Oh, red cabbage, you magnificent purple sphere of crunchiness—how you transform a simple salad into a vibrant celebration on a plate! When I think about this Red Cabbage and Avocado Salad, I imagine a symphony of textures and tastes—like biting into a fresh market day. Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem of a recipe that just feels like a hug in a bowl? This might be it, where the creamy richness of avocado dances with the tang of citrus and the crunch of cabbage in a way that’s almost poetic.
Steps
- Remove the outer leaves of the red cabbage and finely shred it using a shredder or a knife. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Peel, pit, and dice the avocados into large chunks. Finely chop the spring onions after washing them.
- Heat a dry skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast them, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the shredded cabbage, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spring onions, and fresh coriander. Be careful not to mash the avocados.
- In a jar with a lid, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, pressed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything with your hands. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Top the salad with toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red cabbage
- 2 ripe avocados
- 30 cherry tomatoes
- 2 spring onions
- Small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 handfuls of pumpkin seeds
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove, pressed
- Salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
- How long does it take to prepare the red cabbage and avocado salad?
- The preparation time for this salad is approximately 20 minutes, especially if you have a cabbage shredder and a jar to quickly mix the dressing.
- What ingredients add sweetness and citrusy notes to the salad?
- Cherry tomatoes contribute a touch of sweetness, while the lime dressing provides a refreshing citrusy flavor to the salad.
- Can the avocado be substituted in this salad, and if so, with what?
- While avocados add a creamy texture, they can be substituted with ingredients like diced mango or creamy feta cheese for a different flavor and texture profile.
- What is the best way to toast the pumpkin seeds for the salad?
- Place the pumpkin seeds in a heated dry skillet or pan, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Regularly toss the seeds until they are lightly toasted, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- How should the dressing be prepared and applied to the salad?
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid, shake well to emulsify, and then pour over the salad. It’s best to add salt carefully, as it’s easier to adjust the seasoning once the dressing is mixed with the salad.
Tips
- When slicing the cabbage, use a shredder for a finer texture, but a sharp knife will work as well if you prefer a chunkier consistency.
- Toast the pumpkin seeds over medium heat and keep stirring them to ensure they don’t burn. This enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch to your salad.
- Prepare the dressing in a jar with a lid so you can easily shake it to emulsify the ingredients, achieving a well-blended mix.
- Mix the salad gently with your hands to maintain the avocado’s texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Equipment
- Cabbage shredder
- Jar with a lid (for shaking and emulsifying the dressing)
