Purple Cabbage Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Cranberries, and Pine Nuts Recipe
Introduction
This Purple Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, and tart cranberries. With a tangy dressing and toasted pine nuts, it makes a perfect side or light lunch that’s full of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 (10 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 green onion, chopped
- ¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a salad bowl, lightly toss together the shredded red cabbage, mandarin orange segments, chopped green onion, and dried cranberries.
- Step 2: Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, vinegar, white sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
- Step 4: Stir the cooled pine nuts into the salad, pour the dressing over the top, and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
Tips & Variations
- Try substituting apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter dressing flavor.
- For extra crunch, add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds instead of pine nuts.
- Use fresh orange segments if canned mandarins aren’t available for a fresher taste.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage may soften slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, give it a quick toss before serving. The dressing can be kept separate and added just before eating for extra crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, green cabbage can be used as a substitute; however, red cabbage provides a more vibrant color and slightly different flavor.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Just ensure any added ingredients meet your dietary preferences.
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Purple Cabbage Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Cranberries, and Pine Nuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Purple Cabbage Salad featuring shredded red cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pine nuts, all tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a colorful side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 (10 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 green onion, chopped
- ¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pine nuts
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, lightly toss together the shredded red cabbage, mandarin orange segments, chopped green onion, and dried cranberries to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Toast Pine Nuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the pine nuts, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Immediately remove them from the heat to prevent burning and set aside to cool in a separate bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, vinegar, white sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
- Assemble Salad: Stir the cooled toasted pine nuts into the salad mixture. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, then toss gently and thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
Notes
- To avoid sogginess, drain mandarin oranges well before adding.
- Pine nuts toast quickly; watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day.
- For a nut-free version, omit pine nuts or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Adjust sugar in dressing to taste depending on the sweetness of cranberries and oranges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: purple cabbage salad, mandarin orange salad, cabbage salad with pine nuts, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, red cabbage recipe
