Cabbage and Carrot Salad
A crunchy, colorful cabbage and carrot salad that’s quick to whip up and bursting with flavor. This vibrant slaw combines crisp purple cabbage with sweet carrots for a refreshing twist. Packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s easy to whip up and full of flavor.
This cabbage and carrot salad is all about texture and zing. The purple cabbage adds a crisp bite, while the carrots bring a natural sweetness that balances the tangy dressing. With cilantro and lime juice in the mix, it feels bright on the palate.
It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Chop, toss, and let it rest for a few minutes so the flavors merge. It holds well in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
What makes this salad stand out is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it perfect for lunches, dinners, or even barbecues. Plus, the ingredients are simple and affordable, ensuring you can enjoy this salad without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Red cabbage: Thinly sliced red cabbage gives the salad a striking purple hue. It holds its crunch well, even after tossing with dressing. Fresh cabbage ensures a crisp, satisfying bite every time.
- Shredded carrots: Shredded carrots add bright color and a natural sweetness. They’re easy to prep and blend perfectly with the cabbage. Their mellow flavor complements the tangy lime dressing.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a zesty herb note to each forkful. It adds a burst of freshness that balances richer flavors. Chopped finely, it mixes evenly throughout.
- Lime juice: Lime juice gives the slaw its citrusy zing. It brightens the cabbage and carrot combination beautifully. The acidity also helps the dressing cling to the veggies.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a mild tanginess with a touch of sweetness. It deepens the flavor profile and enhances the salad’s brightness. It’s a classic pairing in slaws and dressings.
- Olive oil: Olive oil provides a smooth, silky texture to the dressing. It helps carry flavors across each crunchy bite. Plus, it adds a hint of richness without overpowering.
- Swerve: Swerve balances the tangy ingredients with just a touch of sweetness. It dissolves easily in the dressing for an even flavor. Zero-calorie sweetness keeps the salad light and diet-friendly.
- Salt: A pinch of salt ties all the ingredients together. It enhances the natural flavors of cabbage and carrot. Season to taste for best results.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice. Freshly ground gives the seasoning more aroma and depth. It rounds out the dish with a soft kick.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Cabbage and Carrot Salad
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Step 1: Combine the vegetables: Start by adding the red cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro into a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Swerve, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.
Step 3: Bring it together: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything until evenly coated. Make sure the dressing seeps into all the veggies for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Rest and serve: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Add More Veggies: Include green onions or julienne bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
- Sweeten it up: Toss in diced apples or raisins for a hint of natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with Grilled Protein: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a balanced and nutritious meal. Check out this Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken recipe for inspiration.
- Add it as a Taco Topper: Spoon it over tacos for added crunch and freshness! This works great with Shrimp Tacos or some Smash Burger Tacos.
- Sandwich Sidekick: Enjoy it as a light side dish with Chipotle Chicken Sandwich or burgers for a perfect lunch pairing.
Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing this salad to keep the texture of the veggies intact.
- Reheating: This salad doesn’t need reheating. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use a Sharp Knife: Thinly slice the cabbage and carrots for an even texture and better mixing. A food processor can make this task quicker.
- Chill Before Serving: For a crispier bite, refrigerate the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving.
- Dress it Fresh: Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch of your vegetables.
FAQ
Absolutely. Green cabbage works well and gives a lighter color—same crunch, slightly different flavor.
You can skip it if you prefer or substitute with sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste.
Definitely. Thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or green onions mix in beautifully.
Cabbage and Carrot Salad
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife (for chopping)
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Salad tongs or spoon (for tossing)
Ingredients
- 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage about ¼ of a medium head
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional
- 2 tablespoons lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon swerve
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly.
- Let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
Other Recipes You May Like
If you’re interested in more light and fresh recipes, check out these options:
Chilaquiles Verdes
Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Carnivore Meatballs
Mexican Chicken Salad (Ensalada de Pollo)
Mango Habanero Salsa
