| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 3g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 6g | 5g | 0.5g |
I have a deep fondness for this absolutely delightful dish called the Napa Cabbage Salad with Honey Apple Cider Dressing. It’s a celebration of refreshing flavors and vibrant colors, tickling your taste buds in a playful blend of sweetness, tanginess, and crispness. As someone who’s always had an affinity for seafood, transitioning my enthusiasm for fresh produce into this salad recipe was a magical culinary journey.
A Love Letter to New England’s Farm-Produce
Just as I love the salty breeze of the Atlantic coast and the diversity of seafood in Portland, I’m equally enchanted by the fabulous farm goods that New England offers. This Napa Cabbage Salad is my tribute to the region’s agricultural bounty. It reminds me of summer kick-off barbeques, late-autumn harvest feasts, and every delicious family gathering in between.
The Flavor Symphony of the Napa Cabbage Salad
Now, let’s talk about the chorus of flavors and textures in this Napa Cabbage Salad with Honey Apple Cider Dressing. Crunchy napa cabbage forms the base, its mild taste allowing the vibrant, sweet peppers and sharp, raw carrots to shine. But it’s the Honey Apple Cider Dressing that’s the real hero here – a perfect blend of acidic, sweet, and savory – giving the salad an unexpected depth of flavor.
If you’re familiar with Asian Slaw, you might find a striking similarity with this recipe. It’s due to the use of napa cabbage and dressing’s sweet-tangy composition. But what makes my salad unique is the progeny of a New England kitchen and its distinctive flavors. I like to serve it at family gatherings along with New England Clam Chowder. The warm, hearty chowder and light, refreshing salad make a delicious pair.
A Bowl Full of Health Benefits
As a mother of two daughters, Erin and Samantha, health is paramount to me. This Napa Cabbage Salad serves as a wonderful way to introduce various vegetables into our diets. It’s packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and loads of fiber which aids in digestion. And the dressing isn’t just all about flavor either! Apple cider vinegar is a well-known health superstar, and combined with antioxidant-rich honey and heart-healthy olive oil, you’re in for an enjoyably healthy meal.
Visually appealing, nutritionally packed and irresistibly tasty, the Napa Cabbage Salad with Honey Apple Cider Dressing is a dish that speaks the language of my culinary heart.
What You’ll Need
- 1 head Napa cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 large carrots
- 1 cucumber
- 2 apples
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- For the Honey Apple Cider Dressing:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop the Napa cabbage into thin strips and place it into a large salad bowl. Cut the red and yellow bell peppers into thin slices as well, and add them to the bowl. Peel and grate the large carrots. Slice the cucumber and apples into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds on top.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, prepare the Honey Apple Cider Dressing. Combine 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of honey. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of olive oil while whisking the dressing to emulsify it and make it smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard, stirring it thoroughly into the mix. Finally, season the dressing with some salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Step Three
Pour the Honey Apple Cider Dressing over the salad. Toss the salad lightly with salad servers or large spoons until all ingredients are well combined.
Step Four
Let the salad rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle together. If required, add some additional salt and pepper. Your Napa Cabbage Salad with Honey Apple Cider Dressing is ready to serve! Enjoy it fresh for best flavor.
