Craving a vibrant, crunchy salad that's bursting with flavor and takes minutes to make? This shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad is a guaranteed winner, offering a refreshing twist on your everyday greens.
Get ready to unlock the secrets to a perfectly crisp and zingy salad that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
Why This Salad Works
I know you're gonna love this recipe because it's like, how can you go wrong with cheesy shrimp mac?! I mean, come on–it's comfort food at its finest, but kicked up a notch! It's quick, easy (one pot!), and seriously satisfying.
The magic's in the simplicity. You're melding tasty, tender shrimp with creamy macaroni—the textures? Amazing. No need to make a perfect roux or spend eons in the kitchen. We're aiming for deliciousness, not fussiness.
I've gotta say, this recipe just works because it hits all the right notes. We've got flavor, ease, and that wow factor—especially when you whip it out for the fam! Get ready for some happy faces.
Essential Ingredients
Speaking of happy faces, you've gotta have the right stuff to make this dish sing! First up, you'll need about 4 cups of shredded red cabbage—it's the star! Then, grab 2 cups of shredded carrots; they add a nice little sweetness and crunch.
Don't forget the fresh mint! Half a cup, chopped, is perfect. It brings a revitalizing vibe that's just… chef's kiss! The addition of cilantro's fresh flavor would also complement the overall taste.
Now for the dressing, you're gonna need olive oil—about 1/4 cup—and the same amount of apple cider vinegar. I think it is. A tablespoon of honey adds a touch of sweetness, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard gives it a little zing. If you ask me, I recommend mixing all of the ingredients well. So, use salt and pepper to taste.
Believe me, the quality stuff makes a big difference here, so get the best you can!
How to Make It
Alright, let's get into how you can whip up this colorful cabbage salad for yourself! First, prep your veggies – shred that red cabbage, julienne the carrots, and give the mint a rough chop. Easy peasy!
Now, for the good stuff: the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Remember that some recipes use lime juice in the dressing instead of lemon juice. Adjust to your taste; after all, you're the boss! I like mine with a little extra lemon.
Toss the shredded cabbage, carrots, and mint together in a large bowl. Now, pour the dressing over everything. Don't be shy! Make sure every piece gets a little love. Gently toss until it's all evenly coated – this is where the magic happens. You'll see the colors come alive!
Serving Suggestions
Once your salad's tossed, you're probably wondering what to eat it with – and I've got some awesome ideas for ya! This salad's super versatile; I mean, seriously, it goes with almost anything!
Think about grilled chicken or fish—mmm, yummy! The salad's crunchiness is a great contrast. Got some pulled pork or barbecue ribs? Even better! The invigorating cuts through the richness, making every bite a party. Don't be shy – throw it on a sandwich or use it as a taco topping. Trust me; you won't regret it.
Vegetarian? No problem! I love it with falafel or a hearty grain bowl. It adds an invigorating zing, like a cool breeze on a hot day, you know? It's also perfect as a light lunch – just add some chickpeas or quinoa for extra protein. Are you a fan of avocado? Throw some in! It will taste amazing.
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Serving Size: 6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine shredded red cabbage, carrots, and mint in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g