Spicy Raw Cabbage Salad with NouBess Kick
Dreaming of swaying palm trees and the gentle lapping of turquoise waves? This Spicy Cabbage Salad is your ticket to a tropical escape. Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal.
Caribbean cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh, uncomplicated ingredients. Vegetables, whether cooked or raw, are a cornerstone of the diet. One popular preparation involves tossing raw vegetables in a tangy vinaigrette. This recipe pays homage to that tradition while adding a fiery twist.
Unlike the classic Caribbean vinaigrette, “sauce chien,” this recipe features a bold combination of fresh cabbage, red onion, scallions, and a spicy Noubess hot sauce-infused dressing. It’s a plant-based powerhouse that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
This Spicy Raw Cabbage Salad is a far cry from traditional coleslaw.
While both feature shredded cabbage as a base, the similarities end there. Coleslaw is typically creamy and rich, thanks to a mayonnaise-based dressing. This salad, on the other hand, offers a lighter, fresher profile with a tangy vinaigrette featuring a bold kick of Noubess hot sauce. The addition of red onion and scallions provides a sharper flavor contrast compared to the sweeter elements often found in coleslaw. It’s a vibrant, plant-based option that’s perfect for those seeking a lighter, more flavorful side dish.
Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s get started!
Your Ingredients Breakdown
For the Salad:
- Green cabbage: The base of the salad provides a crisp and refreshing texture.
- Red onion: Adds a pungent, sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the cabbage.
- Scallions: Offer a milder onion flavor with a touch of green onion freshness.
- Parsley: (optional) Brightens the salad with its herbaceous and slightly citrusy taste.
For the Vinaigrette:
- Garlic: Provides a savory and pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Sea salt: Enhances the overall taste of the vinaigrette.
- Lime juice: Brings a tangy and citrusy brightness to the dressing.
- NouBess hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick with Caribbean flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth base for the vinaigrette and contributes to its richness.
The Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, red onion, and scallions (and cilantro, if using).
- Whip Up the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, sea salt, lime juice, Noubess hot sauce, and olive oil.
- Dress for Success: Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for a vibrant and refreshing salad.
Tips For the Cabbage Salad:
- Cabbage Choice: Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for Napa cabbage.
- Slicing Savvy: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and uniform cabbage slices. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife will do just fine! Aim for thin strips that are easy to bite through.
- Taming the Onion: Red onions have a sharper bite than other varieties. If you prefer a milder taste, soaking the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes can help mellow the flavor.
- Spice it Up (or Down): NouBess Hot and Spicy Sauce add a wonderful Caribbean kick to this salad. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your desired heat level.
Pairings for the Spicy Cabbage Salad:
This Spicy Raw Cabbage Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Light Salad: Pair it with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a satisfying plant-based meal.
- Taco Topping: This topping adds a vibrant and spicy twist to your next taco night. Its freshness cuts through the richness of other taco fillings.
- Burger Buddy: Elevate your veggie burger with a scoop of spicy cabbage salad on top.
- Side Dish Sensation: Serve alongside grilled fish and roasted chicken, or simply enjoy it on its own!
Beyond the Bowl: Creative Pairings for Spicy Raw Cabbage Salad
This Spicy Raw Cabbage Salad is incredibly versatile and shines in various settings. But for a heartier meal, look no further than our delicious Crunchy Cabbage and Tuna Salad Sandwich.
This twist on a classic takes advantage of the vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch of the salad. The cool, refreshing cabbage complements the richness of the tuna salad, while the Noubess hot sauce adds a touch of Caribbean heat. Pack it for a satisfying lunch, or serve it open-faced for a delightful light dinner.
A Note on NouBess Hot Sauce:
NouBess is a delicious hot sauce made with fresh Caribbean scotch bonnet peppers and other peppers. Its unique blend of flavors adds a delightful kick to this salad, but feel free to substitute it with your favorite hot sauce.
Embrace the Freshness!
This Spicy Raw Cabbage Salad is a delightful celebration of fresh flavors. Try it, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Spicy Cabbage Salad
Equipment
- Garlic Press / Mortar and Pestle
- Serving dish
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1/2 head green cabbage thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
- For the Vinaigrette:
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Noubess hot sauce adjust to your desired spice level
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, red onion, and scallions (and cilantro, if using).
- Whip Up the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, sea salt, lime juice, Noubess hot sauce, and olive oil.
- Dress for Success: Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for a vibrant and refreshing salad.
Notes
- Cabbage Choice: For this recipe, green cabbage is ideal. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for Napa cabbage.
- Slicing Savvy: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and uniform cabbage slices. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife will do just fine! Aim for thin strips that are easy to bite through.
- Taming the Onion: Red onions have a sharper bite than other varieties. If you prefer a milder taste, soaking the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes can help mellow the flavor.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Noubess hot sauce adds a wonderful Caribbean kick to this salad. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your desired heat level.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
