Have you ever thought about the charm of a salad that doubles as a centerpiece? This Stunning Red Cabbage Wreath Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds—it’s a visual delight that practically begs for a spot on your holiday table. I remember the first time I made it; the vibrant purples and greens felt like I was painting a masterpiece with vegetables.
Steps
- Use a mandolin to finely slice the red cabbage and grate the raw beet.
- Prepare your ingredients for assembly. Place a cup or ramekin on the platter to keep the peas in place and arrange the remaining ingredients around it to form a wreath shape.
- Mix the mayonnaise and garlic to create the salad dressing.
- Just before serving, take a moment to appreciate your creation, then thoroughly mix all the ingredients together.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can of corn
- 1/3 head of red cabbage, finely sliced
- 1 medium-sized raw beet, grated
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup of thawed frozen peas
- 1/3 cup of chopped green onions
- 1 cup of chow mein noodles or lime-flavored tortilla strips
- 3 large or 4 small garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup of real mayonnaise
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Red Cabbage Wreath Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just mix all the ingredients together right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- What can I use as a crunchy topping for the salad?
- Both chow mein noodles and lime tortilla strips work well as toppings. Chow mein noodles remain crunchy longer, while tortilla strips provide a flavorful taste but may become soggy faster.
- Is it necessary to use a mandolin for slicing the cabbage?
- Using a mandolin with a fine shred setting is recommended for best results, but you can also slice the cabbage finely by hand if needed.
- How do I arrange the ingredients to make the wreath shape?
- Start by placing a cup or ramekin over the peas to hold them in place, then arrange the other ingredients around it to form a circular wreath shape.
- Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the dressing?
- Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of garlic in the mayonnaise dressing to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
- Use a mandolin with the fine shred setting to achieve the best texture for the red cabbage. This ensures the cabbage is super-finely sliced, which enhances the salad’s overall presentation and flavor distribution.
- When arranging the salad ingredients in a wreath shape, place a cup or ramekin over the peas to help maintain the circular shape and keep them in place while you build the wreath around them.
- Consider the trade-off between the tortilla strips and chow mein noodles. While tortilla strips may taste better, they tend to get soggy faster. On the other hand, chow mein noodles remain crunchy for longer, so choose based on your preference for texture.
- Prepare the salad a day in advance if desired, but only mix the ingredients together just before serving to maintain freshness and visual appeal.
Equipment
- Mandolin Slicer – for super-fine slicing of the red cabbage.
