Cabbage Salad with Carrots, Apples and Peanuts

A reposting of a winter favorite from February 18th 2011! My how the time flies...

Nothing makes me yearn for spring more than walking through a Farmer's market this time of year.  Right now, the pickins' are pretty slim and I'm over the weekly temptation to buy every type of potato known to man. However, next to the plethora of potatoes linger a few other winter staples- carrots, cabbage, apples- these I can work with.  This salad creation cures my itch for fresh veggies and provides sweet, crunchy hope that spring is right around the corner.

In addition to helping me fight my winter vegetable blues, this salad is also incredibly easy, insanely inexpensive and can feed the masses.  I made this salad twice before and I was not able to get any pictures because my friends and I ate it so quickly.  Any asian style dressing will work for this salad.  I used an organic sesame ginger.  You can also add grilled chicken to the salad to up the protein but the vegetarian version is just as delicious.

Cabbage Salad with Carrots, Apples and Peanuts

1 head green cabbage
3 apples (any kind you prefer)
3 carrots, shredded
1 cup of roasted unsalted peanuts
1/4 cup fresh chopped scallion
Sesame ginger salad dressing
Salt
Grilled chicken (optional)

Clean the cabbage and cut it into quarters.  Slice each quarter into thin shreds, removing any large or very hard pieces.  Place the sliced cabbage in a very large bowl.  Shred the carrots using a mandolin or hand grater.  Clean and cut the apples into bite size pieces.  Chop the peanuts.  Clean and chop the scallion discarding the white ends.  Add all the ingredients to the large bowl.  If using chicken, chop into bite size pieces and add to the bowl as well.  Add 5-6 tablespoons of dressing and toss to coat.  Mix very well before adding more dressing.  This salad takes a bit of work to mix!  Add more dressing if necessary and salt to taste.  Toss again and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.  Serve and enjoy!

What makes this bite better?
During the winter months it is often difficult to get your daily filling of veggies, especially if you are a locavore.  This salad is a great way to up your fruit and veggie intake for the day while still being low in fat.  Also, cabbage is an under appreciated veggie loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fiber!