Bow Tie Cabbage Salad
A vibrant, crunchy cabbage salad tossed with bow tie pasta, green peppers, and cheese, dressed in a tangy creamy vinaigrette—perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 5 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine evaporated milk, sour cream, cider vinegar, sugar, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Cover and refrigerate the dressing for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also add diced apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness, enhancing the flavor profile. If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the cider vinegar slightly. Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. This salad is a great way to use up leftover cabbage from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bow Tie Cabbage Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Consider adding it to a buffet spread alongside dishes like Dumplings For Meat Stew for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making it even tastier. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can briefly heat the salad in a microwave, but be careful not to overheat the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bow Tie Cabbage Salad contains roughly 369 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just mix the dressing and let it chill, then combine it with the pasta and vegetables right before serving to maintain freshness. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Gouda. For a vegan option, try using a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether, while adding more vegetables to maintain texture.
How do I make this salad gluten-free?
To make the Bow Tie Cabbage Salad gluten-free, simply substitute the bow tie pasta with a gluten-free pasta option made from rice or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients, like the mustard and vinegar, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
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).