This Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad is light and crunchy—perfect for a sunny day! It’s packed with crisp cabbage and cool cucumbers, tossed in a tasty dressing.
It’s so easy to make that you might find yourself whipping it up for every picnic! I love how it pairs well with just about anything on the grill. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Cabbage: This is the star of the salad. Its crunchiness and mild flavor make it perfect. If you want a twist, try using purple cabbage for added color and a slightly different taste.
Cucumbers: I recommend using English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If they’re not available, regular cucumbers work too. Just peel them for a milder flavor.
Red Onion: This ingredient adds a nice bite and color. If you find raw onions too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill gives this salad a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh dill, try using dried dill, but only use half the amount because it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Crisp and Fresh?
To keep your cabbage and cucumbers nice and crisp, follow these tips:
- Use a sharp knife to slice your cabbage and cucumbers to avoid bruising their delicate texture.
- For the best crunch, prepare the salad shortly before you plan to serve it. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes so it gets chilled and flavorful.
- If you’re making it ahead of time, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad right before serving—this prevents sogginess.
Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and healthy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced cabbage, cucumber, and red onion if you’re using it. Gently toss together to mix the veggies evenly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and the dressing is smooth.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your cabbage and cucumber mixture. Toss everything together until all the vegetables are well-coated in the dressing.
4. Add Fresh Dill:
Stir in the chopped fresh dill, adding a burst of flavor to your salad. Give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the dill.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the salad chilled. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs great with grilled meats or as a light snack on its own. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad!
Can I Use Different Vinegars for the Dressing?
Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang, you can also use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even lemon juice for a citrusy twist. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No problem! You can substitute fresh dill with 1 teaspoon of dried dill. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If it gets a bit watery, give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add grated carrots, bell peppers, or even radishes for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to keep the quantities balanced so that the dressing still coats everything nicely.
