This Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad is a crunchy and refreshing dish! With crisp cabbage and cool cucumbers, it’s perfect for summer meals or as a side with your favorite proteins.
I love how easy this salad is to whip up! Just chop, toss, and dress it with your favorite vinaigrette. You can have a tasty, healthy dish in no time. Plus, it’s great for sharing at picnics!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Cabbage: Cabbage is the star here. It’s crunchy and full of nutrients. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can use Napa cabbage, which has a softer texture.
Cucumber: A large cucumber adds freshness. You can substitute with mini cucumbers or even pickling cucumbers if those are what you have on hand.
Dill: Fresh dill lifts the flavors, but if you don’t like it, you can skip it or use other fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a different taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for dressings, but feel free to use sunflower oil or avocado oil as alternatives if you want something different.
Apple Cider Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Either one works well. If you’re in the mood for something different, try using rice vinegar for a milder flavor.
How Do I Get The Best Flavor From This Salad?
The key to a great cabbage and cucumber salad is the dressing and its marinating time. The dressing brings life to the crunchy veggies!
- After you mix the dressing and salad, let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps the cabbage soften slightly and the flavors to blend.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a more pronounced peppery kick!
- Consider adding seeds, like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, for an added crunch if you’d like.
Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is quick to make! You’ll spend about 15 minutes on preparation and no cooking time. Just chop, mix, and let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to come together. Perfect for a fresh side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by rinsing and draining the cabbage and cucumber thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. This ensures your salad will be fresh and crisp!
2. Slice the Cabbage:
Next, take the green cabbage and thinly slice it into fine shreds. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even pieces. Once sliced, place the cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
3. Slice the Cucumber:
Now, grab the cucumber and slice it thinly. Add these slices directly to the bowl with the cabbage. The cucumber will add a refreshing crunch!
4. Add Fresh Herbs and Onions:
To the bowl, add the sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, and if you like, the chopped dill. Fresh herbs will boost the flavor of your salad!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and emulsified.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and cucumber mixture in the bowl. Give it a good toss to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
7. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10–15 minutes. This will let the flavors meld together and the cabbage soften slightly—making it even tastier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, bringing freshness to your dinner table. Enjoy!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to wait until just before serving to add the dressing, or you can add it a bit earlier to allow for marinating flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Cabbage?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can try using Napa cabbage for a milder flavor or even shredded Brussels sprouts for a unique twist. Just keep in mind the texture will change slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the cabbage might become a bit softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color. Just make sure to keep the sizes similar for even texture!
