Salads, Sides, Starters, Vegetarian & Vegan

Serves: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

This vibrant red and purple salad is packed with nutrients, bold flavours, and a kick of spice from a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it’s ideal for anyone following a low-carb, high-protein, or keto-friendly diet.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Peanut Dressing:

• 2 heaped tablespoons crunchy peanut butter

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• Plenty of freshly ground black pepper

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• ¼ to ½ of a red or green hot chilli, finely diced (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons cold water (to adjust consistency)

For the Salad:

• 200g red cabbage, finely sliced

• 150g cooked beetroot, quartered, or 1 carrot, grated, or 100g pomegranate seeds

• 6 radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 purple radicchio or 1 red chicory, or a little kohlrabi, finely sliced

• 2 celery sticks with leaves, finely sliced

• Small bunch of fresh coriander, stalks finely chopped, leaves torn

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chilli, and black pepper with a fork.

2. Gradually add cold water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning – add more chilli for heat or lime juice for extra tang.

2. Assemble the Salad

1. Combine the cabbage, beetroot (or carrot/pomegranate), radishes, radicchio/chicory/kohlrabi, celery, and coriander in a large serving bowl.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Pour the spicy peanut dressing over the top or serve on the side.

4. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad for added crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or prawns for a complete meal.

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

• Make Ahead: The salad can be prepped in advance, but dress just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

• Adjust the Spice: Increase or reduce the chilli to suit your taste.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Net Carbs: 15g

• Fibre: 8g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 28g

• Calories: 358 kcal

This colourful, nutrient-dense salad is perfect for low-carb, keto, or paleo diets, providing a delicious combination of crunch, sweetness, and spice.