If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy, and colorful side dish that will brighten up any meal, this Cabbage Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Combining crisp green and red cabbage with sweet carrots, zesty red bell pepper, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you need a quick salad for a picnic, a lively potluck addition, or a vibrant topping for tacos and sandwiches, this recipe hits every mark with its simple ingredients and bold personality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cabbage Salad Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crunch of the cabbage to the zing of apple cider vinegar, each component is essential yet easy to find. Let’s dive into what makes this salad so delightfully vibrant and balanced.

4 cups shredded green cabbage: Adds a crisp, mild base that’s perfect for soaking up the dressing.
2 cups shredded red cabbage: Brings color and a slightly earthier flavor to enrich the salad.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and bright orange color for visual appeal.
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper: Offers juicy crunch and a subtle, fruity pepper flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Injects a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
3 green onions, sliced: Provides mild oniony notes that aren’t overpowering but add depth.
1/3 cup olive oil: The smooth fat that binds everything together and adds richness.
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Delivers a crisp, tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds gentle heat and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the vinaigrette just enough to harmonize all ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient without masking their flavors.

How to Make Cabbage Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by shredding the green and red cabbage into thin, even pieces. This makes a big difference in both texture and how well the dressing clings to every bite. Next, shred the carrots and thinly slice the red bell pepper for bursts of sweetness and crunch. Combine all your chopped veggies and fresh parsley in a large bowl, then toss in the sliced green onions. The medley of colors and textures you’ll see here is only the beginning of the delight.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This simple vinaigrette perfectly balances tang, sweet, and savory notes to awaken the flavors of your cabbage and veggies. Since the dressing is so easy to put together, you can quickly taste and adjust it until it feels just right for your palate.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mix and toss everything together thoroughly. Coating every shredded strand of cabbage ensures each bite bursts with flavor and freshness. Let your salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to mingle and the cabbage to soften slightly while still remaining crisp and refreshing.

How to Serve Cabbage Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a final touch to your Cabbage Salad Recipe can elevate its presentation and texture. Consider sprinkling sunflower seeds or slivered almonds on top for an extra crunch just before serving. A few fresh herb leaves, like additional parsley or even a bit of cilantro, can also brighten up the look and taste, making your salad irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad is an incredibly versatile side that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main dishes. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu, and it complements spicy dishes beautifully by offering a cooling, fresh crunch. Don’t forget how well it plays with barbecue fare or as a contrast to creamy mashed potatoes for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch up your presentation, try serving this cabbage salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic twist. You could also use it as a bright, crunchy bed for grilled meats or roasted veggies, or pile it high atop tacos and sandwiches to add fresh texture and zing. Wherever it lands, this Cabbage Salad Recipe always adds a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cabbage salad keeps great in the fridge for a couple of days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness. The flavors actually tend to deepen as it rests, making leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended since the raw vegetables lose their crisp texture and become soggy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat this salad, as it’s designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and coax out the flavors even more.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of cabbage?

Absolutely! If you only have green or red cabbage on hand, either one works fine. Using both just adds a beautiful contrast in color and flavor, but the salad remains delicious with just a single variety.

Is this Cabbage Salad Recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products. The honey can be swapped for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully plant-based.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for up to 2-3 days. The cabbage softens slightly but retains enough crunch and flavor to enjoy.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted nuts like almonds for a protein boost that turns this side dish into a satisfying main meal.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If apple cider vinegar is unavailable, white wine vinegar or lemon juice make great alternatives, providing a similar bright acidity that complements the salad beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Salad Recipe is one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for almost any occasion or meal. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how effortlessly it brings crunch and brightness to your table!

Cabbage Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 40 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This crisp and refreshing cabbage salad is a simple yet flavorful side dish made with shredded green and red cabbage, vibrant carrots, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a perfect healthy accompaniment to any meal or a crunchy topping for tacos and sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions, sliced

Dressing

1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, chopped parsley, and sliced green onions thoroughly.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the vinaigrette.
Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving, so the flavors can meld and develop fully.
Serve: Serve the cabbage salad chilled or at room temperature as a fresh, crunchy side dish or a topping.

Notes

This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavor melding.
For added crunch and texture, sprinkle sunflower seeds or slivered almonds over the salad just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American