Red Cabbage and Orange Salad

I love the color of Red Cabbage, but I actually think it is more purple than red and I love it cooked or raw.  One of my favorite ways of serving it is with a dressing made of fresh Navel Oranges. I like this dressing so much, I could almost drink it!

I've mentioned the anti cancer properties of the Brassica family, but Red Cabbage in particular has special properties that protect against breast cancer because of the flavenoids contained in the anthocyanin pigment.  It is also thought in Chinese Medicine to detoxify the liver. Then combine that with oranges, which is another nutritional powerhouse.  Of course, we all know oranges are full of Vitamin C, but they also helps regulate blood sugar and according to Chinese Medicine, they help lubricate the lungs, resolve mucus and strengthen the spleen. Then top this salad off with some almonds, which help prevent wrinkles and in Chinese Medicine, lubricate the lungs and intestines and clear coughs. All of these health giving properties are contained in this delicious salad!  

This salad can be made ahead as the cabbage holds up well and this dressing is also quite good on beets. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Red Cabbage and Orange Salad

1 small head Red Cabbage, cored and chopped

2 medium Naval Oranges, peeled and cut up into small pieces

Juice of 1 additional Naval Orange

juice of 1 small lemon

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 Tablespoon Honey

1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

1/2 cup of Olive Oil

1/3 cup slivered almonds

Mix together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt and pepper.  Taste and adjust if necessary.  Marinate the red onion in the vinaigrette.  Toast the almonds in a frying pan until lightly browned. Take out and cool.  In a large bowl, mix together the Red Cabbage and the Oranges.  Pour the dressing with the onions over the salad and toss to coat.  Sprinkle on the almonds and serve. 

Five Element Analysis

Looking at this salad and it's various colors, you know that several of the elements have to be involved.  The cabbage belongs to the Earth Family and the honey adds more, but the red color makes it Fiery too and the Pepper contributes an a small amount.  The oranges belong to the Wood Family and the olive oil and lemon juice bring in even more.  The almonds, mustard and onions make sure the Metal Element is present too. Only the Water Element is missing so serve this with a Water Food main dish and you will have achieved a Five Element balance.