It wasn’t until recently that I truly paused to consider the content categories on my blog. To my slight embarrassment, I realized that despite a passion for fresh, vibrant dishes, I had never dedicated an entire post to a salad recipe! The discovery came as I was preparing to publish a new creation and found myself without a ‘salads’ category in my menu. It seems I have some serious catching up to do, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to begin than with this stunning autumnal recipe: a Blackberry and Caraway Slaw that promises to delight your senses.
As autumn embraces us with its crisp air and rich palette of colors, this simple yet sophisticated Blackberry and Caraway Slaw emerges as an ideal culinary celebration of the season. Just observe the magnificent hues! The deep purples of red cabbage and the juicy burst of blackberries create a visual symphony, making this salad almost too beautiful to eat. I found myself so captivated by its aesthetic appeal that I couldn’t stop capturing its essence through my camera lens. Choosing which photographs to feature was a delightful, albeit challenging, task.
Indeed, as you can see, today’s post is generously adorned with an abundance of images. This is primarily because this Blackberry and Caraway Slaw is not just delicious; it’s extraordinarily photogenic! Beyond its undeniable visual charm, I genuinely struggled to narrow down my selection, each picture telling its own story of freshness and flavor. The struggle, my friends, was undeniably real, but ultimately rewarding, as it allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of this dish before you even taste it.
No truly remarkable salad is complete without an exceptional dressing, and this recipe delivers with a quick yet incredibly flavorful mustard drizzle. This versatile dressing pairs beautifully with almost any salad imaginable, offering a delightful balance of sweetness complemented by the zesty kick of mustard. The inclusion of caraway seeds in the dressing is entirely optional, but I cannot stress enough how highly recommended it is. These subtle, aromatic seeds infuse the dressing with a lovely, lightly fragrant flavor that elevates the entire dish, creating a unique and memorable taste experience.
Discover the Distinctive Flavor of Caraway Seeds
Perhaps caraway seeds are not a staple in your pantry, or you might be wondering how they differ from other spices. Allow me to introduce you to these intriguing little seeds. Caraway and fennel are often mistaken for close relatives due to their appearance and some shared aromatic notes, but they are distinctly different plants with unique flavor profiles. While fennel seeds are known for their pronounced anise or licorice-like taste, caraway offers a more subtle and earthy aroma. Its flavor is less intense than fennel, often described as warm, slightly bitter, and peppery with a hint of citrus. This delicate complexity is precisely why I personally favor caraway; it adds depth without overpowering other ingredients, making it a wonderful addition to dressings, bread, and, of course, this exquisite slaw.
As I often confess on this blog, I harbor a small, but undeniable, obsession with collecting food-related items. It began innocently enough with a few jars and bowls, then quickly escalated to an array of spoons, forks, plates, and cups. My latest passions include unique backdrops and exquisite handmade pottery. This delightful accumulation reached a new peak last week when we found ourselves installing extra shelves, having realized that every conceivable inch of surface in our kitchen was delightfully covered in some form of crockery. It seems my “tiny problem” might be growing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Instead of attempting to limit the number of beautiful items gracing my kitchen, I find myself continually expanding my collection. I simply cannot resist the allure of unique dishes or distinctive utensils. This gorgeous handmade bowl, prominently featured in these photographs, is a prime example. The moment I spotted it on eBay, I knew, with absolute certainty, that I simply *needed* it. And just look at it – isn’t it absolutely awesome? Surely, there’s always space for one more charming little bowl in my kitchen, especially when it complements my culinary creations so perfectly. Such pieces not only serve a purpose but also add character and inspiration to every meal.
The Perfect Autumnal Slaw: Blackberry and Caraway Perfection
But enough about my cherished kitchen treasures. Let’s refocus on this incredible Blackberry and Caraway Slaw. This recipe is an absolute gem: perfectly seasonal, remarkably easy to prepare, and yields a truly delicious salad. It stands beautifully on its own as a light, refreshing meal, or it can serve as a vibrant, flavorful addition to your favorite main course. Whether served in a simple bowl or one of my gorgeous handmade finds, its wonderful taste is guaranteed to shine through. I sincerely hope you enjoy creating and savoring this delightful autumnal dish as much as I do!
This salad is not just a feast for the eyes and palate; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Red cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. Blackberries add a burst of natural sweetness along with dietary fiber and even more antioxidants. Coupled with the healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and the digestive benefits of caraway seeds, this slaw is a truly wholesome choice for any meal. Its vibrant ingredients mean you’re not just eating well, but eating beautifully, making healthy eating an enjoyable and visually appealing experience.
Preparing this Blackberry and Caraway Slaw is an incredibly straightforward process, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or a lovely addition to a weekend brunch. The minimal cook time involved ensures that the ingredients retain their freshness and crisp texture, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite. The ease of assembly means you can whip up this elegant side dish or light lunch in mere minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the simple pleasures of autumn.
📖 Recipe: Blackberry and Caraway Slaw
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Blackberry and Caraway Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoon cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoon olive oil (extra- virgin)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ small red cabbage core removed, very finely sliced
- 1 small apple cored and cut into matchsticks
- ½ small red onion sliced wafer thin
- 15 pieces walnut
- 1 medium dried chilli
- 1 cup blackberries
Instructions
- Toast caraway seeds for about 20 seconds in a dry frying pan until fragrant, then set them aside to cool.
- Toast the walnuts in the exact same pan for a few minutes until lightly golden and aromatic, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, and cider vinegar until well combined and emulsified. Stir in the cooled caraway seeds at the end.
- Finely slice the fresh spinach leaves. In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced spinach with the red cabbage, apple matchsticks, wafer-thin red onion, and toasted walnuts. Gently fold in the fresh blackberries last to avoid crushing them.
- Pour the prepared mustard-caraway dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables and fruits are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this seasonal slaw!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested using metric grams for precision. I highly recommend using digital scales for the most accurate results. While I have provided a conversion to US customary measurements within the recipe, please be aware that I haven’t personally tested using this method.
Nutrition
