Korean Napa Cabbage and Apple Salad Recipe
A crunchy salad with Napa cabbage, sweet apple, and a delicate sesame-yogurt dressing is a milder, everyday face of Korean cuisine. In Korea, such fresh sides often sit on the table next to a bowl of rice and the main dish to balance spicy flavors. Here the taste is more European, but with a distinct sesame accent.
This salad combines the freshness and crunch of Korean-style side dishes with a familiar, mild yogurt dressing and a nutty sesame note. It’s quick to make, works with many main courses, and brings a subtle Korean touch to everyday meals without being too spicy.
Chef's tips
Slice the cabbage as thinly as you can so it absorbs the dressing better and stays pleasantly crunchy. Don’t overdo the sesame oil—its flavor is intense, and a little goes a long way. Taste the dressing before mixing with the vegetables and balance the sweetness and acidity to your liking.
How to serve
Serve as a side to grilled chicken, pork chops, or baked fish. It also works well in a simple bowl with steamed rice, a fried egg, and a bit of kimchi for extra Korean flair. For a buffet or potluck, pile it into a large shallow bowl and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds just before serving.
Ingredients
- Napa cabbage thinly sliced - 0.5 head
- apple crisp, cut into thin matchsticks - 1 piece
- carrot coarsely grated or cut into thin matchsticks - 1 piece
- plain yogurt thick - 4 tablespoons
- mayonnaise for a creamy consistency - 1 tablespoon
- sesame oil adds a characteristic aroma - 1 teaspoon
- rice vinegar or another mild vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- honey to lightly sweeten the dressing - 1 teaspoon
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling on top - 1 tablespoon
Preparation
- Cut the Napa cabbage in half lengthwise, remove the hard core, and slice the leaves into thin strips. Place in a large bowl.
- Cut the apple into thin matchsticks (first into slices, then into strips). You can leave the skin on if you like. Add to the cabbage.
- Peel the carrot and coarsely grate it or cut it into very thin matchsticks. Add to the bowl with the vegetables.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the yogurt, mayonnaise, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey until the dressing is smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, taste, and if needed add a bit more honey or vinegar.
- Pour the dressing into the bowl with the cabbage, apple, and carrot. Mix thoroughly with your hands or large spoons so that all pieces are lightly coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately or after 10–15 minutes, when the flavors have blended but the cabbage is still crunchy.
Storage
Sałatka najlepiej smakuje tego samego dnia, bo kapusta mięknie. Przechowuj w lodówce w zamkniętym pojemniku i przed podaniem szybko zamieszaj.
