7 Refreshing Cabbage Salad Recipes to Try Today

Salads are the unsung heroes of our daily meals, bringing with them a wealth of health benefits alongside an exquisite flavor profile. One such star ingredient that often gets overlooked is cabbage, which is not only versatile but also packed with nutrients. Today, we're sharing seven refreshing cabbage salad recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and enhance your understanding of this underappreciated vegetable.

1. The Classic Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a staple at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks, but there’s something truly special about a homemade version. Here’s how you can create your own:

• ¹⁄₂ head green cabbage, finely shredded
• ¹⁄₄ head red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 large carrot, grated
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the cabbage and carrot in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with the vegetables until they are well coated.

2. Asian-Inspired Cabbage Salad

This salad boasts a fusion of flavors with a touch of crunch:

• ¹⁄₂ head napa cabbage, finely shredded
• ¹⁄₄ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped scallions
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Toss the shredded cabbage with almonds, scallions, and sesame seeds. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad, tossing to combine.

🌟 Note: Feel free to add mandarin oranges or snap peas for extra flavor and color!

3. Mexican-Style Cabbage Salad

Spice up your meal with this vibrant Mexican cabbage salad:

• ¹⁄₄ head white cabbage, finely shredded
• ¹⁄₄ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients, ensuring the cabbage is well coated with lime juice and oil.

4. Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Combining sweetness with crunch, this recipe will refresh your palate:

• ¹⁄₂ head green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 apple, thinly sliced or julienned
• ¹⁄₄ cup raisins
• ¹⁄₄ cup walnuts, chopped
• Dressing:
• ¹⁄₂ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of salt

Toss cabbage, apple, raisins, and walnuts. Whisk together the dressing and mix well with the salad.

5. Mediterranean Cabbage Salad

Here’s a light and healthy option with Mediterranean flair:

• ¹⁄₄ head purple cabbage, finely shredded
• ¹⁄₄ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients. Whisk together the dressing, then drizzle over the salad and mix gently.

6. Spicy Thai Cabbage Salad

Introduce some heat into your diet with this Thai-inspired recipe:

• ¹⁄₂ head red cabbage, finely shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded carrots
• ¹⁄₄ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1-2 Thai chilies, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Combine salad ingredients. Mix dressing ingredients and pour over the salad, tossing to combine.

7. Cabbage Salad with Tahini Dressing

Here’s a creamy, vegan-friendly option:

• ¹⁄₂ head Savoy cabbage, finely shredded
• ¹⁄₄ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Dressing:
• ¹⁄₄ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth. Toss cabbage, tomatoes, and onion with the dressing until well combined.

In conclusion, these seven cabbage salad recipes illustrate the versatility of cabbage in salads, offering a range of flavors from classic to exotic. Incorporating these dishes into your meal plan not only diversifies your diet but also introduces you to the many nutritional benefits of this often undervalued vegetable. From the crunch of fresh coleslaw to the vibrant zest of a Thai salad, cabbage can transform your salads into a health feast or a celebratory side dish.

How do I keep my cabbage salad fresh?

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To keep your salad crisp, store it in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture. Dress it just before serving, or if made ahead, add the dressing and mix just before consuming.

Can I substitute ingredients in these salads?

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Absolutely, salads are adaptable. Feel free to use what you have at hand or adjust according to dietary needs or taste preferences. For instance, you could replace tahini with yogurt in the vegan-friendly recipe, or substitute honey with agave for a vegan option.

What’s the best way to cut cabbage for salads?

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For the finest texture in your cabbage salads, cut a thin slice off the bottom of the cabbage head to create a stable base. Halve the cabbage, then lay it cut side down, slicing into thin strips, or shred it using a sharp knife or mandoline.