Purple Cabbage & Apple Gut-Healing Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Purple Cabbage & Apple Gut-Healing Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that not only tastes delicious but also supports your digestive health. Packed with fiber, prebiotics, and healthy fats, it’s a simple salad that makes a big impact on your wellness.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of purple cabbage (shredded)
• 2 medium apples (thinly sliced, any variety you like)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline until thin. For convenience, you can use pre-shredded cabbage from the store.
2. Step 2: Thinly slice the apples, keeping the skin on for extra fiber. To prevent browning, toss the slices in a little lemon juice if desired.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, apple slices, walnuts, and dried cranberries (if using). Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
• Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped apricots for a different sweet note.
• Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a different acid profile.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an aromatic twist.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dressing has already been mixed in, note that the cabbage will soften over time. To keep things crisp, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. The apples may brown slightly but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage instead of purple cabbage?

Yes, green cabbage works well as a substitute. The flavor will be milder and less colorful, but the salad will still be nutritious and tasty.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep the salad vegan-friendly.

Purple Cabbage & Apple Gut-Healing Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

This vibrant Purple Cabbage & Apple Gut-Healing Salad is a crunchy, flavorful blend designed to nourish your digestive system. Combining fiber-rich purple cabbage, tart-sweet apples, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing, it promotes gut health while delivering a satisfying taste experience. Optional walnuts and dried cranberries add texture and subtle sweetness, making this salad a refreshing and healthful addition to your meal plan.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients

• 1 small head of purple cabbage, shredded
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (any variety)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the purple cabbage. For convenience, you can use pre-shredded cabbage from the store.
2. Slice the apples: Thinly slice the apples with the skin on to retain extra fiber. To prevent browning, toss the apple slices in a small amount of lemon juice if desired.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, apple slices, walnuts, and dried cranberries (if using) with the dressing. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
5. Serve immediately: Enjoy this salad fresh for best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and add right before serving to maintain crunch.

Notes

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If the dressing is added in advance, the cabbage will soften over time; keeping dressing separate is recommended for meal prep.
• Apples might brown slightly after storage but will remain delicious.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey to make this salad vegan-friendly.
• Adding walnuts boosts healthy fats and adds crunch but can be omitted for nut-free diets.

Keywords: purple cabbage salad, apple salad, gut health salad, healthy salad recipe, apple cider vinegar dressing, fiber rich salad