Cool Cabbage Salad
Cool Cabbage Salad offers a refreshing blend of crunchy vegetables and tangy vinegar, perfect for summer gatherings or large parties. Its vibrant flavors and crisp texture make it a crowd-pleaser, combining sweetness, acidity, and crunch in every bite. An easy, make-ahead dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped red peppers ⓘ
- 1 small cucumber, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup radishes, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the chopped cabbage, carrots, celery, green peppers, red peppers, cucumber, radishes, and onion in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to enhance flavors. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, add the chopped vegetables just before serving. You can substitute any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to keep it fresh and exciting. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the vinegar slightly or add a splash of lemon juice. This salad can also easily be made vegan by using a plant-based oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light lunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty dish like Pierogie Casserole or as part of a colorful buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify over time, so it can taste even better the next day. To refresh the salad before serving, give it a gentle toss and consider adding a splash of vinegar to revive the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Cabbage Salad contains roughly 145 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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, this salad can be made a few hours in advance. The flavors meld beautifully if allowed to sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Just be sure to toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up.
What can I add to this salad for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding chickpeas or diced cooked chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can mix in some edamame or crumbled feta cheese. Both choices will complement the salad's crispness without overpowering the fresh flavors.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the sugar amount to half or use a sugar substitute like honey or agave syrup. Taste the dressing as you go, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. For a more savory flavor, you can also add a bit more salt or a splash of soy sauce.
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).