Low Cal Cabbage Salad
A crisp, refreshing cabbage salad with vibrant peppers and a tangy vinegar dressing, perfect for light meals, picnics, or as a side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cabbage, peppers, and onion in a bowl and set aside.
- In a pot, bring vinegar, Sweet and Low, celery seed, mustard seed, and salt to a boil.
- Cool the mixture slightly.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage mixture.
- Let stand in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, add shredded carrots or radishes to the cabbage mixture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you could substitute Sweet and Low with honey or agave nectar. For a different flavor profile, try using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Make sure to chop the vegetables uniformly for even marination. This salad can be served as a light meal or a side dish with grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Low Cal Cabbage Salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Prime Rib Roast At Its Best for a hearty dinner. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch by adding some chickpeas or white beans for protein. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. If the salad becomes too watery, drain excess liquid before serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve it chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Cal Cabbage Salad contains roughly 162 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg per serving (49% 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 is perfect for making ahead! It actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or potlucks.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Low Cal Cabbage Salad is entirely plant-based and fits well within vegan recipes. Just make sure to check the vinegar used is vegan-friendly, as most are, and enjoy a guilt-free, delicious salad.
What can I add for extra protein?
To increase the protein content of this salad, consider adding cooked chickpeas, black beans, or diced tofu. Grilled chicken can also be a tasty addition if you’re not strictly vegan. This makes the salad more filling and a great option for lunch!
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).