Crunchy Winter Cabbage Salad With Pomegranates

This Crunchy Winter Cabbage Salad With Pomegranates is a bright salad recipe that is perfect for those drab winter days. It is crunchy and full of so much flavor. As if the flavors and textures weren't enough, it is also so simple to make. You can throw this together in about 15 minutes!

I have a love of slaw type salads- let me share a few others I have posted over the years. This apple slaw recipe is always a favorite of mine. Another slaw I love is this sprouted lentil Asian-style slaw. It has complex flavors that are so light and delicious.

Keys to a great cabbage/coleslaw recipe

1. Thinly sliced cabbage. I would add this as the first key as thick cabbage that is sliced in bigger pieces is hard to eat and will also dominate the flavor profiles in those bites. Slice it as thinly as you can . A mandoline or food processor is a great way to achieve this if you knife skills aren't up to par.
2. Have a good contrast of flavors in the salad. This salad nails this. There are so many big flavors going on that work perfectly together.
3. You eat with your eyes first, so the pretty colors in the salad really matter. The red and green and bright pink of the pomegranates are a sight to see!

Ingredients

• Cabbage- I love using a blend of both green cabbage and red cabbage in my salad.
• Apples- Pink lady is what I used for my salad, but I also love tart green apples or Honeycrisp as well.
• Parsley- Adds a fun touch and bright color to the salad.
• Pomegranates- That burst of flavor goes so well with this salad.
• Pumpkin seeds- another great addition to this salad.
• Dried cranberries- optional.
• Poppyseed dressing- I like to make my poppyseed dressing homemade, but you can also buy it if you prefer.
• Cooked wheat- I love adding whole grains to all my dishes, and this salad is no exception. This is optional though. Here is how I cook my wheat berries in the Instant Pot.

How to make

The hardest part of this salad is slicing all the vegetables and fruits. It takes a minute! Be sure to slice the cabbage as thinly as you can.

Combine all ingredients for the salad. Mix together your dressing and drizzle it over the salad. Mix well until it is well combined.

Serve immediately.

How long will this salad last?

I hear a lot of opinions that coleslaw can last for up to a week. While I agree that it can, it doesn't maintain the crunchiness for a week. I think this salad is best eaten right away. If it is not eaten right away, then within 24 hours.

If you don't mind your crunchy salad being a little soggy, you can hold this in an airtight container for up to 3 days!

Is there a difference between green and red cabbage?

If you are wondering whether or not there is a difference between red and green cabbage- aside from the obvious color differences, there actually is. Let me explain.

Green cabbage generally has a milder and sweeter flavor with a subtle peppery and earthy undertone. In contrast, red cabbage offers a more robust and peppery taste, with a hint of bitterness.

How to choose a ripe pomegranate at the grocery store

Choosing the best pomegranate can feel intimidating, especially if you don't know what you are looking for. My first tip is to make sure you are buying them in season. In the United States, this is late fall to January. They are largely grown in California and of course, the season will change slightly year-to-year.

1. Color: Look for a pomegranate that has a rich, vibrant color. The skin should be deep red or reddish-brown, depending on the variety. However, color alone isn't always a reliable indicator.
2. Shape: A ripe pomegranate is usually round or slightly oval. Avoid fruits with irregular shapes, as this may indicate improper growth or potential issues.
3. Weight: Pick up the pomegranate and feel its weight. A ripe pomegranate should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is full of juice and seeds.
4. Skin Texture: The skin of a ripe pomegranate should be smooth, taut, and free of major blemishes. Minor scratches or superficial marks are normal and don't necessarily affect the fruit's quality.
5. Cracks or Splitting: Avoid pomegranates with cracks or splitting, as this can be a sign of overripeness. While some surface blemishes are acceptable, large splits may indicate that the fruit is past its prime.
6. Sound: When tapped or lightly squeezed, a ripe pomegranate should produce a metallic, ringing sound. This is a sign of plump, juicy seeds inside.
7. Crown: Check the crown (the flower-shaped area at the top of the fruit). It should be dry, indicating that the fruit is mature. If the crown is moist or shows signs of mold, the pomegranate may be overripe or damaged.
8. Consistency: Gently press the sides of the pomegranate. It should have a firm yet yielding consistency. If it feels too soft or mushy, it might be overripe.

Ways to remove arils (seeds) from pomegranates

1. ut and Tap Method:
   • Cut off the crown (top) of the pomegranate.
   • Score the skin along the natural ridges, making shallow cuts.
   • Hold the pomegranate over a bowl, cut side down.
   • Tap the back of the fruit with a wooden spoon or a heavy utensil. The arils will fall into the bowl.
2. Water Submersion Method:
   • Cut off the crown and score the skin.
   • Submerge the pomegranate in a bowl of water.
   • Break the pomegranate apart into sections.
   • Underwater, gently separate the arils from the membrane. The arils will sink, and the membrane will float.
3. Rolling Method:
   • Roll the pomegranate on a countertop to loosen the arils.
   • Cut off the crown and make a shallow cut around the circumference.
   • Twist the pomegranate to separate it into halves.
   • Hold each half over a bowl, cut side down, and tap the back with a spoon to release the arils.
4. Bowl Method:
   • Cut off the crown and score the skin.
   • Hold the pomegranate over a large bowl, cut side down.
   • Use a wooden spoon to whack the back of the pomegranate, letting the arils fall into the bowl.
5. Slice and Release Method:
   • Cut the pomegranate in half.
   • Hold each half over a bowl, cut side down.
   • Use a spoon to tap the back of the pomegranate, releasing the arils into the bowl.

Another fun cabbage recipe that will be the most interesting you have tried so far is my cabbage apple cake. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me when I say t is delicious!

• Salads
• White Whole Wheat Flour