This Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad with Lemon and Dill is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of cabbage, the sweetness of apples, and the earthiness of fresh dill. It’s a salad that celebrates the natural flavors of its ingredients, offering a delightful contrast in textures and a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a light, healthy side dish or a simple, refreshing meal, this salad fits the bill.
The combination of cabbage, carrot, and apple is both nutritious and versatile. Cabbage, often overlooked, is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its mild flavor serves as the perfect base for other ingredients, and when thinly sliced, it adds a wonderful crunch. Carrots, with their naturally sweet taste, provide a bright pop of color and nutrients like beta-carotene and fiber. Apples add a touch of sweetness and a juicy, crisp texture, while the lemon juice and olive oil dressing tie the flavors together with just the right amount of acidity and richness.
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be made with just a few pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you need a quick meal or a healthy side dish. It’s also a perfect addition to any picnic, barbecue, or holiday spread, and can be prepared ahead of time to save time on busy days. The fresh herbs like dill and spring onions add a burst of flavor that makes this salad feel extra special.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Young Cabbage: 1 kg (thinly sliced)
Carrot: 1 large (grated)
Firm Sweet Apple: 1 (cored and thinly sliced)
Lemon Juice: 3-4 tablespoons
Olive Oil: 5 tablespoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: To taste
Spring Onions: Chopped (based on preference)
Fresh Dill: Chopped (based on preference)
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit
Start by washing the cabbage thoroughly. Remove any outer leaves that may be tough or wilted. Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Slice the cabbage into thin strips, as thin as possible to ensure a delicate texture.
Grate the carrot using a fine grater or a box grater for long, thin strands.
Core the apple and slice it into thin wedges or julienne strips. You can leave the peel on for added texture and nutrients, but if you prefer, feel free to peel it.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and olive oil. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, grated carrot, and apple slices.
Add the chopped spring onions and fresh dill to the bowl, according to your taste preferences.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the lemony dressing.
Step 4: Serve
Once the salad is well mixed, serve immediately, or refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad can be eaten immediately or stored for later, but it tastes best fresh.
Why This Recipe Is Timeless
This Cabbage, Carrot, and Apple Salad is timeless because it combines simple, affordable ingredients that have been staples in home cooking for generations. It’s a dish that balances flavors and textures so perfectly that it can complement nearly any main course. It also works as a stand-alone light meal, perfect for when you need something fresh and satisfying but don’t want anything too heavy.
The inclusion of cabbage, a vegetable that has been a part of human diets for centuries, makes this salad both historical and practical. Cabbage is not only a great source of vitamin C but also offers dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full. Combined with the sweetness of carrots and apples, this salad is not just a treat for the palate—it’s a healthy choice that provides a broad spectrum of nutrients.
The lemon juice and olive oil dressing is simple but packs a punch of freshness and tang, which perfectly enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and fruits. The spring onions and fresh dill provide an extra burst of flavor, making this dish interesting and unique. It’s a recipe that is both easy to make and adaptable, which is why it has remained a classic.
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