Imagine a salad so irresistibly crisp and packed with flavor that it transforms your everyday vegetable experience into a culinary adventure! This Crispy Cabbage Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing is not just another boring side dish – it's a vibrant, texture-packed sensation that will have you falling in love with vegetables all over again. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, this quick and easy recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for healthy eating that doesn't compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 carrot, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by thoroughly washing the cabbage and carrot under cool running water.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, finely shred the cabbage into thin, uniform strips to ensure even texture and crispness.
- Grate the carrot using a box grater or food processor, creating thin, delicate shreds that will mix well with the cabbage.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- For the dressing, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a separate small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and whisking thoroughly to incorporate.
- Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become golden and fragrant.
- Pour the maple tahini dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, tossing carefully to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds over the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Knife Skills Matter: Take your time shredding the cabbage. Thin, uniform cuts ensure maximum crispness and even dressing distribution.
- Toast Seeds Carefully: Watch your sunflower seeds like a hawk when toasting. They can burn quickly, so keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat the moment they turn golden.
- Dressing Consistency is Key: Whisk the tahini dressing thoroughly to prevent separation. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash of water to reach the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The cabbage will start to wilt if left sitting too long, so time your preparation to serve right away.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add extra protein like grilled chicken or tofu, or toss in some dried cranberries for additional texture and sweetness.
- Prep Ahead: You can shred the cabbage and grate the carrots in advance, but dress the salad just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
