Introduction
Ever have one of those evenings where your brain screams “pizza!” but your plant-powered heart whispers “something fresh and fancy, please”?
Well, I’ve got just the magic trick for you: a salad that’s more than just rabbit food. This red cabbage, walnut, and pear wonder is basically a flavor party where sweet meets crunchy and a little tang crashes the dance floor.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating vegan — unless you’re telling everyone, because hey, bragging rights. Perfect for those lazy weekends when you want to feel like a kitchen wizard without breaking a sweat.
So, roll up your sleeves, but don’t worry — no chopping like a ninja required. Let’s get you hooked on a salad that’s way more exciting than your average leaf pile.
Who said plants can’t party?
Ingredients
- 30g raisins (tiny sweet gems)
- Half a red cabbage
- 4 sticks celery
- 4 spring onions, cut into shreds
- Small bunch coriander (herb with attitude)
- 200g walnuts kernels or 75g walnuts, shelled
- 1 pear
- 6 dates, or 4 if using a large variety such as the Medjool
- 4 tbsp walnut oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
This vibrant mix of crunchy, sweet, and nutty ingredients is basically a party in your bowl!
If you’re new to vegan salads or just looking to add some colorful crunch to your meals, this recipe’s a total crowd-pleaser.
It’s like a plant-based hug that’s tasty enough to convert even the most dedicated carnivores.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s plunge into the magic of making this Red Cabbage, Walnut, and Pear Salad that’s basically a crunchy, tangy, nutty party in your mouth.
Start by soaking those 30g of raisins in boiling water to soften them up — they’re like tiny little flavor bombs just waiting to explode in your salad. While they’re busy getting all plump and juicy, do the same with 6 dates (or 4 if they’re the big, bossy Medjool kind). This soaking trick is your secret weapon for a dressing that’s sweet, smooth, and totally irresistible.
Now, let’s get chopping. Take half a red cabbage, ditch the tough outer leaves (no need to invite them to the party), and cut it in half through the stalk. Pull out the core — that’s the party pooper — and then slice the cabbage into fine shreds. This is the crunch base of your salad, so go wild but keep it thin.
Toss in 4 shredded spring onions and chop up 4 celery sticks into half-inch pieces for a little extra green goodness and texture. Don’t forget a small bunch of coriander — chop most of it, but save some whole leaves for a fancy finishing touch because we all enjoy a bit of salad bling.
Time to bring walnut power into the mix! Roughly chop 200g of walnut kernels (or 75g if you’re using shelled walnuts), but keep a few whole ones aside because presentation is everything, honey.
Pop all these crunchy, fresh ingredients into a large bowl and get ready to whisk up the dressing. Blend your soaked dates with 4 tablespoons of walnut oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of wholegrain mustard, and a teaspoon of caraway seeds.
Pour that luscious, nutty dressing all over your salad, toss it like you mean it, and voila! You’ve got yourself a vibrant, vegan-friendly salad that’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something fresh and satisfying. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Bonus Tips
- Feeling nutty? Toast those walnuts for a crunchy upgrade—your salad will thank you with a little extra snap and sass.
- Swap the pear for crisp apple if you’re feeling fruity but rebellious—same sweet vibes, different crunch soundtrack.
- Don’t just toss the dressing—give it a shake like it’s auditioning for a dance-off; emulsifying makes every leaf do a happy dance.
Why You’ll Love It
This salad’s like a plant-powered party in your mouth—zippy, crunchy, and just the right kind of fancy without trying too hard.
It’s a speed demon in the kitchen, perfect for those “I want something healthy but also kinda fancy” moments. Plus, it’s flexible enough to charm your vegan friends and flexitarians alike, with flavors that mingle like old pals at a backyard BBQ.
If salads were superheroes, this one would definitely wear a cape made of walnuts.
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values.
Calories: 220
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 12 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
