Crispy Cabbage Salad (Printable)

Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with creamy tangy dressing. Perfect chilled side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small green cabbage (about 1.54 lbs), finely shredded
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small red onion, finely sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
05 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 tablespoon sugar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced red onion if using.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if necessary.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes and tastes like you've been cooking all day, which is the dream.
  • The texture stays crisp even after a day in the fridge, so you can actually make it ahead without it getting soggy.
  • One batch goes with everything—burgers, pulled pork, fish tacos, or just as a cool side on a hot evening.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling time—I learned this the hard way when I served it right after mixing and it tasted harsh and disconnected, but after thirty minutes in the fridge, it transforms into something unified and balanced.
  • If you dress it more than a few hours ahead, the cabbage releases water and it gets watery; the trick is to make it the day before but keep the dressing separate if you're worried, then toss together right before serving.
03 -
  • If you're doubling the recipe, whisk the dressing separately even though it seems like extra work—it ensures everything's evenly coated instead of having some cabbage that's over-dressed and some that's barely touched.
  • A pinch of celery seed is small but noticeable, so start with half and taste before adding more; it can quietly transform the whole thing if you use just the right amount.
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