16 Cabbage Salad Recipes Worth Making

Cabbage salads are the MVP you forget until you need something crisp, cheap, and wildly versatile. They hold up without wilting, so you can make one bowl and keep scooping for days.

From creamy comfort to bright, punchy flavors, these recipes deliver serious crunch with minimal fuss. Ready to find a new go to that works with everything from tacos to barbecue?

1. Classic Creamy Coleslaw

This is the coleslaw you picture next to barbecue, fried chicken, and picnic sandwiches. Shredded green cabbage and carrot get tossed in a creamy mayo dressing with a kiss of vinegar and sugar for balance.

It is crunchy, familiar, and always the first empty bowl at cookouts.

For best texture, salt the cabbage briefly to draw out water, then pat dry before dressing. A pinch of celery seed adds that classic deli flavor.

Make it a couple hours ahead so everything mingles, yet it still stays crisp long after dinner.

2. Vinegar Slaw With Cracked Black Pepper

When you want crunch without cream, this vinegar slaw delivers pure, snappy satisfaction. It leans light, with cider or white wine vinegar, a touch of sugar, and generous cracked black pepper for bite.

Thinly sliced onion and celery seed round things out without stealing the show.

Toss and let it sit fifteen minutes so the cabbage softens slightly, then taste and adjust salt. You will love it with smoky grilled meats, especially pulled pork or ribs.

It travels well, never getting gloopy, and stays bright for days in the fridge.

3. Apple Cabbage Slaw

Sweet tart apple plays so well with crunchy cabbage that you will wonder why this combo is not standard. A honey mustard or cider vinaigrette brings gentle sweetness and tang, keeping the salad lively and balanced.

Add a handful of toasted walnuts if you want extra crunch and nuttiness.

Slice the apples thin and toss right before serving to keep them crisp. A squeeze of lemon helps prevent browning if you are packing lunch.

It tastes like fall but genuinely works any time, alongside roast chicken, sandwiches, or cheese boards.

4. Red Cabbage Citrus Slaw

Colorful and refreshing, this slaw pairs jewel toned red cabbage with juicy citrus segments. A bright dressing of orange juice, rice vinegar, and olive oil makes everything sparkle.

The result looks gorgeous on a platter and tastes like sunshine in every bite.

Segment oranges or grapefruit cleanly so there is no bitterness. Toss gently to keep the citrus intact and sprinkle with fresh mint or parsley for fragrance.

It is perfect with fish tacos, roasted salmon, or grain bowls. Expect leftovers to stay crisp and even better the next day.

5. Asian-Inspired Sesame Slaw

This sesame slaw hits that savory sweet spot with soy, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Scallions, carrots, and cabbage bring color and crunch, while sesame seeds add nutty depth.

If you want bonus texture, sprinkle in crushed ramen noodles or roasted peanuts just before serving.

Keep the dressing light so it does not weigh down the vegetables. You will find it snacky enough to eat straight from the bowl, yet it pairs beautifully with dumplings or teriyaki salmon.

Make it ahead, then refresh with a splash of vinegar and handful of fresh herbs.

6. Spicy Korean-Style Slaw

Gochujang brings heat, tang, and subtle sweetness to this punchy Korean style slaw. Rice vinegar brightens, sesame oil adds aroma, and a pinch of sugar balances everything.

The cabbage stays crunchy while the dressing clings to every shred, turning simple ingredients into big flavor.

Toss in cucumber or radish for extra snap, and finish with toasted sesame seeds. It is fantastic beside grilled bulgogi, crispy tofu, or smoky shrimp.

Let it sit ten minutes to mellow the spice, then taste and tweak. You will keep coming back for another spicy forkful.

7. Taco Slaw With Lime And Cilantro

This limey slaw is built for tacos, bringing crisp texture and a citrus snap that cuts through rich fillings. Cabbage, cilantro, and cumin keep the profile simple and fresh.

A touch of jalapeno is optional but highly recommended for heat.

Toss right before serving so it stays perky, then pile it onto fish, carnitas, or black bean tacos. It also shines on sandwiches and burrito bowls.

If leftovers happen, they hold beautifully for lunch. Add avocado at the last second and you are golden.

Simple, bright, and totally irresistible.

8. Dill Pickle Slaw

If you love pickles, this slaw is your moment. Chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and a creamy dressing sharpened with brine make every bite tangy and addictive.

The cabbage stays crisp while the pickle flavor shines without overpowering.

It belongs next to smash burgers, hot dogs, and fried fish. Stir in a spoonful of mustard for extra zip, or add shredded cheddar if you are feeling playful.

Make it ahead so the dill perfumes everything. You will find yourself stealing forkfuls straight from the fridge between meals.

9. Greek-Inspired Cabbage Salad

Think of this as a crunchy Greek salad remix. Shredded cabbage stands in for lettuce, mingling with cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and salty feta.

An oregano lemon vinaigrette ties it together with sun soaked energy.

It is hearty enough to hold up to transport, so bring it to potlucks and picnics. Add chickpeas for extra protein or keep it light beside grilled chicken or lamb.

Finish with a final squeeze of lemon and cracked pepper. The textures stay lively for hours, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.

10. Caesar-Style Cabbage Salad

Swap romaine for shredded cabbage and you get a Caesar that stays crunchy far longer. A garlicky, lemony dressing with anchovy and parmesan clings beautifully to the sturdy shreds.

Big croutons bring classic crunch, while extra black pepper seals the deal.

Toss just before serving so the croutons stay crisp. Add grilled chicken if you want to turn it into dinner, or keep it simple for a side.

It packs well for lunch, staying perky until noon and beyond. Expect requests for the recipe after one satisfying bite.

11. Peanut Crunch Cabbage Salad

This salad brings the craveable combo of peanut, lime, and a hint of sweetness. Cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper create a rainbow crunch that loves to be drenched in creamy peanut dressing.

Cilantro and scallions add freshness that keeps each bite lively.

For extra texture, toss in crispy shallots or more roasted peanuts on top. It is the kind of bowl you keep eating past full because it is that good.

Make the dressing in a jar for easy shaking and storing. Leftovers hold beautifully and taste even better tomorrow.

12. Warm Bacon Cabbage Salad

A warm bacon vinaigrette poured over cabbage softens it just enough while keeping that essential crunch. The salty, smoky bits of bacon make this feel cozy and satisfying.

A touch of Dijon and apple cider vinegar keeps things bright, cutting through the richness.

Serve it alongside roast potatoes, schnitzel, or seared pork chops. You can add sliced apple or pear for sweetness, or toss in almonds for texture.

Work quickly so the heat does not over wilt the cabbage. It is comfort food with a crisp edge, perfect on cool evenings.

13. German-Style Sweet And Sour Cabbage Salad

This deli style favorite balances vinegar tang with gentle sweetness. Thin sliced cabbage simmers briefly or is marinated to absorb flavors of sugar, vinegar, and a whisper of mustard.

The result is tender crisp, ruby toned, and perfect with sausages or pork roasts.

Caraway or mustard seeds add classic aroma if you like tradition. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture.

It is make ahead friendly, improving as it rests. You will appreciate how it cuts through rich mains while still feeling hearty and comforting.

14. Cabbage And Chickpea Salad

Protein packed and crunchy, this salad is lunch material without feeling heavy. Cabbage, chickpeas, cucumber, and herbs get tossed in a lemon forward vinaigrette.

A pinch of sumac or paprika brings color and gentle zing.

It travels like a champ and only gets better as the chickpeas soak up flavor. Add crumbled feta if you want extra richness, or keep it vegan and bright.

You will love the contrast of creamy beans against crisp shreds. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week.

15. Pineapple Cabbage Slaw

Here is a sunny twist that loves barbecue season. Juicy pineapple mingles with crunchy cabbage and a light, tangy dressing, making every bite sweet, bright, and refreshing.

Thin red onion and cilantro keep it lively, never cloying.

It pairs beautifully with pulled pork, grilled chicken, and spicy dishes that need cooling contrast. Add jalapeno if you want heat, or swap in mango for a softer sweetness.

Keep the dressing minimal so the fruit shines. This one disappears fast at potlucks, so make extra if you are feeding a crowd.

16. Crunchy Cabbage Salad With Sunflower Seeds

When you want simple and reliable, this is the salad that never quits. Cabbage and carrot bring familiar crunch, while toasted sunflower seeds add nutty depth.

A bright vinaigrette ties it together without weighing it down.

It is perfect for snacking from the fridge or rounding out weeknight dinners. Toss in dried cranberries for sweetness or keep it lean and savory.

The textures stay crisp for days, making it ideal for meal prep. You will appreciate how easy it is to throw together anytime.