1-First, start by combining all the dressing ingredients in a measuring jug. That means mixing 4 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon apple juice or additional vinegar, 2 teaspoons whole grain Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well blended this creates the tangy base that ties everything together.

2-Next, place the 6 cups of shredded red cabbage in a large bowl and pour the dressing over it. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the cabbage thoroughly; this step is key to softening the leaves and letting the flavors soak in. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the goodness, or pop it in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead for later.

3-Just before you’re ready to serve, add in the grated carrot, diced apple, and chopped pecans to the dressed cabbage. Give everything a good toss to mix it evenly, then taste and adjust with a little more olive oil, vinegar, salt, or pepper if needed. Finally, serve it right away for the best crunch and flavor. If you want to get creative, add ideas from other fruit-based salads like pear variations to mix things up.