Simple Red Cabbage Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy

Have you ever tried a simple red cabbage salad? It’s a real gem and so easy to make. You can whip it up in under 20 minutes. This makes it a great dish to prepare ahead and share with friends. What’s more, it’s vegan and very healthy. The author is surprised we don’t see more recipes like this. After all, it’s crunchy, healthy, and simple to make.

What makes this recipe special? Let’s find out why you should add it to your regular menu.

What is a Simple Red Cabbage Salad?

A crunchy cabbage salad is a tasty veggie dish, great for warm weather parties. It’s easy to get ready early, making it perfect for any event.

Crunchy and Refreshing Vegetable Dish

This salad feels crunchy thanks to the thinly sliced red cabbage and onion. A vinegar dressing makes it tangy, balancing the sweetness of the veggies.

Perfect Side for Summer Cookouts

This summer side salad goes perfectly with grilled dishes and summer classics. It’s sure to please anyone, with many asking for more.

Easy to Make Ahead of Time

What’s so great about this make-ahead salad recipe is you can get it ready early. Just chop the veggies, whip up the dressing, and let it chill until feast time.

Why Make this simple red cabbage salad?

This salad is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s healthy and nutrient-dense, filled with good vitamins and minerals. The nutrient-dense vegetables in it keep your body nourished.

Budget-Friendly Recipe

Secondly, it’s a budget-friendly recipe. It’s made from ingredients you can easily find and not expensive. Budget-friendly recipes help you eat well without spending a lot of money.

Customizable to Your Taste

This salad is also easy to customize. You can pick your own dressing and extra toppings. Trying out different customizable salad ideas can be a lot of fun.

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need a head of red cabbage for the recipe. Its bright color and crunch make it the star. Also, include a red onion for extra crunch and sweetness.

For the dressing, grab olive oil and vinegar. Use red or white wine vinegar for tang. Don’t forget Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor.

The mix of red cabbage and red onion with the dressing and seasoning makes a great salad. It’s a tasty Italian seasoned cabbage salad. It’s good for summer parties or as a side with grilled meat, like a red onion slaw.

How to Prepare simple red cabbage salad

To make the simple red cabbage salad, first, thinly slice the red cabbage and red onion. Doing this keeps the vegetables crunchy and tasty. Then, mix these in a big bowl. Add in the olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite seasonings.

Thinly Slice the Cabbage and Onion

Start by slicing the red cabbage into thin, even pieces. This step is key for a great cabbage salad texture. Also, slice the red onion thinly for a nice crunch.

Combine Vegetables and Seasonings

After slicing, put the cabbage and onion in a large bowl. Pour over the olive oil and vinegar. Then, add favorite seasonings like Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Finally, mix everything well so the dressing coats everything nicely.

Let Marinate for Best Flavor

To get the best flavor, let the cabbage salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. This time lets the vegetables soak up the dressing. It also makes the flavors blend well together.

Tips for the Perfect simple red cabbage salad

To make the best simple red cabbage salad, remember a few key points. First, adjust the dressing to your taste. Try it and change the oil, vinegar, and spices to what you like.

Next, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This lets the flavors mix and the veggies soak up the dressing. A little time in the fridge makes the salad taste even better.

When slicing the cabbage, cut it thinly but not like paper. You want to keep its nice crunch and feel. So, don’t slice it too fine.

Variations and Customizations

While this simple red cabbage salad is great on its own, you can change it up to fit your preferences. Adding herbs like dill or cilantro can turn it into a Fresh herb cabbage salad. You can also make a different vinegar cabbage salad by using apple cider or rice wine vinegar for a new taste.

Want more crunch in your salad? Consider mixing in toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. They add texture and taste great with the crispy cabbage.

This salad is a blank slate waiting for your creative touch. Try out new flavors and textures. This way, you can truly make it yours.

Serving Suggestions

This simple red cabbage salad is great for summer cookouts and picnics. Its crunchy and tangy taste fits perfectly with grilled meats or as a satisfying and nutritious meal. For vegetarians, it’s a great main dish too.

Cookouts and Picnics

The salad’s bright colors and fresh taste go well with cabbage salad for cookouts. It’s a perfect match for burgers, hot dogs, or skewers. Adding it makes your meal delicious and balanced.

Pair with Grilled Meats

This cabbage salad with its crispiness and tasty dressing pairs well with grilled meat. It complements the flavors of barbecued or seared meats. The salad’s tangy flavor balances the richness, making a great plate.

Vegetarian Main Course Salad

As a meatless dish, this cabbage salad works perfectly. It’s full of fiber and nutrients, making it a hearty and healthy meal. It’s delicious with crusty bread or alongside roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits

This delicious low-calorie cabbage salad is nutritious and low in calories. It’s a perfect choice for those keeping an eye on their weight. The salad is rich in high-fiber cabbage, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, red cabbage boosts overall health and wellness. Adding this nutrient-dense cabbage salad to your meals is a smart move. It helps you get more good-for-you veggies in your diet.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This simple red cabbage salad is great for preparing in advance. You can slice the vegetables a day early. Assemble the salad and add dressing a few hours or up to a day before eating.

Meal Prep Friendly

The make-ahead red cabbage salad is your go-to for busy days. Make it early and keep it in the fridge. It turns into a quick, healthy side or meal.

Refrigerator Storage Guidelines

Store the storing red cabbage salad in an airtight container. It stays fresh and crisp for about a week. This is perfect for planning your meals or as a flavorful side dish all week.

Other Easy Cabbage Recipes

If you like simple red cabbage salad, try more cabbage recipes. You might love the classic coleslaw or the tasty roasted cabbage steaks. For something filling, there’s the cabbage roll casserole. It’s a mix of meat, rice, and cabbage, all baked together.

Classic Coleslaw

Classic coleslaw is always a hit with cabbage fans. It’s a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots with a tangy dressing. It’s both crunchy and creamy, making it a great side or topping. Try it with grilled foods, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasting cabbage turns it into tasty “steaks.” Cut cabbage into thick slices, coat with olive oil, and add spices. Roast until golden brown. You’ll get a delicious dish that’s great as a side or as a meatless main course.

Cabbage Roll Casserole

The cabbage roll casserole is perfect for a cozy meal. It mixes ground meat, rice, and cabbage. It’s a tasty and filling choice for dinner.

Conclusion

This simple red cabbage salad is both quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just as a quick meal. This dish is crunchy, with a tangy dressing, making it a great side or main course.

The healthy vegetable salad is full of vitamins and minerals. It brings a lot of nutrition to your plate. It’s a perfect fit for your outdoor events or BBQs, being simple to make and pleasant to eat.

Why not try this simple red cabbage salad for a perfect mix of crunch, tang, and healthiness? It’s an essential for your summer meals. Plus, it’s a wonderful and simple dish to share with loved ones, showing you care about their health.