Crisp and Refreshing Cabbage Rapa Salad
Easy French-Style Cabbage Rapa Salad Recipe
This Cabbage Rapa salad, a staple in French cuisine, boasts a wonderfully crisp texture and a vibrant, refreshing flavor. Thinly shredded cabbage is lightly salted to enhance its natural crispness and flavor. It’s incredibly versatile – perfect as a light salad, a delicious sandwich filling, or even a zesty alternative to pickles. Enjoy making this delightful cabbage rapa salad! ^^
Main Ingredients
- 500g fresh cabbage (about 1/4 head)
- 1.5 Tbsp coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 500g of fresh cabbage (approximately 1/4 of a medium head). Shred it as thinly as possible. The thinner the shreds, the more tender the texture and the better the dressing will adhere.
Step 2
Add 1.5 tablespoons of coarse salt to the shredded cabbage and toss to distribute evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to salt. Midway through, gently toss it a couple of times to ensure the salt is absorbed uniformly, which helps draw out moisture effectively.
Step 3
After 15 minutes, you’ll notice the cabbage has wilted and its volume has significantly reduced. This salting process is key to achieving a pleasant crunch and preparing the cabbage to absorb the dressing beautifully.
Step 4
Rinse the salted cabbage under cool running water about twice to remove excess salt. Be gentle so as not to bruise the cabbage.
Step 5
Squeeze out as much water as possible from the rinsed cabbage using your hands. Press firmly to remove all excess liquid; this is crucial for a flavorful salad, as residual water can dilute the taste.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. Pour 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a clean bowl.
Step 7
Add 2.5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor. Lemon juice truly elevates the salad’s overall taste.
Step 8
Stir in 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard for a tangy kick. The little mustard seeds add a delightful textural element.
Step 9
Add 2 tablespoons of sweet honey to balance the flavors. You can substitute with sugar, but honey lends a richer, more complex sweetness.
Step 10
Finally, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Grind about 5 times using a pepper mill for the freshest aroma. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until well combined and slightly emulsified, creating a cohesive dressing.
Step 11
Add the well-squeezed cabbage to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or tongs, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the cabbage mushy.
Step 12
Your crisp and refreshing Cabbage Rapa Salad is ready! It’s delicious served immediately or chilled from the refrigerator.
