This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This delicious, refreshing Cabbage salad recipe is the perfect choice for potlucks, barbecues and so much more. Learn the secrets to the light and tangy cabbage salad dressing in this fresh and fabulous side dish!

I really debated about what to call this yummy cabbage salad. It’s light and refreshing – a taste of summer. It’s a fresh and flavorful spin on vintage colelaw side dishes we all know.
It’s a little more complex and acidic – the big flavors that shine are vinegar and Dijon mustard. There’s just enough dressing to keep the cabbage crunchy, not soggy.

I love bringing you fresh and tasty salads of all kinds – check out this incredible spring salad mix, or this arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette!

This salad is one of my favorite Burger Sides! It serves up beautiful with anything off the grill, actually – check out this round up of my favorite BBQ Sides and Side Dishes for Fish, as well.

Table of Contents
Cabbage Salad Ingredients
- Cabbage – You can take the easy route and buy a simple 14 ounce bag of mixed coleslaw. I like using this shredded cabbage mixture because they come with a delicious crunchy mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, and even radishes! You can of course use just green cabbage, but I think the purple is such a beautiful addition!
Cabbage Salad Dressing Ingredients
- Apple Cider Vinegar – I love Apple Cider Vinegar for a touch of sweet fall flavor, but any of your favorite vinegars will do! Rice Vinegar or a red or white wine vinegar would also be delicious here.
- Olive Oil – High quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil is important here. In salad dressings, quality really shines!
- Dijon Mustard – a little goes a long way. Dijon mustard is tangy, strong and has a sharp finish. I like to keep it easy and use this one, but any brand will do.
- Salt and Pepper – I like using my salt and pepper grinders for big, flavorful flakes.
- Minced Garlic – To be perfectly honest, this is one area where I LOVE a shortcut! The grocery store jar of minced garlic works perfectly here- but feel free to mince your own cloves.
- Sugar – The sweetener in this recipe is the perfect foil to the tangy edge of the vinegar and mustard. You can absolutely substitute with a sweetener of your choice. However, you can make it Keto-friendly by simply eliminating the sugar!

How to Make this Simple Cabbage Salad
- Make Cabbage Salad Dressing – Simply whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until they are combined. Better yet? I like to add them to a lidded jar and then just shake it up until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is ready to serve. (Side note: I bought this salad dressing jar lid years ago, and it’s been discontinued. These are very similar, though!)
- Prep Salad – If you’re anything like me, this involves tossing your pre-washed bag of coleslaw mix into the bowl or shred your own.
- Toss – Add dressing and toss to ensure it thoroughly coats all the cabbage.
- Serve – How easy was that? My favorite kinds of salads are the ones that take very little effort at all! Placing these ingredients in a large bowl means you’re basically done before you even got started – yes!
While the simplicity of this cabbage salad is what really makes it special, it’s fun to add variations for a different spin! You can take this basic salad a lot of directions and customize to your own tastes.
Variations
- Add Protein – adding easy protein such as chicken or salmon would be perfect for this cabbage salad.
- Add Fresh Herbs – you can never go wrong with adding fresh herbs from your garden into your cabbage salad dressing! Rosemary, oregano or even basil would be beautiful here.
- Add Ramen Noodles – this is such an easy way to give the salad even more crunch, and a retro Asian coleslaw spin!
- Add Mandarin Oranges – another classic Asian coleslaw idea.
- Add Apples – grate an apple and add it to this salad for a delicious fall twist.
- Add Nuts – pecans or almonds would be perfect additions to this salad!
- Add Toasted Sesame Seeds – for a little bit of an Asian spin.

Serving Suggestions
Because this cold cabbage salad has such a simple flavor profile, it serves beautifully as a side dish with so many entrees! I love that it’s such a colorful, vibrant addition to potlucks and barbecues!
This cabbage salad is the ultimate side dish to go alongside protein of all kinds. It lends itself well to summertime potlucks and barbecues, and the flavors are a great foil for some of my favorite baked entrees and even sandwiches. Try this cabbage salad alongside some of these faves:

Tips
- Serve Immediately for a traditional crispy cabbage salad.
How to Shred Cabbage
- Cut the cabbage in half.
- Cut the stem out in a triangle.
- Place the cabbage flat side down and slice into thin strips.
To Store
Refrigerate – Store covered in an airtight container 2-3 days. If you like your cabbage a little more wilted for more of a coleslaw vibe you can store up to 4 days.

I hope your family enjoys this cabbage salad recipe just as much as mine does! If you make it, please be sure to come back and leave a five star rating!
Join Now!
Hungry for more easy recipes? Sign up for my free recipe club and have amazing recipes delivered directly to your inbox each week!
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!

Cabbage Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces cabbage shredded (pre-shredded coleslaw bag works well)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon white granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a jar (or bowl with a whisk) combine apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, minced garlic and sugar.
- In a large bowl, toss cabbage with dressing.
Tips
Substitutions
- Cabbage – You can take the easy route and buy a simple 14 ounce bag of mixed coleslaw. I like using this shredded cabbage mixture because they come with a delicious crunchy mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, and even radishes! You can of course use just green cabbage, but I think the purple is such a beautiful addition!
- Apple Cider Vinegar – I love Apple Cider Vinegar for a touch of sweet fall flavor, but any of your favorite vinegars will do! Rice Vinegar or a red or white wine vinegar would also be delicious here.
- Olive Oil – Canola oil will work in a pinch.
- Minced Garlic – A jar of minced garlic or fresh minced garlic.
- Sugar – The sweetener in this recipe is the perfect foil to the tangy edge of the vinegar and mustard. You can absolutely substitute with a sweetener of your choice. However, you can make it Keto-friendly by simply eliminating the sugar!
Variations
- Add Protein
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Add Ramen Noodles
- Add Mandarin Oranges
- Add Apples
- Add Nuts
Tips
- Serve Immediately for a traditional crispy cabbage salad.
How to Shred Cabbage
- Cut the cabbage in half.
- Cut the stem out in a triangle.
- Place the cabbage flat side down and slice into thin strips.
To Store
Refrigerate – Store covered in an airtight container 2-3 days. If you like your cabbage a little more wilted for more of a coleslaw vibe you can store up to 4 days.Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Judy says
I made this to go with my husband’s birthday dinner tonight. I added ramen noodles as was suggested and it was a good addition. I’m always looking for the perfect cabbage salad and dressing and found it with this recipe.
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Judy! I really appreciate your feedback!
Courtney says
I love this recipe! It’s fresh, healthy, and delicious!
Lily says
This salad was great and super simple. I served it will grilled chicken and everyone loved it. I think the dressing was my favorite part, tangy perfection.
Kristyn says
Love these kinds of salads! They are crunchy, healthy, & so tasty!
Beth Pierce says
So healthy yet so delicious. I love it and my husband loves it too. Thank you!!