Cabbage Salad Recipe

Cabbage Salad Recipe

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A Cabbage Salad Recipe is one of those timeless side dishes that effortlessly bridges flavor, health, and simplicity. This crisp, colorful salad brings together shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, and a zesty homemade dressing for a refreshing crunch in every bite. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or enjoy it on its own, this Simple Cabbage Salad is the ultimate balance of freshness and nutrition — perfect for picnics, barbecues, and weekday meals alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Salad Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: You can make this Fresh Cabbage Slaw in under 15 minutes — no cooking required!

  • Healthy and Light: Loaded with vitamins and fiber, this Healthy Cabbage Salad is naturally gluten-free and low in calories.

  • Colorful and Beautiful: The mix of red cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper creates a vibrant, Instagram-worthy dish.

  • Budget-Friendly: All ingredients are affordable and readily available.

  • Perfect for Meal Prep: It stays crisp for hours, making it ideal for lunches or picnics.

  • Customizable: You can turn it into a Creamy Cabbage Slaw or a Cabbage Salad with Vinegar Dressing with simple tweaks.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the kind of salad that even picky eaters love because of its refreshing crunch and tangy dressing.

Ingredients for the Best Cabbage Salad Recipe

Vegetables

  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage – The base that provides bulk and a satisfying crunch.

  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage – Adds color, antioxidants, and a slightly peppery flavor.

  • 1 cup shredded carrots – Bring sweetness and vibrant orange color.

  • ½ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper – Adds mild sweetness and visual appeal.

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – Brightens up the salad with freshness.

  • 3 green onions, sliced – Adds a mild onion flavor that enhances the dressing.

Dressing

  • ⅓ cup olive oil – Smooth base for the vinaigrette that binds flavors.

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the cabbage.

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Gives a creamy, sharp flavor that balances the sweetness.

  • 1 tablespoon honey – Provides a subtle sweetness to contrast the acidity.

  • Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing all the flavors.

How to Make Cabbage Salad Recipe

1. Combine the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, parsley, and green onions. Toss lightly with clean hands or tongs to mix evenly. This blend forms the crisp foundation of your Crunchy Cabbage Salad.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. The emulsion ensures a glossy, flavorful coating on every vegetable strand.

3. Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to ensure every piece is coated. The acidity of the vinegar slightly softens the cabbage while maintaining crunch — the hallmark of a great Classic Cabbage Slaw.

4. Let the Flavors Meld

Allow the salad to rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavors to blend and the cabbage to absorb the dressing, enhancing taste and texture.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Cabbage Salad Recipe chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers, making it a go-to side dish for any season.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Salad

❓ How do you keep cabbage salad crunchy?

Avoid overdressing the salad too early. If prepping ahead, mix vegetables and dressing separately, then combine just before serving for the crispiest texture.

❓ Can I make this Cabbage Salad in advance?

Yes! This Easy Cabbage Salad can be made 24 hours ahead. Store it in the fridge, covered tightly. The vinegar helps preserve freshness without sogginess.

❓ How do you make it creamy?

For a Creamy Cabbage Slaw, replace half the olive oil with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. It adds richness and smooth texture.

A Cabbage Salad Recipe is one of those timeless side dishes that effortlessly bridges flavor, health, and simplicity. This crisp, colorful salad brings together shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, and a zesty homemade dressing for a refreshing crunch in every bite. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or enjoy it on its own, this Simple Cabbage Salad is the ultimate balance of freshness and nutrition — perfect for picnics, barbecues, and weekday meals alike. ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Salad Recipe Quick and Easy: You can make this Fresh Cabbage Slaw in under 15 minutes — no cooking required! Healthy and Light: Loaded with vitamins and fiber, this Healthy Cabbage Salad is naturally gluten-free and low in calories. Colorful and Beautiful: The mix of red cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper creates a vibrant, Instagram-worthy dish. Budget-Friendly: All ingredients are affordable and readily available. Perfect for Meal Prep: It stays crisp for hours, making it ideal for lunches or picnics. Customizable: You can turn it into a Creamy Cabbage Slaw or a Cabbage Salad with Vinegar Dressing with simple tweaks. Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the kind of salad that even picky eaters love because of its refreshing crunch and tangy dressing. 🥬 Ingredients for the Best Cabbage Salad Recipe Vegetables 4 cups shredded green cabbage – The base that provides bulk and a satisfying crunch. 2 cups shredded red cabbage – Adds color, antioxidants, and a slightly peppery flavor. 1 cup shredded carrots – Bring sweetness and vibrant orange color. ½ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper – Adds mild sweetness and visual appeal. ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – Brightens up the salad with freshness. 3 green onions, sliced – Adds a mild onion flavor that enhances the dressing. Dressing ⅓ cup olive oil – Smooth base for the vinaigrette that binds flavors. 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the cabbage. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Gives a creamy, sharp flavor that balances the sweetness. 1 tablespoon honey – Provides a subtle sweetness to contrast the acidity. Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing all the flavors. 👩‍🍳 How to Make Cabbage Salad Recipe 1. Combine the Vegetables In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, parsley, and green onions. Toss lightly with clean hands or tongs to mix evenly. This blend forms the crisp foundation of your Crunchy Cabbage Salad. 2. Make the Dressing In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. The emulsion ensures a glossy, flavorful coating on every vegetable strand. 3. Dress the Salad Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to ensure every piece is coated. The acidity of the vinegar slightly softens the cabbage while maintaining crunch — the hallmark of a great Classic Cabbage Slaw. 4. Let the Flavors Meld Allow the salad to rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavors to blend and the cabbage to absorb the dressing, enhancing taste and texture. 5. Serve and Enjoy Serve the Cabbage Salad Recipe chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers, making it a go-to side dish for any season. 💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Salad ❓ How do you keep cabbage salad crunchy? Avoid overdressing the salad too early. If prepping ahead, mix vegetables and dressing separately, then combine just before serving for the crispiest texture. ❓ Can I make this Cabbage Salad in advance? Yes! This Easy Cabbage Salad can be made 24 hours ahead. Store it in the fridge, covered tightly. The vinegar helps preserve freshness without sogginess. ❓ How do you make it creamy? For a Creamy Cabbage Slaw, replace half the olive oil with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. It adds richness and smooth texture. 🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Salad Recipe Serve your Refreshing Cabbage Salad as: A crunchy side dish for Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta or Garlic Butter Steak Bites (internal links). A topping for fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches. A light lunch paired with grilled tofu or shrimp. A base for Asian-Style Cabbage Slaw by adding soy sauce and sesame oil. This Colorful Cabbage Salad brings a vibrant, nutritious touch to any table. 🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) (Based on 6 servings) Calories: 160 Protein: 2g Fat: 12g Carbohydrates: 13g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 7g Sodium: 120mg A light yet nutrient-rich dish — perfect for low-carb and Mediterranean-style diets. 🧊 Storage and Leftovers Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Avoid Freezing: The texture of cabbage changes when frozen. Refresh Before Serving: Add a drizzle of olive oil or vinegar before serving to revive the flavor. 🌀 Variations to Try Asian Cabbage Salad: Add sesame oil, soy sauce, and chopped peanuts for crunch. Mexican Cabbage Salad: Toss with lime juice, cilantro, and diced jalapeños. Creamy Cabbage Slaw: Mix with mayo and a dash of sugar for a classic BBQ side. Keto-Friendly Cabbage Salad: Skip the honey and use a sugar-free sweetener. Rainbow Cabbage Salad: Add shredded beetroot and corn for extra color. Each twist gives your Cabbage Salad Recipe a new personality while keeping its crisp, refreshing base intact. ❓ FAQs What’s the best cabbage to use for salad? A mix of green and red cabbage gives the best balance of crunch and color. Savoy cabbage can be used for a softer bite. Can I add other veggies or fruits? Absolutely! Apples, cucumbers, or edamame work great. They add texture and a sweet contrast to the tangy dressing. Is Cabbage Salad good for weight loss? Yes — it’s low-calorie, high-fiber, and keeps you full longer. A Healthy Cabbage Salad is ideal for light, clean eating. 💬 Conclusion & Call to Action A Cabbage Salad Recipe is more than just a side — it’s a fresh, vibrant celebration of texture and taste. With its crunchy base, tangy-sweet dressing, and endless customization options, this salad can elevate any meal from ordinary to exceptional.

Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Salad Recipe

Serve your Refreshing Cabbage Salad as:

  • A crunchy side dish for Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta or Garlic Butter Steak Bites (internal links).

  • A topping for fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.

  • A light lunch paired with grilled tofu or shrimp.

  • A base for Asian-Style Cabbage Slaw by adding soy sauce and sesame oil.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 160

  • Protein: 2g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Carbohydrates: 13g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 7g

  • Sodium: 120mg

A light yet nutrient-rich dish — perfect for low-carb and Mediterranean-style diets.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

  • Avoid Freezing: The texture of cabbage changes when frozen.

  • Refresh Before Serving: Add a drizzle of olive oil or vinegar before serving to revive the flavor.

Variations to Try

  • Asian Cabbage Salad: Add sesame oil, soy sauce, and chopped peanuts for crunch.

  • Mexican Cabbage Salad: Toss with lime juice, cilantro, and diced jalapeños.

  • Creamy Cabbage Slaw: Mix with mayo and a dash of sugar for a classic BBQ side.

  • Keto-Friendly Cabbage Salad: Skip the honey and use a sugar-free sweetener.

  • Rainbow Cabbage Salad: Add shredded beetroot and corn for extra color.

Each twist gives your Cabbage Salad Recipe a new personality while keeping its crisp, refreshing base intact.

FAQs

What’s the best cabbage to use for salad?

A mix of green and red cabbage gives the best balance of crunch and color. Savoy cabbage can be used for a softer bite.

Can I add other veggies or fruits?

Absolutely! Apples, cucumbers, or edamame work great. They add texture and a sweet contrast to the tangy dressing.

Is Cabbage Salad good for weight loss?

Yes — it’s low-calorie, high-fiber, and keeps you full longer. A Healthy Cabbage Salad is ideal for light, clean eating.

Conclusion

A Cabbage Salad Recipe is more than just a side — it’s a fresh, vibrant celebration of texture and taste. With its crunchy base, tangy-sweet dressing, and endless customization options, this salad can elevate any meal from ordinary to exceptional.