Cabbage Salad Recipe
If you’re longing for a fresh, vibrant, and delightfully crunchy dish, this Cabbage Salad Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Bursting with colorful shredded green and red cabbage, sweet carrots, and zesty green onions, all tied together with a simple yet tangy dressing, this salad is a wonderful way to elevate any meal. It’s an absolute breeze to prepare, naturally vegan and gluten-free, and perfectly balances crisp textures with a hint of sweetness and acidity that dances on your palate. Trust me, once you try this cabbage salad, it will quickly become a favorite go-to for lunches, dinners, and even potlucks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cabbage Salad Recipe just right means focusing on a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each component adds its own unique color, texture, or flavor, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage: The crunchy and slightly peppery backbone of the salad that brings volume and freshness.
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthier taste for depth.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweetness and bright orange hue that balances the cabbage’s bite.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions: Mild onion flavor that adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A fresh herbal note that takes the salad to another level if you love a bit of green zing.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Brings a smooth richness and helps the dressing coat every vegetable strand.
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a satisfying tang that brightens the entire salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Just the right touch of sweetness to balance acidity and enhance flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the veggies.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle hint of warmth to round out the taste.
How to Make Cabbage Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables
Start by tossing together the shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and fresh cilantro (if you’re using it) in a large mixing bowl. This creates the perfect crunchy base where the bright colors and varied textures come alive.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a jar, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. The key here is to blend until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thickened, so it will cling nicely to the cabbage and other veggies.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over your mountain of vegetables and toss everything together thoroughly. Make sure every strand and shred is coated with that flavorful dressing; this is where the magic of the Cabbage Salad Recipe truly happens.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Patience pays off here! Let your salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to meld beautifully with the vegetables, softening the cabbage just slightly while intensifying all those fresh flavors.
How to Serve Cabbage Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds right before serving for a delightful crunch, or sprinkle sliced apples on top to introduce a burst of juicy sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the tangy dressing. Fresh herbs like more cilantro or even a handful of chopped parsley can elevate your presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This cabbage salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even as a light side for a hearty sandwich or burger. It’s also a fantastic companion for spicy dishes, as its creaminess and tang act like a cooling counterbalance to bold heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling creative? Serve your Cabbage Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for lunches on the go, or pile it atop thin flatbreads with a drizzle of extra dressing and a sprinkle of seeds for a lively, casual appetizer. Layer it with other salads to create a colorful, eye-catching salad bar at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and crunch. Give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and revive that vibrant texture.
Freezing
Due to the fresh crunch of the cabbage and other vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended. It will lose its texture and become watery once thawed, which takes away from the fresh, crisp nature of this recipe.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of cabbage in this Cabbage Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While using both green and red cabbage adds more color and flavor complexity, you can certainly use just one type. The salad will still be delicious and crunchy.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes! This particular Cabbage Salad Recipe is entirely plant-based and gluten-free, making it perfect for vegan and gluten-free lifestyles without any modifications needed.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
You can whip up this refreshing salad in about 15 minutes. It’s a fantastic option when you need something quick but packed with flavor and nutrients.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely feel free to customize! Thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even radishes can add extra crunch, color, and flavor, making the salad your own.
What can I substitute for honey in the dressing?
If you prefer a vegan alternative or simply want a different sweetness, maple syrup is an excellent substitute. It blends seamlessly into the dressing, enhancing the tang without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cabbage Salad Recipe inspires you to mix up your salad routine and enjoy something that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat. It’s a perfect combination of crisp, sweet, tangy, and fresh that can brighten any meal or serve as a healthy, energizing snack. Give it a try—you’re going to love how this simple, versatile salad fits right into your life and your heart!
Print
Cabbage Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and crunchy cabbage salad combines shredded green and red cabbage with fresh carrots and green onions, tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s a refreshing, no-cook side dish perfect for any occasion, offering a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free option.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro if using.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well blended and emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is nicely coated with the dressing.
- Let Salad Rest: Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Make ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add texture: Incorporate toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or sliced apples for extra crunch and flavor variation.
- Optional cilantro adds a fresh herbal note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
