Easy Red Cabbage Salad Recipe

In our home, weeknight dinners are often a whirlwind of activity. Between school pickups, homework battles, and the ever-present question of “What’s for dinner?”, finding recipes that are both healthy and genuinely enjoyed by everyone can feel like searching for a culinary unicorn. That’s why discovering this Easy Red Cabbage Salad was such a game-changer. Initially, I was skeptical. Red cabbage? In a salad? My kids aren’t exactly known for their adventurous palates when it comes to raw vegetables. But the vibrant color and promise of a tangy dressing intrigued me enough to give it a try.

And boy, am I glad I did! From the first bite, this salad was a revelation. The crispness of the red cabbage, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of apples and the zing of a simple yet flavorful dressing, was an instant hit. Even my pickiest eater, who usually avoids anything remotely resembling a vegetable, devoured a generous portion. It’s become a regular fixture on our table, not just because it’s incredibly easy to throw together (a huge bonus on busy evenings!), but because it’s genuinely delicious. It adds a beautiful pop of color to any meal, and its refreshing crunch is the perfect counterpoint to richer dishes. This isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile side dish that has won over even the toughest critics in my family. If you’re looking for a healthy, easy, and crowd-pleasing salad that will brighten up your meals, look no further. This Easy Red Cabbage Salad is about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. The core components, however, remain crucial for that signature crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that makes this salad so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and healthy side dish:

• Red Cabbage: The star of the show! You’ll need about 1 medium-sized head of red cabbage. Look for a firm, heavy head with tightly packed leaves. Red cabbage is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
• Apples: Choose a crisp and slightly tart apple variety for the best flavor and texture contrast. Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples all work wonderfully. You’ll need 1-2 medium apples, depending on their size and your preference for sweetness.
• Red Onion: A small red onion adds a pungent bite that complements the sweetness of the apples and cabbage. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a shallot or even omit the onion altogether, although it does contribute to the overall flavor complexity.
• Fresh Parsley or Dill: Fresh herbs elevate the salad with a touch of freshness and brightness. Parsley and dill are both excellent choices, offering slightly different flavor profiles. Parsley is more herbaceous and slightly peppery, while dill is more delicate and slightly anise-like. You can use either or even a combination of both.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This is the key ingredient for the tangy and slightly sweet dressing. Apple cider vinegar provides a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cabbage and complements the sweetness of the apples. It also has a slightly fruity note that enhances the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and healthy fats to the dressing. It helps to emulsify the dressing and coat the cabbage and other ingredients, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar and the slight bitterness of the red cabbage. Honey and maple syrup are both natural sweeteners that work beautifully in this dressing. You can adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness. For a vegan option, maple syrup is an excellent choice.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dressing. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the vinegar and oil together.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the salad. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its bolder taste.
• Optional Additions: This salad is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it with additional ingredients to add even more flavor and texture. Consider adding:
  • Dried Cranberries or Raisins: For extra sweetness and chewiness.
  • Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds, for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Feta Cheese or Goat Cheese: For a creamy and salty element.
  • Caraway Seeds: For a traditional German-inspired flavor.
  • Shredded Carrots: For added sweetness and color.
  • Orange Zest: For a bright citrusy note in the dressing.

Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and nutritional value. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt it to your own taste preferences.

Instructions

Making this Easy Red Cabbage Salad is incredibly straightforward and quick, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a healthy and flavorful side dish in a hurry. Follow these simple steps to create a salad that is both delicious and visually appealing:

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by washing the red cabbage thoroughly under cold water. Remove the outer leaves if they are wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Place the flat side down on your cutting board and thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. You want to achieve thin, even shreds. Alternatively, you can use a food processor with the shredding attachment for even faster preparation. Once shredded, place the cabbage in a large bowl.
2. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients, as well as a beautiful color contrast. Core the apples and cut them into thin slices or small cubes. To prevent the apples from browning, you can toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar, although the vinegar in the dressing will also help to prevent oxidation. Add the sliced or cubed apples to the bowl with the shredded cabbage.
3. Prepare the Red Onion and Herbs: Peel and thinly slice the red onion. You can slice it into half-moons or finely chop it, depending on your preference. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow its flavor. Finely chop the fresh parsley or dill. Add the sliced red onion and chopped herbs to the bowl with the cabbage and apples.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or a little more vinegar for a tangier dressing.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture in the large bowl. Using your hands or salad tongs, toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the cabbage, apples, and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. Massage the dressing into the cabbage with your hands for a minute or two. This helps to soften the cabbage slightly and allows the flavors to meld together. Don’t over-massage, as you still want the cabbage to retain some of its crunch.
6. Let it Marinate (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and the cabbage to soften slightly while still retaining its satisfying crunch. If you are short on time, you can serve it immediately, but the flavor will improve with marinating.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. You can add any of your optional ingredients at this point, such as dried cranberries, toasted nuts, or feta cheese. Serve the Easy Red Cabbage Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals, from grilled meats and fish to vegetarian dishes and sandwiches.

Tips for Success:

• Thinly Slice the Cabbage: The key to a great red cabbage salad is thinly sliced cabbage. This ensures that the cabbage is tender enough to eat raw and that it absorbs the dressing well.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing and add more to taste. You want the salad to be nicely coated but not swimming in dressing.
• Massage the Cabbage: Massaging the dressing into the cabbage helps to break down the fibers and make it more tender and flavorful.
• Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Taste the dressing and adjust the honey/maple syrup and apple cider vinegar to your liking.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley or dill really brighten up the flavor of the salad. Don’t skip them if possible.

With these simple instructions, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy Easy Red Cabbage Salad ready to enjoy in no time. It’s a recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Nutrition Facts

This Easy Red Cabbage Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and guilt-free addition to your meals. Red cabbage itself is a nutritional powerhouse, and the other ingredients in this salad further enhance its health benefits. Please note that the nutrition facts are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Servings: Approximately 6 servings

Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories (This can vary based on the amount of olive oil and sweetener used)

Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 120-150 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1-1.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5-6g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 100-150mg (depending on salt added)
• Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 6-8g (naturally occurring and added sugars)
• Protein: 1-2g
• Vitamin C: High (Red cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C)
• Vitamin K: Good source
• Vitamin B6: Good source
• Folate: Good source
• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (responsible for the red color)

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Red Cabbage:
  • High in Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect against cell damage and chronic diseases.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and contributes to feelings of fullness.
  • Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system, supports collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant.
  • Low in Calories: A great way to add volume and nutrients to your meals without adding a lot of calories.
• Apples:
  • Good Source of Fiber: Contributes to digestive health and satiety.
  • Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Provides some vitamin C and potassium.
• Olive Oil:
  • Healthy Fats: Primarily monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
  • Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols.
• Apple Cider Vinegar:
  • May Aid Digestion: Some studies suggest it can help with digestion and blood sugar control.
  • Low in Calories: Adds flavor without significant calories.

This Easy Red Cabbage Salad is a healthy choice due to its abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a great way to incorporate more raw vegetables into your diet and enjoy a flavorful and nutritious side dish. Remember to enjoy it as part of a balanced and varied diet for optimal health benefits.

Preparation Time

One of the best things about this Easy Red Cabbage Salad is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have this vibrant and flavorful salad ready to serve in a matter of minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated preparation time:

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

This includes:

• Washing and preparing vegetables: Washing the cabbage, apples, red onion, and herbs.
• Shredding/Slicing: Shredding the red cabbage, slicing or cubing the apples, and slicing the red onion.
• Chopping Herbs: Finely chopping the fresh parsley or dill.
• Making the Dressing: Whisking together the dressing ingredients.
• Tossing the Salad: Combining all ingredients and dressing the salad.
• Marinating Time (Optional but Recommended): 30 minutes – 2 hours (or longer)

While marinating is optional, allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and texture. You can even prepare the salad ahead of time and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will meld and deepen.

Total Time (Including Optional Marinating): 45 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes

Active Cooking Time: There is no cooking involved in this recipe, making it a truly quick and easy side dish.

Tips to Speed Up Preparation:

• Use a Food Processor: If you have a food processor with a shredding attachment, you can shred the cabbage and even slice the apples in a fraction of the time it takes to do it by hand.
• Pre-Shredded Cabbage (with caution): In a pinch, you can use pre-shredded red cabbage from the grocery store. However, freshly shredded cabbage will always have a better texture and flavor. If using pre-shredded, make sure it looks fresh and crisp, and use it promptly.
• Prepare Ingredients Ahead: You can wash and chop the vegetables and herbs in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it in a jar in the refrigerator.

This Easy Red Cabbage Salad is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, picnics, or any time you need a delicious and healthy side dish without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Its minimal preparation time makes it a go-to recipe for anyone looking for convenience and flavor.

How to Serve

This Easy Red Cabbage Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Its vibrant color, crunchy texture, and tangy-sweet flavor make it a welcome addition to many meals. Here are some delicious ways to serve and enjoy this salad:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Grilled Meats and Poultry: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or burgers. The salad’s acidity cuts through the richness of grilled meats, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Fish and Seafood: Complements grilled or baked salmon, cod, shrimp, or tuna. The light and bright flavors of the salad enhance the delicate taste of seafood.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Adds a fresh and crunchy element to roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Makes a great side for sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. It can also be added directly into sandwiches for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Soups and Stews: Provides a refreshing and contrasting side to hearty soups and stews, especially in colder months.
  • Quiches and Frittatas: Pairs well with quiches, frittatas, and egg-based dishes for brunch or light lunches.
  • Grain Bowls: Adds texture, flavor, and nutrients to grain bowls featuring quinoa, rice, or farro.
• As a Topping or Filling:
  • Tacos and Burritos: Adds a delicious crunch and tang to tacos and burritos, especially vegetarian or vegan options.
  • Pulled Pork or BBQ Sandwiches: Provides a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of pulled pork or BBQ sandwiches.
  • Hot Dogs and Sausages: A healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional relish on hot dogs and sausages.
  • Veggie Burgers: Adds texture and flavor to veggie burgers, especially black bean or lentil burgers.
• Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:
  • Weeknight Dinners: A quick and easy side dish for busy weeknights, ready in under 20 minutes (excluding marinating time).
  • Potlucks and Picnics: Travels well and holds up nicely at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues.
  • Holiday Gatherings: A colorful and healthy addition to holiday menus, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas, offering a lighter option among heavier dishes.
  • Summer Barbecues: A refreshing and vibrant salad that’s perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
  • Lunch Boxes: Can be packed in lunch boxes for a healthy and satisfying midday meal.
• Presentation Ideas:
  • Serve in a Colorful Bowl: Highlight the vibrant colors of the salad by serving it in a clear or white bowl.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or dill on top for a fresh and appealing garnish.
  • Add Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Scatter toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds over the salad for added texture and visual appeal.
  • Arrange on a Platter: For a more elegant presentation, arrange the salad on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and other toppings.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Easy Red Cabbage Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a welcome addition to any meal and any occasion.

Additional Tips

To make your Easy Red Cabbage Salad even better and to customize it to your liking, here are five helpful tips and tricks:

1. Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a bit more honey or maple syrup to the dressing. If you like it tangier, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar. Start with the recommended amounts and then taste and adjust the dressing to your personal preference. Remember, the flavors will meld and mellow slightly as the salad marinates, so it’s often better to err slightly on the side of tangier initially.
2. Massage the Cabbage for a Tender Texture: Raw red cabbage can be quite firm. Massaging the dressing into the shredded cabbage with your hands for a minute or two helps to break down the fibers and soften it slightly, making it more tender and easier to digest. Don’t over-massage, as you still want to retain some of the satisfying crunch. This step is particularly important if you prefer a less raw texture in your salad.
3. Experiment with Different Apple Varieties: While crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are recommended, don’t be afraid to experiment with other apple varieties. Sweeter apples like Gala or Red Delicious will result in a sweeter salad, while more tart apples will enhance the tangy flavor. You can even use a mix of different apple types for a more complex flavor profile. Consider the overall flavor profile you are aiming for when selecting your apples.
4. Toast Your Nuts and Seeds for Enhanced Flavor and Crunch: If you choose to add nuts or seeds to your salad, toasting them beforehand significantly enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Spread walnuts, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.
5. Make it Ahead of Time (and it Gets Better!): This salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, it actually tastes better after it has had time to marinate in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen, and the cabbage softens slightly while still retaining its crunch. You can prepare the salad up to a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are adding nuts or seeds, it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their crispness. This make-ahead quality makes it perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, and busy weeknights.

By incorporating these tips, you can elevate your Easy Red Cabbage Salad from simple to sensational, customizing it to perfectly suit your taste and preferences. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Red Cabbage Salad to help you make the most of this delicious and versatile recipe:

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, absolutely! In fact, this salad is even better when made ahead of time. Marinating the cabbage in the dressing allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and the cabbage softens slightly while still retaining its satisfying crunch. You can prepare the salad up to 1-2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan to add nuts or seeds, it is best to add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Q2: I don’t have apple cider vinegar. Can I use another type of vinegar?

A: While apple cider vinegar is recommended for its specific flavor profile, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar if needed. White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar would all work as decent substitutes. However, the flavor will be slightly different. Balsamic vinegar could also be used for a richer, sweeter flavor, but it will significantly alter the overall taste. For the closest flavor to the original recipe, try to use apple cider vinegar if possible.

Q3: Can I add protein to this salad to make it a main course?

A: Yes, definitely! This salad is a great base for adding protein to make it a more substantial meal. Some excellent protein additions include:

• Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Sliced grilled chicken breast or pan-fried tofu cubes would be a healthy and flavorful addition.
• Chickpeas or White Beans: Roasted or simply rinsed and drained chickpeas or white beans add plant-based protein and fiber.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced or quartered hard-boiled eggs provide a classic protein boost and creamy texture.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken or Turkey: Leftover shredded chicken or turkey works perfectly for a quick and easy protein addition.
• Feta Cheese or Goat Cheese: While cheese is not a high-protein source, it adds some protein and a creamy, salty element.

Adding any of these protein sources will transform this side salad into a satisfying and complete meal.

Q4: My red cabbage is very firm and tough. How can I make it more tender?

A: Red cabbage is naturally quite firm. To make it more tender for this salad, there are a few techniques you can use:

• Thinly Slice or Shred: Ensure you are slicing or shredding the cabbage very thinly. Thinner slices will be more tender.
• Massage with Dressing: Massaging the dressing into the shredded cabbage with your hands for a minute or two helps to break down the fibers and soften the cabbage.
• Marinating Time: Allowing the salad to marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes, or longer, will significantly soften the cabbage.
• Blanching (Optional, but not necessary for this “easy” recipe): For even softer cabbage, you could briefly blanch the shredded cabbage in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. However, for this “easy” recipe, massaging and marinating are usually sufficient.

Q5: Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

A: Yes, this Easy Red Cabbage Salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

• Vegan: As long as you use maple syrup instead of honey as the sweetener in the dressing, the salad is completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the labels of your Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe gluten sensitivity.

This salad is a wonderful option for those following vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets, as well as anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and allergy-friendly side dish.

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