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Cabbage, Sausage, and Apple Salad with Apple-Cider Vinaigrette

A hearty cabbage, sausage, and apple salad tossed in a tangy apple cider mustard vinaigrette. A quick and cozy 30-minute dinner packed with flavor and crunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, German, Irish

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Head Small Cabbage Thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 4-6 Sausages Your preference, sliced diagonal
  • 1-2 Stocks Celery Diced
  • 5 Tbsp Olive Oil Divided
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Apple-Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 5 cups Mixed Greens
  • 1 Medium Apple Thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Toasted Walnuts (optional) Chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives Chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven or Skillet
  • 1 Cutting Board & Knife
  • Whisk or Mason Jar with lid
  • Large Bowl for mixing all ingredients together.

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and heated through. If using pre-cooked sausage, heat to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the pan and set aside on a cutting board. Once slightly cooled, slice into rounds.
  2. Add the sliced cabbage, celery, and a pinch of salt to the Dutch oven with the remaining sausage drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften but still holds a slight crunch.
  3. Prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together: Dijon mustard• maple syrup• apple cider vinegar• 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
  4. Return the sliced sausage to the cabbage mixture and stir gently. Add about half of the vinaigrette, allowing the warm cabbage and sausage to absorb the flavors. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  5. Once slightly cooled, gently toss the cabbage mixture with the mixed greens. Add the sliced apples and optional toppings such as toasted walnuts or fresh chives. Transfer to serving bowls and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t overcook the cabbage
    You want it slightly wilted but still a little crisp for the best texture.
  • Use a crisp apple variety
    Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples hold their shape well and add great sweetness.
  • Let the warm ingredients cool slightly
    Adding hot sausage and cabbage directly to the greens can wilt them too much.
  • Make it ahead
    You can prepare the sausage and cabbage mixture earlier in the day and assemble the salad right before serving.
  • Add extra crunch
    If braces aren’t an issue at your house, toasted walnuts or pecans add wonderful texture.

Table Conversation Starter

What is one meal you remember loving when you were growing up?