🥗 This is not just a salad — it’s a fresh crunch of spring in every bite. Crisp cabbage, juicy carrots, vibrant peppers, and a dressing so balanced you’ll want to bottle it. It’s what your lunchbox dreams of, what every picnic needs, and what your body thanks you for. Imagine a dish that takes minutes to make but leaves a lasting impression. This salad doesn’t whisper “healthy” — it sings it loud and proud 🌿
One forkful and you’re hit with that perfect snap, followed by a hint of sweetness, and then the gentle tang of apple cider vinegar. Whether you’re cleansing after a big weekend or fuelling up for a fresh start, this bowl delivers every time. You won’t believe something so simple can be so irresistible. 🥬
💥 There’s no cooking, no mess, and no fuss — just chopping, tossing, and devouring. It pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, but it’s also a hero on its own. 🥬
Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, and it’s a game-changer for any table. With ingredients you always have on hand, it’s your go-to, your backup plan, your culinary life-saver. 🌱
And just when you think it couldn’t get better… it does. Because this salad is also vegan, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. Ready to fall in love with cabbage? Let’s get to it! 🥰
🥬 This is not just another cabbage salad. It’s the crisp whisper of summer mornings, the zing of freshness that cuts through a heavy day. From the first bite, you’re hit with a clean crunch, a delicate sweetness from the carrots, and that playful spark of apple cider vinegar. It’s light but satisfying. Quick, yet layered in texture. This is the salad you didn’t know you needed – until now. 💚
💥 You won’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a knife, a bowl, and 15 minutes of magic. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a last-minute side dish. Whether you’re eating clean, hosting brunch, or just trying to use that half cabbage sitting in the fridge – this is the recipe. And it’s not just good. It’s addictive. Each bite brings a new burst of flavour. This is what freshness should taste like. Come closer, and let’s make the most underestimated vegetable shine 💚
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥬 Crisp, refreshing crunch in every bite
- ⏱️ Takes under 10 minutes to prepare
- 🌱 Naturally vegan and packed with fibre
- 🧴 Balanced sweet-sour dressing made from pantry staples
- 💚 Low in calories but high in flavour
- 🧊 Perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for days
- 💸 Super budget-friendly — healthy doesn’t have to be expensive
📅 Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe)
(Serving size: 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Protein: 1.6g
- Carbohydrates: 9.8g
- Sugars: 5.7g
- Fibre: 3.2g
- Fat: 6.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Sodium: 160mg
👨🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-step)
✅ Step 1: Prep the vegetables
Shred the cabbage, grate the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper 🧄
💡 Use a mandoline for extra-thin slices and maximum crunch.
✅ Step 2: Chop the green onions
Slice them finely, both white and green parts.
💡 The green tops add freshness and mild spice — don’t skip them!
✅ Step 3: Combine in a bowl
Place all chopped veggies into a large mixing bowl 🥣
💡 Toss gently to avoid bruising the cabbage.
✅ Step 4: Prepare the dressing
In a small cup, mix vinegar, oil, honey, salt and pepper.
💡 Whisk until it looks creamy — it emulsifies best at room temperature.
✅ Step 5: Taste the dressing
Adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity as needed.
💡 A drop of mustard can enhance flavour and help the dressing bind.
✅ Step 6: Pour over veggies
Evenly drizzle the dressing over the salad mix.
💡 Pour from the edges inward for better distribution.
✅ Step 7: Toss thoroughly
Mix everything with tongs or clean hands.
💡 Hands give better control and prevent overmixing.
✅ Step 8: Let it rest
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate.
💡 This softens the cabbage slightly and deepens flavour.
✅ Step 9: Chill before serving
Refrigerate for a crisper texture (optional).
💡 Cover with a lid or wrap to keep moisture in.
✅ Step 10: Serve and enjoy
Serve cold as a side or light main.
💡 Top with sunflower seeds or fresh herbs for extra flair.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 🥬 300g cabbage, finely shredded
- 🥕 1 medium carrot, grated
- 🌶️ 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 🌿 2 green onions, chopped
🥄 For the Dressing:
- 🧂 Salt & pepper, to taste
- 🍎 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 🛢️ 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 🍯 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
🧊 Storage & Freshness Tips
- 🧊 Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- 🍋 Always stir before serving to redistribute dressing
- 🥬 If it gets watery, simply drain excess liquid and re-season
- 🌡️ Store below 5°C to maintain crisp texture
- ❄️ Avoid freezing — fresh is best for this salad
🍽️ Kitchen Tools and 🛠️ Equipment Needed 🔪
- 🥣 Large mixing bowl
- 🔪 Sharp knife
- 🥄 Vegetable peeler
- 🧴 Small cup or bowl (for dressing)
- 🥄 Whisk or fork
- 🥗 Salad tongs or clean hands
- 🧊 Airtight container (for storage)
📅 Nutritional Benefits
- 🥬 Rich in vitamin C, K and antioxidants
- 🌱 High in dietary fibre for better digestion
- 🩺 Supports heart health with low fat and no cholesterol
- 🧘 Naturally anti-inflammatory thanks to cabbage and vinegar
- 🌿 Ideal for weight management with low calorie count
📅 Serving Suggestions
- 🍗 Perfect side for grilled meats or veggie skewers
- 🥪 Tuck into wraps or sandwiches for crunch
- 🧆 Great with falafel or roasted chickpeas
- 🍲 Pair with soup for a light lunch
- 🌮 Add to tacos for extra freshness
✅ 20 Tips & Secrets
💡 Shred cabbage thinly for better marination
💡 Use both red and green cabbage for colour contrast
💡 Add a handful of sweet corn for crunch and sweetness
💡 A dash of mustard in the dressing gives it body
💡 Lemon juice can replace vinegar for a brighter taste
💡 To make it spicy, toss in chilli flakes
💡 Massage the cabbage with salt before dressing to soften it
💡 Add toasted seeds for nuttiness
💡 Substitute carrot with beetroot for an earthy twist
💡 A teaspoon of soy sauce adds umami depth
💡 Drizzle with tahini for a Middle Eastern variation
💡 Pair with lentils for a protein-packed meal
💡 Use avocado oil for a healthier fat source
💡 Keep dressing separate if making ahead for events
💡 Fresh herbs like dill or parsley elevate the taste
💡 Always serve cold — flavour pops better
💡 Try adding apple matchsticks for a fruity crunch
💡 Mix in roasted peanuts for a Thai-style version
💡 Don’t overcrowd the bowl — mix in batches if needed
💡 Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving
🥬 This salad is more than just a side — it’s a love letter to freshness, simplicity and that addictive crunch. It’s what you’ll want when nothing sounds good, and it’s what your guests will finish first. It reminds us that the best things are often the simplest, and that health can taste indulgent. 💚
Let this dish sit proudly on your summer table, your weekday lunch, or next to something sizzling from the grill. Take one bite and you’ll feel that cool, clean flavour spark joy — yes, joy — in your day. 🌱
You don’t need a reason to make this. You just need a cabbage, a carrot, and a craving. Make it once, and it becomes your classic. Your never-fail. Your fridge staple. Your healthy habit dressed in colour. Enjoy it. Share it. Make it again 💚
💚 This salad is more than just a side – it’s a celebration of texture, colour, and clean flavour. Make it once, and you’ll crave it again. It’s proof that simple can be sensational.On quiet evenings or sunny weekends, this crunchy bowl brings people together. Serve it at garden parties, pack it in lunches, or spoon it next to your favourite roast. It’s that rare kind of recipe that’s humble and unforgettable. Try it once, and it becomes your go-to. Trust the crunch – and savour the freshness. 🥗
