I've been buying a red cabbage every week or two for the last few months from the Capital Region Farmers Markets and every week I've been making this delicious red cabbage salad. It's always the same general theme: thinly sliced red cabbage, toasted sunflower seeds, sultanas and a dressing. Then i'll mix it up with a different source of carbs: corn, quinoa, potato, sweet potato.  Along with a source of protein: pulled lamb, sliced beef, grilled salmon, tuna, roast chicken, boiled eggs or legumes. And perhaps some pomegranate seeds or some other fancy addition, then a healthy, easy and tasty meal is good to go. 

I've always been a big fan of red cabbage, not only does it look gorgeous, it's crunchy, filling, cheap, and tasty - especially with a nice dressing! It's also a milder flavour, for those who aren't too keen on the raw cruciferous smell/taste. Another great thing about red cabbage (well all cabbages really), is they are almost always in season. This is a good thing because it means that your food has been grown recently and nearby - which is a plus for reducing food miles and supporting local farmers, but eating in season is also a lot cheaper - which is a plus if you're living on a uni student budget!

It also means that you can put this simple and delicious recipe on your regular meal repertoire, and keep mixing it up with different in-season veggies, how good is that! 

What you need: 

1/2  medium red cabbage 

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sultanas 

Olive oil for roasting sunflower seeds 

Dressing: 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

What you do: 

Heat a frypan on medium heat, when warmed add olive oil and sunflower seeds. Cook on low/medium until seeds are golden brown on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and take off heat and pour into a bowl to ensure the seeds stop cooking.

Thinly slice the red cabbage, and place into a big bowl. Add sunflower seeds and sultanas.

Add dressing ingredients into a jar and shake until sufficiently mixed. Pour on top of the salad. 

Mix up the salad, and make sure dressing is evenly distributed. And enjoy as a delicious side salad, or add a protein source and some carbs for a substantial and delicious salad.      

What's your favourite go-to salad? 

If you like the look of this cabbage slaw, share the recipe around!