Easy Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette
Make this fresh, crisp cabbage salad tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette. It is a quick, healthy side dish perfect for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups shredded green and purple cabbage (about 1 medium head)
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the zesty vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage mixture. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add herbs: If using, stir in the fresh parsley.
- Chill (optional but recommended): For the best flavor and crunch, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing slightly.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve this refreshing salad as a side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of toasted sunflower seeds just before serving.
- This vinegar based cabbage salad holds up well for meal prep; store dressing separately if preparing more than one day ahead.
- To make this a main dish cabbage salad, add grilled chicken breast or chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
