There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a salad that’s both incredibly fresh and surprisingly substantial. It’s not just about leafy greens, you know? Sometimes, the most comforting and flavorful salads come from humble ingredients, treated with a little care and attention. And that’s exactly what we have today: an Everyday Cabbage Salad. It’s a recipe I stumbled upon while looking for the perfect side dish for a hearty roast, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen ever since. It reminds me of those late summer days at the farmers market, surrounded by piles of crisp, colorful cabbage – a true celebration of seasonal eating. 🌾
I’ve always been drawn to recipes that are adaptable, that allow for a little creativity and personalization. This cabbage salad recipes is one of those. It’s a fantastic base, a blank canvas for your own culinary explorations. You can keep it simple, like the original, or you can add a little flair with different herbs, spices, or even a touch of fruit. It’s all about making it your own. I love how versatile it is – it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled fish to roasted chicken, and even alongside a comforting stew on a chilly evening.
What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is its practicality. It’s a cabbage salad recipes that actually works with a busy lifestyle. You can shred the cabbage ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, ready to go when you need it. The dressing can be made in advance too, and it actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to serve a fresh, healthy, and delicious side dish. I often find myself making a big batch on Sunday to have on hand throughout the week.
I’ve been experimenting with different variations of this cabbage salad recipes, inspired by my travels and the flavors I’ve encountered along the way. The recipe notes suggest some wonderful adaptations – an Asian-inspired version with rice vinegar and sesame oil, a Mediterranean twist with mint and oregano, even a Mexican-inspired version with lime and cilantro. It’s a testament to the power of a simple recipe to transform into something truly special. I recently visited a small Italian deli and was inspired by their use of red wine vinegar and oregano in their salads – I can’t wait to try that variation next!
And let’s not forget the importance of letting the salad sit for a bit after dressing it. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
The cabbage softens, the flavors meld, and it becomes wonderfully juicy. It’s a little bit of patience that’s well worth the reward. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life take a little time. This cabbage salad recipes is a perfect example of that.
The Unexpected Delight of a Simple Cabbage Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (or more green)
- 1 cup shredded carrot (or more cabbage)
Dressing:
¼ cup cider vinegar - 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola, or light olive oil)
- 1 ½ - 2 tablespoon white sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Shake Dressing ingredients in a jar. Start with 1 ½ tablespoon sugar and adjust to taste.
- Place Salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour over Dressing, toss.
- Set aside 20 minutes - mound will reduce by almost half and become juicy!
- Serve.
Notes
-
Once dressed, the cabbage wilts and it becomes like Coleslaw which I love, so I have this for 2 to 3 days after dressing the Coleslaw.
-
Storage / make ahead - I like to keep the chopped cabbage and dressing in the fridge, ready to use as required. It lasts up to a week, depending on how fresh the cabbage is!
-
Variations: For an Asian-inspired salad, use rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. For a Mediterranean twist, add mint, oregano, and red wine vinegar. For a Mexican version, use lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of cumin.
I hope you enjoy this simple yet satisfying salad as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And as always, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. ❤️ Cooking with Care, Sharing with Joy!
Leave a Reply