Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to add some crunch and flavor to your meals? Look no further than raw cabbage! This humble vegetable is often overlooked, but it’s packed with nutrients and has a multitude of uses in the kitchen. From classic coleslaw to international-inspired salads and even wraps, we’ve gathered 18 refreshing raw cabbage recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can use raw cabbage in your cooking, from sweet and tangy slaws to spicy kimchi and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meals while keeping things healthy and simple.
Stay tuned for our first 5 recipes, featuring classic coleslaw with creamy dressing, Asian-inspired cabbage salad with sesame dressing, spicy kimchi with fresh cabbage, crunchy cabbage and apple slaw, and Thai-style cabbage salad with peanut sauce.
Classic Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
A refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, and BBQ favorites. This creamy coleslaw recipe is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the slaw is well coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep) + chilling time
Asian-Inspired Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this crunchy and flavorful Asian-inspired creation, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup of chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup of shredded carrot
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, scallions, sesame seeds, carrot, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Kimchi with Fresh Cabbage
Add a spicy kick to your meals with this simple and flavorful kimchi recipe using fresh cabbage. Perfect for accompanying Korean dishes or using as an ingredient in other recipes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh napa cabbage, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons coarse salt
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage and coarse salt. Massage with your hands for 5 minutes to help soften the cabbage.
2. Rinse the cabbage mixture with cold water, then drain well.
3. In a blender or food processor, blend chili flakes, garlic, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and water until smooth.
4. Combine the blended mixture with the cabbage and massage for another 5 minutes to distribute the seasoning evenly.
5. Pack the kimchi into a jar, pressing down firmly to remove any air pockets. Leave at least 1 inch of space at the top.
6. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None (ready after refrigeration)
Crunchy Cabbage and Apple Slaw
A refreshing twist on traditional slaws, this crunchy combination of shredded cabbage, sweet apples, and tangy dressing is perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and diced apple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Thai-Style Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sauce
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the crunch of shredded cabbage with the richness of a creamy peanut sauce, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1 tablespoon of lime juice
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and peanut sauce (see below).
2. Toss until the cabbage is evenly coated.
3. Set aside at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Peanut Sauce:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Zesty Lemon Garlic Cabbage Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this Zesty Lemon Garlic Cabbage Salad combines the crunch of cabbage with the brightness of lemon and the pungency of garlic. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mexican Cabbage Slaw with Lime and Cilantro
A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this Mexican-inspired version combines the crunch of cabbage with the brightness of lime juice and the freshness of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and lime juice. Toss to coat.
2. Stir in the chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly prep time)
Enjoy this zesty and revitalizing slaw alongside your favorite Mexican dishes!
Mediterranean Cabbage Salad with Feta and Olives
Mediterranean Cabbage Salad with Feta and Olives: A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this salad combines the crunch of cabbage with the tanginess of feta cheese and olives.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, feta cheese, and olives.
2. Add the garlic, olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh, but it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Raw Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Tahini Dressing
A refreshing and healthy salad that combines the crunch of raw cabbage and carrots with the creamy richness of tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and grated carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage-carrot mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This is a raw salad.
Refreshing Cabbage and Cucumber Salad
This light and crunchy salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing side dish any time of the year. The combination of sweet cabbage, cool cucumber, and tangy dressing will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tangy Cabbage Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of cabbage with the tanginess of mustard, perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of whole-grain mustard
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Add the salt to the vinaigrette mixture and whisk until combined.
4. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the vinaigrette is well combined.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage and toss until the leaves are evenly coated.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Raw Cabbage Wraps with Avocado and Hummus
Raw Cabbage Wraps with Avocado and Hummus: A refreshing and healthy snack or light meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, outer leaves removed
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup hummus
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel off a few leaves from the cabbage head, then slice them into thin strips.
2. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a surface, with the stem end facing you.
3. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of hummus down the center of the leaf.
4. Top the hummus with diced avocado and sprinkle with cilantro if desired.
5. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap into a neat package.
6. Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves and filling ingredients.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is completely raw and ready to enjoy in just minutes.
Simple Cabbage and Radish Salad
A refreshing and crunchy salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of cabbage with the spiciness of radishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 medium radishes, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and radishes.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and toss to coat.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Serve: Immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Raw Cabbage and Beetroot Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A refreshing summer salad that combines the crunch of raw cabbage and sweet beetroot with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of raw cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 large beetroots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and grated beetroot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the glaze over the cabbage and beetroot mixture, and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This salad is raw and ready in just a few minutes.
Crunchy Cabbage and Pineapple Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this crunchy cabbage and pineapple salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and pineapple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the salad and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Raw Cabbage and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing
A refreshing and healthy salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe combines the crunch of raw cabbage, the creaminess of chickpeas, and the brightness of lemon juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and chickpeas.
2. Add the minced garlic and toss to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is raw and ready in just 10 minutes.
Spicy Cabbage and Mango Salad
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of cabbage with the sweetness of mango, all tied together with a spicy kick from the red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced mango, chopped cilantro, and cumin.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Raw Cabbage and Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of raw cabbage with the nutty flavor of quinoa, all tied together with a burst of fresh herbs. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of raw cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (vegetarian)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and cooked quinoa.
2. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the salad.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice and drizzle the olive oil over the salad, tossing to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the salad and toss gently.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best enjoyed raw.
Summary
Get ready to crunch into some seriously healthy eating with these 18 refreshing raw cabbage recipes! From classic coleslaw to international twists, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and nourish your body. Discover creamy dressings, zesty sauces, and crunchy textures in recipes like Spicy Kimchi, Crunchy Cabbage and Apple Slaw, and Mediterranean Cabbage Salad with Feta and Olives. Whether you’re a salad lover or just looking for new ways to incorporate cabbage into your diet, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
