Cabbage Salad Veg Recipes Of India for Fresh Healthy Meals

Cabbage salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish commonly found in Indian households. Known for its simplicity and health benefits, this salad combines fresh cabbage with a medley of Indian spices and other vegetables to create a flavorful and nutritious side.

Whether served alongside a spicy curry or as a light snack, cabbage salad offers a delightful way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Indian cabbage salads are often quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or as part of festive meals.

In this post, we’ll explore multiple delicious cabbage salad recipes from different regions of India, each bringing its own unique twist to this classic dish.

From tangy lemon dressings to the rich warmth of roasted cumin, these salads highlight the versatility of cabbage in Indian cuisine. So, if you’re looking for easy, healthy, and tasty ways to enjoy cabbage, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into these vibrant cabbage salad veg recipes of India that are sure to become staples in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cabbage salads in Indian cuisine are not just about crunch; they are a celebration of flavors and textures. You’ll love how these salads balance the natural sweetness of cabbage with spicy, tangy, and aromatic seasonings.

These recipes are incredibly versatile, easy to customize with what you have on hand, and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Most importantly, they’re quick to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and just a few ingredients.

Whether you want a light side salad with a zesty lemon twist or a tangy and spicy salad with mustard seeds and chilies, these recipes have got you covered. Plus, they’re perfect for all occasions—from everyday meals to festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• Fresh cabbage (green or red) – 2 cups, finely shredded
• Carrot – 1 medium, grated
• Green chili – 1 small, finely chopped (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Roasted cumin powder – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Chaat masala – 1/2 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black salt – a pinch (optional, for tanginess)
• Fresh grated coconut – 2 tbsp (optional, for South Indian style)
• Oil (preferably mustard oil or vegetable oil) – 1 tbsp
• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
• Peanuts or roasted chana dal – 2 tbsp (optional, for crunch)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Grater (for carrot and coconut)
• Small pan for tempering spices
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowl or plate
• Spatula or spoon for mixing

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Grate the carrot and finely chop the green chili and coriander leaves.
2. Toast the spices: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add a pinch of asafoetida and immediately remove from heat to prevent burning. Let this tempering cool slightly.
3. Mix the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped green chili, and fresh coriander leaves.
4. Add the spices and seasoning: Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and black salt over the vegetables.
5. Pour the tempering: Add the tempered mustard seeds and oil mixture to the salad. Toss everything well to coat the vegetables evenly with the flavors.
6. Add lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and toss again.
7. Optional add-ins: For a South Indian version, fold in the freshly grated coconut. For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted peanuts or chana dal.
8. Final mix and serve: Give the salad a final toss and adjust salt or lemon juice to taste. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or let it sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

“Always use fresh lemon juice and freshly roasted cumin powder for the best flavor.”

• Make it spicy: Add finely chopped raw mango or a pinch of red chili powder for a tangy, spicy kick.
• Use different cabbages: Try red cabbage for a colorful salad with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Tempering variations: Experiment with curry leaves or dried red chilies in the tempering for deeper South Indian flavors.
• Nutty crunch: Toasted cashews or sesame seeds make excellent crunchy toppings.
• Vegan dressing: Use mustard oil and lemon juice without any dairy to keep it vegan and fresh.
• Make ahead: Prepare the salad without lemon juice and tempering a few hours ahead. Add them right before serving to keep crispness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian meals. It works as a refreshing side for spicy dals, curries, and biryanis.

Try serving it alongside a comforting Muthiya Kadhi Recipe or with a hearty portion of Lamb Tenderloin Recipes for a balanced meal.

For a light lunch, toss the salad with some roasted chickpeas or paneer cubes for added protein. It also complements Indian street food snacks like samosas or pakoras, providing a fresh contrast to fried treats.

Classic Indian Cabbage Salad Recipes

Punjabi Style Cabbage Salad

This version is all about simple ingredients with bold flavors. The cabbage and carrot are tossed with lemon, roasted cumin, and chaat masala for a tangy, mildly spicy salad.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• Salt and black salt to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and toss well.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

South Indian Style Cabbage Thoran

This is a dry, mildly spiced cabbage salad with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It is a classic Kerala dish often served with rice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 dried red chili
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1 tbsp oil (preferably coconut oil)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, dried red chili, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
2. Add shredded cabbage and salt. Saute on medium heat until cabbage softens but retains some crunch.
3. Turn off heat and mix in grated coconut. Serve warm.

Bengali Style Cabbage Salad with Mustard Dressing

Bengali cuisine loves mustard, and this salad combines shredded cabbage with a pungent mustard oil dressing and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat mustard oil and add mustard seeds. Let them crackle.
2. Mix oil with sugar, salt, lemon juice, and chili.
3. Toss cabbage in this dressing and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Cabbage salad is a delightful and nutritious addition to any Indian meal. Its versatility shines through various regional recipes, each bringing out different flavors and textures.

Whether you prefer the tangy zest of Punjabi style, the coconutty warmth of South Indian thoran, or the sharp mustard punch of Bengali salad, there’s a cabbage salad for every palate.

These recipes are quick to prepare, require basic ingredients, and deliver big on taste and health benefits. Next time you plan your meal, try one of these cabbage salad recipes for a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful experience.

For more diverse recipe ideas, check out our Lamb Tenderloin Recipes, Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe, or the Lemon Straws Recipe for sweet treats to round out your meal.

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