The most underestimated salad becomes the summer star: how you turn it into the perfect preparation. The secrets of culinary experts

For years, cabbage salad has been regarded as a trivial presence on our tables – a rushed gasket, often drowned in mayonnaise, forgotten through the corner of the casserole. But culinary experts draw attention: in the summer season, this modest salad can become the star of the plate, if prepared correctly.

Cabbage salad, summer star, with tips from international culinary culinary experts Adevărul archive

The crisp texture, the balanced flavors and its incredible versatility turn it into a preparation that deserves a central place, not a decoration. Whether you prefer it with classic dressing, exotic notes or unexpected ingredients, there are countless fast and simple recipes to prepare: cabbage salad is spectacular – and this summer is its moment of glory.

Follow the tips of experts consulted by The Guardian And learn how to make the most tasty cabbage salad.

What is the secret of a successful cabbage salad

“The cabbage salad is much under -applying”recognizes Felicity Cloke, the book author Peach Street to Lobster Lanerecently launched. The essence of a good cabbage salad, she says, is the crisp texture of the vegetables, and for that Cloke prefers to chop the cabbage, not to laugh. A grater (mandolin) or a kitchen robot are ideal for this process: “Thus, the cabbage does not become a paste.

Cloke says that to get a successful salad, mix the cabbage and carrot with salt, vinegar and a little sugar, then allow the composition to stand for vegetables to soften and season well. After draining the liquid, adds to the mayonnaise, but in moderation: “The salad must be slightly seasoned, not sticky.”

Jessica Prescott, the book author Epic saladsrecommends a simple and balanced dressing, for every state of mind, lust and opportunity: “Two tablespoons of something creamy (mayonnaise, cream or yogurt), a tablespoon of acid (lemon juice, lime or apple cider) and citrus peel, if you want. For added aroma, add a spoon of mustard, honey or soy sauce.”

Tips from Chefi

If mayonnaise is your favorite creamy basis, Richard Turner, chief cook and partner at Bodean's, recommends add cream or crème Fraîche for extra finesse.

On the other hand, Jack Croft, chef and co-owner of London restaurants Fall, Fowl and Roe, prefer to completely give up the white base. He uses Dijon mustard, a splash of good vinegar, olive oil and a handful of fresh herbs (green onion, parsley), which give a rich but light dressing.

Cloke often adds horseradish or mustard, plus chopped green or arpagic onion.

A surprising advice comes from the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, who, in her book Dollywood Presents Tennessee Mountain Home Cookingrecommends to combine brine from pickles with mayonnaise, white vinegar and spices, adding chopped pickles for a distinct note.

From cabbage to masterpiece: the secrets of ideal preparation

Regardless of preferences, it also matters how you prepare vegetables, according to Prescott: “Cut the green, red, creed or napa (Chinese cabbage n.red.) In thin slices, soak them in cold water and then dry them well in a centrifuge, to get the maximum crisp texture.”

You can complete the cabbage salad with grilled corn, carrot or cucumber, chopped or in fine slices. If you add vegetables with a high water content, such as cucumbers, sprinkle with salt and let them sit a little before incorporating them into the salad.

The soft herbs, finely chopped to integrate harmoniously, are also essential. It is also important for the salad to stay for about 15 minutes before being served, for the flavors to harmonize and become more friendly.

Once prepared, “Taste, taste, taste”recommends Turner, because “The character of the cabbage salad evolves over time.”

If you do not consume it immediately, Croft suggests to cover it and keep it cold: “Just before serving, season with salt and a little lemon juice – this retains the fresh, bright salad and prevents the sticky appearance.”

Reinventing cabbage salad: unique combinations and surprising flavors

Of course, the world of cabbage salads is much wider than the classic preparation.

Start by combining vegetables: Turner, for example, prefers chopped crease, two finely sliced ​​onions, a julienne cut, a thin sliced ​​green pepper, Jalapeño and coriander with minced peppermint.

“Mix 100 ml of yogurt with the juice and peel from two limes, a little salt and sugar, then pour the dressing over vegetables ”he explains, mentioning that he keeps the mixture cold until serving.

Maria Bradford, culinary author and cook/restaurant owner, adds: “I prepare a salad with mango ribbons, red onion, chili and coriander, with a lime dressing and maple syrup. It is wonderful with grilled meat or whole fish, such as the biban, baked in the oven.”

The conclusion? Cabbage salad is “One of the most versatile culinary preparations”, As Prescott says, and choosing the right variant is at the choice of everyone.

“There are a lot of combinations, all as delicious and satisfying”I admit culinary experts to unison.