If you’re looking for a fresh, crisp, and colorful side dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up, I cannot recommend this Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe enough. It’s a delightful combination of shredded green and red cabbage alongside vibrant carrots, all brought together with a perfectly balanced tangy and slightly sweet dressing. Whether you’re new to cabbage salads or a longtime fan, this recipe offers a simple, no-fuss approach that fits seamlessly into your daily cooking routine, brightening up lunches, dinners, or picnics alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is selected not only for flavor but also to create a satisfying texture and a burst of fresh color that makes this salad as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
- 5 cups shredded green cabbage: The sturdy cabbage base provides crunch and a mild, fresh flavor perfect for salads.
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant purple color and a slightly earthier taste, creating beautiful contrast.
- 1 cup shredded carrot: Sweetness and bright orange color that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness which is essential for balancing the dressing.
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or light olive): This adds the right amount of richness and helps the dressing coat the salad evenly.
- 1 1/2 – 2 tbsp white sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness to offset the tang of vinegar; adjust to your taste.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a mild kick and depth to the dressing’s flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe
Step 1: Shake Up the Dressing
Start by adding cider vinegar, oil, sugar, Dijon mustard, and salt to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake it vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and combined. Begin with 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar and taste the dressing—if you prefer it a little sweeter, add more. This step is key because a well-balanced dressing will bring all the salad ingredients to life.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot. Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad and toss everything together really well so that each shred is lightly coated. Once tossed, let the salad sit for about 20 minutes. This resting period is magic — the cabbage softens slightly and releases some juices, creating a juicy and satisfying texture. You’ll notice the volume reduces by nearly half, making it even easier to enjoy.
How to Serve Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even further, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can introduce a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with the tangy dressing.
Side Dishes
This Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe makes a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. It’s a refreshing foil to heavier mains, or it can stand on its own as a light dish during warmer months.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the usual bowl? Serve this salad in crisp lettuce cups for a fun appetizer, or pile it onto warm tortillas to create crunchy, vibrant slaw tacos. Its simplicity lets you get playful with presentation without worrying about disrupting flavor harmony.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cabbage will continue to soften, so the texture will become more tender and less crunchy over time, but the flavors will remain deliciously melded.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the cabbage and carrot will lose their crispness and turn mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
No reheating needed here because this salad shines when served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a fresh toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use only green cabbage in this Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have red cabbage on hand, using all green cabbage will still yield a delicious and crunchy salad. The color won’t be as vibrant, but the flavor will remain fresh and satisfying.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. Just ensure your mustard and oil choices align with your dietary preferences.
How long does the salad keep its crunch?
The cabbage salad tastes best within the first day or two after making it, as the cabbage and carrot retain their crunch. After that, the texture softens, which some people enjoy as the flavors meld more deeply.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Thinly sliced bell peppers, green onions, or even thin cucumber strips can add more variety to the flavor and texture, making this Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe even more special.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard, or omit it entirely. The dressing will still have a lovely tang, but the slight sharpness Dijon brings is missed.
Final Thoughts
This Everyday Cabbage Salad Recipe is one of those easy, feel-good dishes that effortlessly fits into just about any meal plan. Its bright flavors, satisfying textures, and colorful appearance make it an instant favorite whenever you make it. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a salad that you’ll want to reach for again and again.
