Citrus Cabbage Salad

Bright, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Citrus Napa Cabbage Salad is the ultimate winter side dish. Perfectly balancing zesty citrus with crisp vegetables, it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients to brighten your plate during colder months.

Thinly sliced fennel and crunchy radishes bring texture, while juicy clementines and creamy avocado offer bursts of flavor. Toasted sesame seeds or almonds add the perfect finishing touch, making each bite delightfully satisfying.

Pair it with your favorite protein for a complete meal or enjoy it as a standalone showstopper. This versatile salad is as nutritious as it is delicious!

Citrus Napa Cabbage Salad: Key Ingredients

• Napa Cabbage: The crisp, tender base that soaks up the zesty dressing, bringing a light, refreshing crunch.
• Fennel: Thinly sliced for a subtle, anise-like flavor that complements the citrus.
• Carrots: Vibrant coins adding natural sweetness and texture.
• Watermelon Radishes: A pop of color and peppery bite for balance.
• Clementines: Juicy segments bursting with citrusy sweetness, the heart of this salad’s brightness.
• Avocado: Creamy richness that softens the vibrant medley of flavors.
• Mint Leaves: A fresh herbal finish that ties everything together.

Recipe Tips

1. Perfecting the Texture: Ensure the fennel, cabbage, and radishes are sliced as thinly as possible for a delicate crunch that balances with the creamy avocado and juicy clementines. A mandoline slicer is your best friend for achieving uniform slices.
2. Make Ahead for Flavor: Toss the salad with half the dressing and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cabbage and fennel to soften slightly and absorb the dressing, enhancing the flavor. Keep the remaining dressing aside for a final drizzle before serving.
3. Customize to Taste: This salad is incredibly versatile. Swap sesame seeds for toasted almonds for a nuttier flavor or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick. For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Pin

What to Serve with Citrus Cabbage Salad

1. Grilled Salmon: The rich, buttery texture of salmon complements the crisp freshness of the salad, while the citrus notes tie the flavors together beautifully.
2. Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the zesty dressing and provide a satisfying, hearty addition to the meal.
3. Light Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs like parsley or dill pairs perfectly with the salad, adding a light and nutritious grain option to your plate.

Pin

FAQ

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best results, prepare the components separately. Keep the dressing and salad ingredients in separate containers and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

2. What can I use instead of miso paste?
If miso paste isn’t available, substitute it with a teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor in the dressing.

3. Can I use regular cabbage instead of Napa or Savoy?
Absolutely! Green or red cabbage works well but may have a firmer texture, so consider letting it sit longer in the dressing to soften.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Pin

Citrus Cabbage Salad

Bright, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Citrus Napa Cabbage Salad is the ultimate winter side dish. Perfectly balancing zesty citrus with crisp vegetables, it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients to brighten your plate during colder months.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course pasta salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium napa or savoy cabbage finely shredded
• 1 large fennel bulb thinly sliced
• 2 watermelon radishes or 4 red radishes sliced paper-thin
• 2 large or 4 small carrots cut into thin rounds
• 2 clementines segmented or sliced
• 1 small avocado diced
• A generous handful of fresh mint leaves
• ⅓ cup toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds
• Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh clementine juice
• 1 tablespoon miso paste

Instructions

 

• Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, clementine juice, and miso paste. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified.
• In a large mixing bowl, assemble the salad by combining the shredded cabbage, thinly sliced fennel, radishes, carrots, and half of the clementine slices and diced avocado. Pour in half of the prepared dressing and toss gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more dressing if needed. Arrange the salad on a serving platter, layering it attractively. Top with the remaining clementine slices, avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Serve immediately, accompanied by the reserved dressing for drizzling.

Keyword Citrus Cabbage Salad