The BEST Red Cabbage Salad You’ll Ever Make

This red cabbage salad brings together crunchy cabbage, sweet apple, smoky bacon, and toasted walnuts in a tangy honey-mustard dressing. The warm topping gently softens the cabbage while keeping the salad fresh and vibrant.

INGREDIENTS

500 g red cabbage finely shredded
125 g bacon diced
2 shallots thinly sliced
1 apple cored and diced
25 g walnuts (A handful) roughly chopped
Dressing
3 tbsp sunflower oil
4 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

Shred the cabbage: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, finely shred the red cabbage and place it in a large salad bowl.

Make the dressing: Whisk sunflower oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined.

Toast the walnuts: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and toast the walnuts until fragrant, then remove and set aside.

Cook the bacon mixture: In the same pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy, add shallots and apple, and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened and aromatic.

Combine the salad: Add the shredded cabbage to the bowl with the dressing, then add the toasted walnuts and warm bacon–apple mixture.

Toss and serve: Mix everything well until evenly coated and serve warm or at room temperature.