Step 1: Shred the Cabbage

Start by preparing the cabbage. The cabbage will serve as the main base of the salad, so the texture is important.

• Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and discard any that are wilted or damaged.
• Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core (the thick, white part in the center). Then, shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer if you want super-thin pieces. If you don’t have a mandoline, a food processor with a shredding attachment works well too.

The shredded cabbage should be crisp and easy to eat. Aim for small, uniform pieces so the dressing will coat evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium-sized bowl, prepare the dressing that will bring everything together.

• Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl. Greek yogurt is a great base for a creamy dressing and offers a tangy flavor while being much healthier than regular mayonnaise or creamy dressings.
• Stir in the mustard. This adds a slight kick to the dressing and complements the cabbage beautifully. Dijon mustard provides a smooth, sharp flavor, while yellow mustard has a milder, more tangy taste.
• Mix well until the mustard and yogurt are fully incorporated, creating a smooth dressing. If you like your dressing a bit more tangy, you can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this point. This will brighten up the flavors even more.

Optional: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add a little more mustard or lemon juice to suit your flavor preferences.

Step 3: Combine the Cabbage and Dressing

Now that both the cabbage and dressing are ready, it’s time to bring them together!

• Add the shredded cabbage to a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the cabbage, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
• Toss everything together thoroughly so that the cabbage is well coated in the yogurt-mustard dressing. You can use tongs or simply toss with your hands for a more thorough mix.

At this stage, the salad is ready to be served, but you can let it sit for a few minutes if you like. The longer it rests, the more the cabbage will soften and absorb the flavors from the dressing. If you want to make this salad ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a few hours, but note that the cabbage will wilt a bit the longer it sits.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

For an extra pop of color and flavor, you can garnish the salad with a few optional ingredients:

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, dill, or chives make great additions to the salad, giving it a burst of freshness and fragrance.
• Lemon zest: If you didn’t add lemon juice to the dressing, a little lemon zest sprinkled on top can add a zesty touch.

Serve this fresh vegetable salad as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a healthy lunch. It’s light, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying.

Tips for Customizing Your Salad:

While this recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own:

• Add-ins: If you want to give the salad a little more substance, consider adding other veggies like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced red onions for an extra crunch.
• Nuts and seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds will add texture and healthy fats to the salad.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta or grated parmesan can bring a savory element to the salad and enhance its flavors.
• Proteins: To make this a more complete meal, add a protein such as grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Vegetable Salad:

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you need something fresh and healthy in no time.
• Healthy: Cabbage is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins like vitamin C, while Greek yogurt offers probiotics and a creamy texture without the excess fat found in traditional dressings.
• Light and Refreshing: The crunchy cabbage combined with the tangy mustard-yogurt dressing is satisfying without being too heavy. It’s the perfect dish for a warm day or a light lunch.
• Versatile: You can customize the salad with a variety of ingredients, making it adaptable to your taste and dietary needs. Add more vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to make it your own!

Conclusion:

This Fresh Vegetable Salad with shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, and mustard is the ideal recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish. In just 15 minutes, you can create a fresh salad that is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or an appetizer, this salad will undoubtedly become a favorite for its simplicity and deliciousness. Toss together these ingredients, and you’ll have a vibrant, crunchy salad that will impress your guests every time!