Best Vegan Cabbage Salad Recipes for Fresh, Healthy Meals

Cabbage is one of those wonderfully versatile vegetables that can be the star of a dish or a crunchy supporting player. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply eager to add more plant-based meals to their repertoire, a vibrant cabbage salad is a fresh, nutritious, and delicious option.

Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, cabbage salads can be both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you prefer a tangy, Asian-inspired slaw or a Mediterranean-style chopped salad, there’s something here to excite your taste buds.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegan cabbage salad recipes that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion—from a quick weekday lunch to a festive gathering. Plus, each recipe highlights simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local market.

Let’s dive in and transform humble cabbage into a culinary delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan cabbage salad recipes are designed to please everyone, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for healthier meal ideas. They are:

• Nutritious: Loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, cabbage nourishes your body while keeping calories low.
• Flavorful: Each salad boasts a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, spicy, and savory notes to keep your palate interested.
• Versatile: You can customize these salads with different herbs, nuts, and dressings to suit your mood or what you have on hand.
• Easy to Make: Minimal prep, no complicated cooking techniques, and quick assembly make these salads weeknight-friendly.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: They keep well in the fridge, making them ideal for packing lunches or serving at parties.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl – For combining the salad ingredients
• Sharp chef’s knife – To finely shred cabbage and chop veggies
• Cutting board – Clean and stable surface for chopping
• Grater or microplane – For ginger and carrot shredding
• Small bowl – To whisk together the dressing
• Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient amounts
• Salad tongs or large spoon – To toss the salad well

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the cabbage heads under cold water. Remove any tough outer leaves. Shred the green and red cabbage finely using a sharp knife or mandoline. Peel and grate the carrots. Thinly slice the green onions and chop the cilantro.
2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro together until well mixed.
4. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything thoroughly so the dressing evenly coats each strand of cabbage and carrot.
5. Let it marinate: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
6. Finish with crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the top for an irresistible crunch.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature: This salad can be enjoyed right away or a few hours later, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Tips & Variations

“To maximize crunch, make sure to shred the cabbage finely and toss the salad just before serving.”

• Switch up the herbs: Try fresh mint or basil instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Add fruit: Thinly sliced apples or mandarin orange segments add a sweet contrast.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the dressing for heat.
• Nut alternatives: Use toasted almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds as a crunchy topping.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some vegan mayonnaise or tahini for a luscious, creamy dressing.
• Protein boost: Toss in cooked chickpeas, edamame, or baked tofu cubes for a more filling meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cabbage salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and occasions:

• Serve alongside grilled vegetables or your favorite Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan versions, of course!) for a balanced meal.
• Use it as a crunchy topping for Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or wraps.
• Bring it to picnics or potlucks as a refreshing side that complements heavier mains.
• Pair with warm, crusty bread or try alongside a soft, homemade vegan challah like in the Marzipan Challah Recipe.

More Delicious Vegan Cabbage Salad Recipes to Try

Asian-Inspired Sesame Cabbage Slaw

This vibrant slaw features a blend of shredded green and purple cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped scallions tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing. The addition of crunchy water chestnuts and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds takes it over the top.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• ½ cup chopped scallions
• ½ cup sliced water chestnuts (optional)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Mix all the vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well.
4. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

Mediterranean Chickpea & Cabbage Salad

A hearty and colorful salad combining crunchy cabbage, protein-rich chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley, all dressed with a lemony olive oil vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and parsley.
2. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Creamy Vegan Coleslaw

This creamy coleslaw uses a dairy-free mayo and apple cider vinegar dressing to create a tangy and luscious salad perfect as a side for any BBQ or sandwich.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix cabbage and carrot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss until fully coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish, these vegan cabbage salad recipes deliver flavor, texture, and nutrition all in one bowl. Cabbage’s natural crunch and mild flavor make it the perfect canvas for a variety of dressings and add-ins.

Experiment with different herbs, nuts, and dressings to find your personal favorite combination. Plus, these salads are incredibly easy to prepare and keep well, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.

Don’t forget to check out other amazing recipes on our site like the Marzipan Challah Recipe for a sweet counterpart, or the hearty Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes to round out your meal. For a fun twist on dough-based dishes, try the Magic Dough Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy your fresh, vibrant vegan cabbage salads!

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