This crunchy and refreshing salad is perfect for hot days! With fresh green cabbage and crisp cucumber, it adds a nice pop of color to any meal.
You can dress it up with your favorite vinaigrette, and it’s so easy to make! I love having it as a side dish or even a light lunch. It’s super quick to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Cabbage: This is the star of the salad. Its crunchy texture holds up well in dressings. If you’re in the mood for a twist, use Napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter flavor. Both options pack a nutritious punch!
Cucumber: A fresh cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. English cucumbers are great because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work just fine—just peel them if the skin is thick.
Green Onions: They add a mild onion flavor that enhances the salad. If you don’t have green onions, chives or shallots can be good alternatives. You can skip them if you prefer a milder salad.
Herbs: The addition of parsley or cilantro gives a fresh flavor wave! Can’t stand cilantro? Try dill instead for a different but delicious taste. Fresh herbs brighten up the dish so they’re worth considering!
Dressing: The lemon juice or apple cider vinegar adds tanginess. If you want a different flavor, balsamic vinegar could work too. For sweetness, I recommend agave syrup if you’re avoiding honey.
How Do You Ensure the Cabbage Stays Crunchy?
To keep green cabbage crunchy, the shredding technique and resting time are essential. Here are some tips:
- Be sure to slice the cabbage thinly so it absorbs the dressing without becoming soggy.
- After combining the ingredients and dressing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften just a little while keeping its crunch.
- Using a cold bowl and chilling the ingredients beforehand can help keep things crisp until serving.
Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved, just chopping and mixing. Plus, letting it sit for 10 minutes helps the flavors blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by rinsing your green cabbage and cucumber under cold water. Once clean, thinly slice the cabbage and cucumber. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even slices. Place the sliced cabbage and cucumber into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using green onions and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, slice them up and toss them into the bowl with the cabbage and cucumber. These add extra flavor and freshness!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), olive oil, honey (or sugar), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the dressing is slightly thickened.
4. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and cucumber mixture. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure each vegetable is coated with the delicious dressing.
5. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and softens the cabbage just enough without losing its crunch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the time is up, give the salad a final toss and serve it fresh as a zesty side dish or a light midday snack. Enjoy the crunch and freshness!
Can I Use Red Cabbage Instead of Green Cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage can be used in place of green cabbage for a vibrant color and a slightly different taste. Keep in mind that red cabbage is a bit crunchier and has a sharper flavor, so it may alter the overall taste of the salad slightly.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that you use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, in the dressing.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage and cucumber. Toss the salad with dressing right before serving.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your salad by adding other crunchy vegetables! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even radishes would work well. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the balance of flavors and textures!
