Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing mix of colorful vegetables and toasted almonds. The tangy vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch that’s full of texture and flavor.

A large white bowl with blue designs on the inside is filled with a colorful salad showing multiple layers and textures. The bottom layer is mostly thin strips of white and purple cabbage, mixed throughout with orange carrot sticks. On top of this, bright red thin bell pepper slices and scattered round almond slices add pops of color and texture. Fresh green herbs like dill and parsley are sprinkled over the salad, giving green highlights. A white serving spoon rests on the side of the bowl, ready to scoop the salad. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (from about 1/2 head of green cabbage)
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage (from about 1/4 head of red cabbage)
  • 1 cup grated carrots (from about 3 medium carrots)
  • 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into thin sticks
  • 4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sumac
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sumac
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast the almonds. Coat a large pan with a thin layer of olive oil, then add the almonds. Stir continuously over medium heat until they turn golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Make the mustard vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, sumac, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, red bell pepper sticks, sliced radishes, parsley, and dill. Season with a good pinch or two of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of sumac. Stir in 3/4 of the toasted almonds and toss gently to mix.
  4. Step 4: Dress and refrigerate. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
  5. Step 5: Finish and serve. Give the salad one last gentle toss and garnish with the remaining toasted almonds before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, you can substitute sliced almonds with toasted walnuts or pecans.
  • Add a handful of chopped fresh mint for a bright, herbal note.
  • If you prefer a creamier dressing, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the vinaigrette.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will keep well but may become softer over time. Give it a quick toss before serving, and if it seems dry, add a splash of extra vinaigrette or lime juice to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of several layers: shredded green cabbage, thin slices of red cabbage, julienned orange carrots, thin strips of red bell pepper, sliced radishes, and slivered almonds scattered on top, all mixed with chopped fresh green herbs. A creamy light tan dressing is being poured over the salad from a small white cup held by a woman's hand with pale lavender nail polish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue patterned cloth partially visible behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to make the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the cabbage to soften slightly. It can be made up to a day in advance for convenience.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! You can use all green cabbage, all red cabbage, or even Napa cabbage depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture.

Print

Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

A vibrant and crunchy cabbage salad featuring a zesty Dijon-lime vinaigrette, toasted almonds, fresh herbs, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect as a refreshing side or light main dish.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes plus 30-60 minutes chilling
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (from about 1/2 head)
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage (from about 1/4 head)
  • 1 cup grated carrots (from about 3 medium carrots)
  • 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into thin sticks
  • 4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sumac

Vinaigrette Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sumac
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds: Coat a large pan lightly with olive oil and add the sliced almonds. Stir constantly over medium heat until the almonds turn golden brown and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the mustard vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, red bell pepper sticks, thinly sliced radishes, chopped parsley, and dill. Season the vegetables with kosher salt and sumac to taste. Add three-quarters of the toasted almonds and toss gently to combine evenly.
  4. Dress and refrigerate: Pour the mustard-lime vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and for the cabbage to soften slightly.
  5. Finish and serve: Give the salad a final toss before serving and garnish with the remaining toasted almonds on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
  • Sumac adds a tangy, slightly lemony flavor that complements the lime juice perfectly; if unavailable, a small amount of lemon zest can be substituted.
  • For best flavor, allow the salad to rest refrigerated so the cabbage softens just a little and the dressing flavors penetrate the ingredients.
  • Optional crushed red pepper flakes offer a mild heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.
  • This salad holds well for up to 24 hours refrigerated but is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.

Keywords: cabbage salad, Dijon-lime vinaigrette, toasted almonds, crunchy salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad

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