3-Day Salad

A tangy, sweet-and-sour cabbage salad with onions, flavored with vinegar, sugar, and mustard, perfect as a side dish or summer salad for light, fresh flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 medium cabbage, shredded
  • 3 onions, sliced and separated
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, vinegar, oil, celery seed, salt, and dry mustard and bring to a boil.
  2. Pour the hot mixture over shredded cabbage and sliced onions.
  3. Seal tightly and let stand for at least 3 days before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, use fresh, crisp cabbage and onions. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using sweet onions or adding grated carrots for color and sweetness. If you want a bit of spiciness, try adding some chopped jalapeños. This dish works well with vegan recipes, making it a great choice for gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a tangy side dish at barbecues or alongside grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Pineapple Carrot Salad for a refreshing meal. For a complete meal, consider adding some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store the 3-Day Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week, allowing the flavors to continue to develop. For best texture, serve chilled directly from the fridge, but avoid freezing as the vegetables may become mushy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 3-Day Salad contains roughly 356 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1802mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

356 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 25.5g 33% DV
Carbs 28.4g 10% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 14.2g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1801.9mg 78% DV
Potassium 544.8mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 117.6mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 32mg 36% DV
Calcium 102.9mg 8% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad with other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even radishes for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the ratio of dressing accordingly to maintain the right balance.

How long can I store the 3-Day Salad?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, but it's best to consume it within this timeframe for optimal freshness and taste.

Is it necessary to let it sit for 3 days?

While you can enjoy it sooner, letting the salad sit for at least 3 days allows the flavors to fully develop and the vegetables to soften just right. This is crucial for achieving the best taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →