Red Cabbage Salad (Simple & Quick)

Freshly prepared red cabbage salad with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5 from 2 votes

Red cabbage salad is my favorite simple side dish. It's fresh and crunchy, with just four ingredients. It's quick, vibrant, and perfect with almost any meal. It’s great on its own, as a side with grilled chicken or fish, or even tucked into a wrap. Check out the quick video below to see how I prepare this delicious salad in my kitchen!

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Balkan, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, Serbian

Servings: people

Calories: 94kcal

Author: Dr. Nena Stefanovic

Equipment

1 Bread knife
1 Glass mixing bowl

Ingredients

½ red cabbage medium head
2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Shred the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the head of cabbage before you start. Using a bread knife, thinly slice the red cabbage into fine shreds—the serrated edge makes cutting through the firm leaves easier. If you don’t have a bread knife, a regular sharp knife works too, but I find the bread knife makes it much easier.
Massage the Cabbage: Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl. With clean hands, gently massage it for 2–3 minutes. This will soften the cabbage and help release its natural moisture, making it more tender.
Season: After massaging, drizzle the cabbage with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss and Serve: Toss everything together until evenly coated. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
SERVING SUGGESTION: This fresh and crunchy cabbage salad is a perfect side dish for roasted meats like chicken or pork chops. It adds a crisp contrast and is a great option for grain bowls with quinoa or rice. For something lighter, try it as a topping for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for a burst of color and texture. It’s a simple way to add freshness to any meal!
STORAGE SUGGESTIONS: Store any leftover cabbage salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. The salad will stay crisp, but if you’ve added dressing, it may soften over time.

Nutrition