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Cabbage Cucumber Salad Recipe

4.8 from 97 reviews

A fresh and crunchy cabbage cucumber salad bursting with vibrant flavors, combining crisp vegetables with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad comes together quickly and can be customized with optional toppings for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1/2 head of cabbage (thinly sliced or shredded)
  • 1 cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • 1 carrot (grated, optional)

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)

Seasoning & Garnish

  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, crumbled feta cheese (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly to ensure freshness and remove any dirt.
  2. Slice Cabbage: Slice the cabbage into thin strips or shred it with a knife or grater to create a fine, crisp texture.
  3. Slice Cucumber: Peel the cucumber if preferred, then slice it thinly for a refreshing crunch.
  4. Grate Carrot: If using, grate the carrot finely to add sweetness and color to the salad.
  5. Combine Vegetables: Place the sliced cabbage, cucumber, and grated carrot into a large mixing bowl, mixing them together evenly.
  6. Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard (if used), and minced garlic (if used) thoroughly until well combined.
  7. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  8. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
  9. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional toppings like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or crumbled feta cheese to enhance texture and flavor.
  10. Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for maximum freshness, or refrigerate it for later use to allow flavors to meld together.

Notes

  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours without losing texture.
  • For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit feta cheese.
  • Feel free to experiment with different vinegar types such as balsamic for a different flavor profile.
  • Adding toasted nuts or seeds can add an additional crunch.
  • If planning to store, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain crispness.

Keywords: cabbage cucumber salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, vegetarian side dish