Cabbage is often underestimated in the kitchen, but when it comes to vegan raw recipes, this humble vegetable shines with its crisp texture and refreshing flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned raw food enthusiast or just looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, cabbage offers endless possibilities.
From vibrant salads to tangy slaws and crunchy wraps, raw cabbage can be the star of a nutritious and delicious meal. Its mild taste pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs, spices, and dressings, making it a versatile ingredient to experiment with.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a collection of delightful vegan raw cabbage recipes that are easy to prepare, healthy, and bursting with flavor. These recipes highlight the natural crunch and subtle sweetness of cabbage, combined with fresh ingredients to keep your meals light and energizing.
Plus, you’ll find tips and variations to customize each dish to your liking. Ready to dive into the world of raw cabbage?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Raw cabbage recipes are fantastic because they preserve the vegetable’s nutrients and enzymes, offering maximum health benefits. These dishes are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins, making them perfect for detoxifying and boosting digestion.
Plus, the crunchy texture and vibrant colors make every bite exciting and satisfying.
You’ll enjoy how simple and quick these recipes are to prepare—no cooking necessary! They are ideal for warm days when you want something fresh and light or anytime you crave a crisp, refreshing meal.
Whether you’re new to vegan eating or a long-time plant-based foodie, these recipes add diversity and flavor to your menu without fuss.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage – 1 medium head, shredded
- Red cabbage – 1 small head, shredded
- Carrots – 2 medium, julienned
- Green onions – 3 stalks, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro – ½ cup, chopped
- Raw apple cider vinegar – 3 tbsp
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed
- Maple syrup – 1 tbsp (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Sea salt – 1 tsp, or to taste
- Black pepper – ½ tsp, freshly ground
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Chia seeds – 1 tbsp (for added nutrition and texture)
- Avocado – 1 ripe, diced (optional for creaminess)
- Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp, toasted for garnish
Equipment
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Measuring spoons
- Salad tongs or mixing spoon
- Grater or mandoline (optional for shredding)
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Rinse both green and red cabbage heads thoroughly under cold water. Remove any wilted outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, shred the cabbage finely and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Julienne the carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into thin matchstick pieces. Add the carrots to the cabbage bowl.
- Slice the green onions: Trim the roots and tops, then slice thinly. Add them to the bowl along with the chopped cilantro.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the raw apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup (if using), minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to toss everything thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add chia seeds: Sprinkle chia seeds over the salad and mix gently. These seeds add texture and a nutritional boost.
- Let it marinate: Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This helps the cabbage soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Add avocado (optional): Just before serving, fold in diced avocado for added creaminess and richness.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and serve the salad fresh as a light meal or side dish.
Tips & Variations
“To enhance the flavor of raw cabbage, massage it gently with a pinch of salt before adding other ingredients. This softens the cabbage and brings out its natural sweetness.”
For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. If you prefer a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top just before serving.
To turn this salad into a heartier meal, add cooked chickpeas or sprouted lentils for protein.
Experiment with different herbs such as fresh mint, basil, or dill to create various flavor profiles. You can also swap out olive oil for tahini or avocado oil to alter the dressing’s richness and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Fat | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Vitamin C | 65% of Daily Value |
Vitamin K | 85% of Daily Value |
Calcium | 8% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This raw cabbage salad pairs wonderfully with grain bowls, vegan wraps, or as a crisp side to your favorite plant-based protein. Try serving it alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a balanced meal.
It also works well as a topping for vegan tacos or as a refreshing contrast to spicy dishes like those found in our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.
For a picnic or potluck, pack this salad in airtight containers and sprinkle sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch. It’s a great make-ahead dish that tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
More Vegan Raw Cabbage Recipes to Try
Raw Asian Cabbage Slaw
This vibrant slaw combines shredded cabbage with julienned bell peppers, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, and a zesty ginger-lime dressing. It’s perfect as a side or topping for raw vegan spring rolls.
Cabbage and Avocado Wraps
Use large cabbage leaves as wraps filled with mashed avocado, shredded carrots, sprouts, and your favorite raw nut-based pate or hummus. These wraps are light, nutritious, and great for lunch on the go.
Spicy Raw Cabbage Kimchi
Bring some fermented flavors into your raw vegan meals with a quick kimchi recipe using raw cabbage, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and green onions. It’s a probiotic-rich addition that adds depth and spice.
Raw Cabbage and Apple Salad
Mix shredded cabbage with thinly sliced crisp apples, walnuts, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a sweet and tangy salad that balances flavors and textures beautifully.
Creamy Raw Cabbage Coleslaw
Use soaked cashews blended with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast to create a creamy dressing for shredded cabbage and carrot coleslaw without any dairy.
For inspiration on other vibrant vegan recipes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and our delicious Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.
Conclusion
Raw cabbage recipes are a fantastic way to add crunch, nutrition, and vibrant color to your vegan meals. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a simple dressing, you can create dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing.
These recipes are ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the health benefits of raw foods while keeping meal prep easy and flavorful.
Whether you prefer a tangy slaw, a creamy coleslaw, or a spicy fermented kimchi, cabbage fits beautifully into a raw vegan lifestyle. We hope these recipes inspire you to experiment more with this versatile vegetable.
Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on our site like the Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe or the refreshing Jawa Juice Recipe to continue your culinary adventure.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Raw Cabbage Salad
Description: A refreshing and crunchy raw cabbage salad perfect for a healthy vegan meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine green and red cabbage in a large bowl.
- Add grated carrot, cilantro, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top if using.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 12 g
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