This delightful cabbage and carrot salad is super easy to make, nutritious and crunchy. It comes together in under 20 minutes, and even the leftovers taste really good.
Here is a delicious and healthy salad featuring two of the most popular salad vegetables - Cabbage and Carrots.
These two ingredients are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They also have a unique combination of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.
Whether you are a fan of healthy eating or simply looking for a new meal to add to your weekly rotation, this cabbage and carrot recipe is a must try.
Let us whip up this dish that will leave you feeling satiated and nourished.
You may also like: Indian carrot salad, Kala chana salad, cucumber and tomato salad, Avocado and cucumber salad, cucumber radish Summer salad, sprouted lentil salad, chickpea cucumber salad and cucumber radish salad.
Ingredients
Cabbage: I have used two types of cabbage here. The regular green and purple one. This is done for a nice burst of colour in the salad. You can use only one type of cabbage too.
Carrot: Orange carrot lend their fresh flavour and colour to this salad.
Extra virgin olive oil: It gives a delicious bite to the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: I love its tart taste in dressings. You can use lemon juice in its place if you so like.
Seasonings: I have used simple seasonings like minced garlic, salt and pepper in this salad.
Brown sugar: Sugar is important for the balance of flavours in this salad. The quantity is not much, but it makes a world of difference to the taste of the dressing.
Variations
- You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar. I wouldn’t advise skipping the sugar, as it helps balance the tartness from vinegar.
- You can add some dijon mustard in the dressing. Olives taste good in this salad. You can also add nuts of choice for crunch.
- Make this salad spicier by adding chili flakes to the dressing.
- You can replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic or red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavour.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish: This salad is perfect side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
- As a light lunch: Serve the salad on a bed of greens with toasted nuts for a filling and healthy lunch option. You can also add some protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
- As a potluck dish: This salad is an easy dish to bring to a potluck or picnic, as it travels well and can be served cold.
- As a snack: This salad is a great snack option for those looking for a healthy alternative to chips or crackers.
- As a topping: Use the salad as a filling for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches for added flavour and nutrition.
FAQs
Yes, you can use Napa cabbage instead of green cabbage in this salad. Napa cabbage has a milder flavor and a softer texture, making it a great alternative.
Yes, you can use store-bought pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. This make your pre prep easier.
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad tastes better after an hour in the fridge. The flavours continue to develop as it sits longer.
Yes, you can add other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, cooked corn or julienned radish.
Tips
1. Use a sharp knife or mandolin to shred the cabbage and carrots evenly. Julienning ensures that the salad has a consistent texture. Here’s a video of how I julienne cabbage.
2. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavours to meld together. More time in the fridge lets the flavours get deeper.
3. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You may need to add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or olive oil to taste.
4. Brown sugar is used to balance the tartness of the salad. You can also use honey or maple syrup in its place.
5. I have used purple cabbage for its attractive color. If you don’t have it, double the regular cabbage used.
6. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavours will continue to develop, as the salad sits.
7. If you want to add some crunch to the salad, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sesame, chia or sunflower seeds.
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage (both the types), grated carrots, and parsley (if using).
To prepare the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss to combine.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
Serve chilled. Your delicious cabbage and carrot salad is ready to serve.
Optional additions
To add some crunch, you can add some chopped nuts like almonds, peanuts or walnuts.
For a sweeter taste, you can add some dried cranberries or raisins.
This simple yet delicious salad is perfect for a light lunch, as a side dish, or even as a healthy snack.
Give it a try and enjoy the fresh flavours of cabbage and carrots in every bite.
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
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Cabbage and Carrot Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups green cabbage shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage
- 2 medium carrots grated or julienned
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. garlic chopped
- 1 tsp. brown sugar
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage (both the types), grated carrots, and parsley (if using).
- To prepare the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss to combine.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
- Serve chilled. Your delicious cabbage and carrot salad is ready to serve.
Optional additions
- To add some crunch, you can add some chopped nuts like almonds, peanuts or walnuts.
- For a sweeter taste, you can add some dried cranberries or raisins.
Notes
2. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavors to meld together. More time in the fridge lets the flavours get deeper.
3. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You may need to add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or olive oil to taste.

4. Brown sugar is used to balance the tartness of the salad. You can also use honey or maple syrup in its place.
5. I have used purple cabbage for its attractive colour. If you don’t have it, double the regular cabbage used.

6. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavours will continue to develop as the salad sits.

If you want to add some crunch to the salad, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sesame, chia or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition
If you liked this recipe, I request you to leave a star * rating. Thanks.
Gen says
Such a fresh, light, delicious salad! I love that you added some sweetness here. This is a perfect side dish!
Sue says
On the surface this is a simple cabbage salad, but it is so colorful and bursting with flavor that it really needs a fancier name! I can't wait to make it again!
Healing Tomato says
I made this salad as a side dish and everyone loved it so much. Cabbage and carrots make this recipe so delicious. So much flavor in this salad.
Rachna says
Thanks. Happy to hear that.
Kris says
This salad was so crunchy and refreshing! The whole family enjoyed it..thank you!
Rachna says
I am glad you liked it, Kris.
Anne says
This is tasty. And the red cabbage makes it look so pretty on my plate!
Rachna says
Thanks so much, Anne.
Harra Billingsley says
I wish recipe included the AMOUNTS of ingredients to make this slaw which looks delicious! 😟
Rachna says
Do check the recipe card. It has the exact amount of ingredients used. 🙂