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the bowl.
- Mix thoroughly using two forks to ensure the vegetables are well coated with the dressing. This technique helps distribute the dressing evenly, enhancing the flavor of each bite.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy this healthful, vibrant salad as a light dinner or a refreshing side dish.
Tips for the Perfect Health Salad
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a bit more honey. For more tang, increase the lemon juice or mustard.
- Keep It Crisp: For extra crunch, refrigerate the vegetables for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Add Protein: If you want to make it a more filling meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
This Health Salad is a fantastic choice for a light and nourishing meal. It’s packed with fresh ingredients that provide essential nutrients, and the easy preparation makes it perfect for busy evenings. Enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors and the satisfying combination of textures in every bite!
