Cabbage Cucumber Salad Recipe
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.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly to ensure freshness and remove any dirt.
- Slice Cabbage: Slice the cabbage into thin strips or shred it with a knife or grater to create a fine, crisp texture.
- Slice Cucumber: Peel the cucumber if preferred, then slice it thinly for a refreshing crunch.
- Grate Carrot: If using, grate the carrot finely to add sweetness and color to the salad.
- Combine Vegetables: Place the sliced cabbage, cucumber, and grated carrot into a large mixing bowl, mixing them together evenly.
- 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.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional toppings like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or crumbled feta cheese to enhance texture and flavor.
- 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