Red cabbage, radicchio and endive join fennel, raisins and toasted walnuts in this crunchy winter salad.
I don’t know why it’s taken me quite so long to write about red cabbage. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition in a pretty package.
Its vivid color reveals a powerful concentration of anthocyanins which are believed to have anti-oxidant properties, not to mention that it delivers a pretty good dose of Vitamin C.
So how come so many people shy away from it? I have to think it may have something to do with many people’s first encounter with the cabbage family…coleslaw. Bland, soggy and dripping in mayo, this quintessential American slaw does cabbage no favors.
But I grew up eating this crunchy, cruciferous vegetable; mainly raw, shredded, spiked with spicy Dijon mustard and mouth puckering vinegar. Its vibrant color intensified and sturdy texture softened under the acidity of the vinegar while the mustard added even more heat to this brightly colored member of the cabbage family and a little olive oil rounded out the sharp edges.
I still make it that way, but lately I’ve taken to accessorizing my red cabbage salads a bit. Radicchio and endive have joined the mix for a bitter edge as well as fennel for added freshness and crunch. A handful of buttery walnuts and sweet, chewy raisins are tossed in for texture and balance while snippets of fresh flat leaf parsley add some liveliness to the color palate.
This is my winter salad, the one I come back to time and time again when I’m craving something light and crunchy in the middle of a season dominated by heartiness and warmth.
Red Cabbage, Radicchio and Endive Salad
A light and crunchy salad filled with finely shaved winter favorites like red cabbage, radicchio and endive.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- ½ small red cabbage, finely shredded (using a mandoline or the shredding disk of a food processor if possible)
- 1 small radicchio, finely sliced
- 2 Belgian endives, finely sliced
- 1 small fennel bulb, fronds reserved and finely sliced
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup/ 30g toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 Tablespoons raisins (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1 ½ Tablespoons /22ml apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon/5ml pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon/15ml toasted walnut oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the thinly shredded cabbage, radicchio, endives and fennel in a large bowl with the parsley and chopped fennel fronds.
- Whisk the vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, olive oil and walnut oil in a small bowl. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad with the vinaigrette just before serving, top with toasted walnuts and raisins if desired.
Notes
Gluten Free, Grain Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and Paleo
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 256Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 128mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 3g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Vanille says
I like not only the colours but the crunchy texture of this salad. Perfect boost on a winter day !
Kankana says
I don't think I tried red cabbage yet, may be once or twice. The salad sound like the one I should make before winter goes by!
Kitchen Belleicious says
i would eat this salad, anytime- anyday- any season! It looks wonderful
JulieD says
I love endive!! This salad looks so comforting, Sylvie!
Amanda says
Beautiful salad... I must try it!
Whitney @ The Newlywed Chefs says
Hi Sylvie! This salad looks delicious and your photography is beautiful!
Kristi Rimkus says
You're right. I don't often think to use cabbage in a salad other than a slaw. Thanks for the inspiration to try something new.
EA-The Spicy RD says
I am a huge fan of red cabbage and just used some last night in a salad w/ red lettuce, shredded carrots, mushroom, avocado, a little cheddar, and grilled chicken. All topped with a honey mustard vinaigrette -delicious. Love this simple salad Sylvie, and looking forward to trying your dressing!
kale says
i absolutely love red cabbage. such a beautiful vegetable and more versatile than you'd think at first glance. i love seeing it photographed by such a talent as yourself.
foodwanderings says
I've seen a nice pop of winter salads recently and this is no different to brighten up the season. Light, crunchy, light for a good balance in 2013.