Brighten up your meals with this refreshing Simple Cabbage Salad, a quick and nutritious dish that's perfect for a side dish or a light lunch. Combining crunchy cabbage with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients.
For other delicious salads, microgreen salad and my peaches & burrata salad.
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✔️ Why This Recipe is Great
Low Histamine Salad: other than the basic greens plus a low histamine dressing, there are tons of salad options out there, so I've started throwing some into the mix. Leave a comment if you want to see more low histamine salads on the site!
Add More Cruciferous Veggies: especially as a side dish, this cabbage salad is a great way to add a mild crunch and some heavy nutrition to your dinner plate.
Use Up Cabbage: this is a great way to use up that other half a head of cabbage, and use it in a way that allows it to be cooked up with some protein and a couple other veggies for your or your family's next meal of the day, avoiding leaving leftovers for yourself.
🥬 Ingredients
Cabbage: you can use purple, green, or white cabbage, but I just love the vibrant color and blend of antioxidants inherent to the purple varietals, plus they tend to be easy to find.
Olive Oil: I used a fresh extra-virgin olive oil here, though you could alternately use the same amount of any low histamine oil you like (though something like flax oil might be too strong in flavor).
Italian Seasoning Blend: use whatever seasoning works for you, but a commercial Italian blend usually includes basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme, all of which are low histamine herbs.
See recipe card for exact ingredients and quantities.
🥗 How to Make Cabbage Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1) In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced purple cabbage (image 1).
Step 2) Drizzle the olive oil over the cabbage, then sprinkle the salt and Italian seasoning blend on top (image 2).
Step 3) Toss everything together until the cabbage is well coated with the oil and seasonings. I recommend using your hands for this to ensure even distribution of the seasonings and lightly massage the cabbage (image 3).
Step 4) Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. If that feels like too long, try to give it at least 5 minutes to soften.
Step 5) Give it another toss before serving. Enjoy your simple cabbage salad as a refreshing side dish or a crunchy topping for sandwiches and tacos!
🌟 Variations and Substitutions
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a heartier salad that includes protein, and makes the dish a complete meal.
- Colorful Veggies: Incorporate other sliced colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for added crunch and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in a half tablespoon of well-chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to enhance the flavor and freshness of the salad.
- Fruit Twist: Add diced apple or pear for a touch of sweetness that complements the cabbage.
- Make it Tart: add up to a tablespoon of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to brighten up the salad and make it a bit more like a slaw.
- Nuts and Seeds: Top with toasted nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or almonds, for added texture and healthy fats.
🥘 Freezing and Storing
Honestly, I would not freeze this. It doesn't defrost well, so I purposefully use just half cabbage when I make this recipe, as it can easily be halved or doubled for varying crowd sizes.
However, if you need to freeze it, keep in mind that the texture will change. If you or others in your household are not on a low histamine diet, this cabbage salad can stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an air-tight container and cooled to room temperature beforehand.
👨🏻🍳 Expert Notes & Tips
What to Add?: Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or chopped herbs for extra color and flavor. No matter what you add, this goes great with almost any meat dish, since it can add crunch and nutrition.
Prep Ahead: If you’re not eating low histamine, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good toss before serving again.
Enhancing Flavor: If you prefer a bit of sweetness, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors. Enjoy!
❓ What to Serve With Cabbage Salad
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or even Napa cabbage, depending on your preference and the desired color.
Yes, this simple Cabbage Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Yes, you can eat cabbage raw in salads! Raw cabbage is commonly used in various salads, such as coleslaw and cabbage salads, and it provides a crunchy texture and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
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📖 Recipe
4-Ingredient Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups purple cabbage thinly sliced (about 300g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil about 30ml
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced purple cabbage.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cabbage, then sprinkle the salt and Italian seasoning blend on top.
- Toss everything together until the cabbage is well coated with the oil and seasonings. I recommend using your hands for this to ensure even distribution of the seasonings and lightly massage the cabbage.
- Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Give it another toss before serving. Enjoy your simple cabbage salad as a refreshing side dish or a crunchy topping for sandwiches and tacos!
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