17 Healthy Cabbage Salad Recipes

Crunchy, colorful, and loaded with nutrients, cabbage is a fantastic base for salads of all kinds.

Whether you’re using green, red, or Napa cabbage, its hearty texture stands up well to bold dressings and a range of flavors—from sweet and tangy to savory and spicy.

Here are 17 healthy cabbage salad recipes that will bring variety and nutrition to your table!

1. Classic Coleslaw (Lightened Up)

This Classic Coleslaw offers the timeless combination of shredded cabbage and carrots, but with a lighter dressing made from Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayo.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 cup carrots, shredded
3. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or light mayo, or a mix)
4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
5. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Chill before serving for best flavor.

2: Red Cabbage and Apple Salad

Sweet apple pairs perfectly with the slightly peppery bite of red cabbage in this Red Cabbage and Apple Salad, finished with a simple vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 apple, thinly sliced or julienned
3. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
5. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Place sliced cabbage and apple in a serving bowl.
2. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, Dijon (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle dressing over the cabbage and apple.
4. Toss gently and serve immediately or refrigerate for extra crunch.

3: Asian-Inspired Sesame Cabbage Salad

Featuring toasted sesame seeds and a tangy dressing, this Asian-Inspired Sesame Cabbage Salad is quick, crunchy, and full of flavor.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 2 green onions, thinly sliced
4. 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
5. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
6. 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
7. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
8. 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and optional sweetener.
3. Drizzle dressing over the vegetables and toss well.
4. Top with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

4. Spicy Kimchi-Style Slaw

If you love kimchi’s flavor but want a quicker prep, try this Spicy Kimchi-Style Slaw, which combines Napa cabbage with Korean-inspired seasonings.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes + optional marinating time
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
2. 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or Sriracha
3. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
4. 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
5. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
6. 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
7. 2 green onions, chopped

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, place shredded Napa cabbage.
2. In a separate bowl, mix gochujang (or Sriracha), vinegar, fish sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sugar.
3. Pour the spicy dressing over the cabbage, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Top with chopped green onions and let sit for at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld (longer for a more intense taste).

5. Creamy Avocado Cabbage Slaw

Substitute traditional mayo with creamy avocado in this Creamy Avocado Cabbage Slaw, giving it a rich texture while staying dairy-free.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups green or red cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 ripe avocado
3. 1 tablespoon lime juice
4. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. In a larger bowl, combine cabbage with cilantro (if using).
3. Stir in the mashed avocado until the slaw is well coated.
4. Serve immediately to prevent browning of the avocado.

6. Cabbage and Carrot Detox Salad

Refresh your palate with this Cabbage and Carrot Detox Salad, which is light on dressing yet high on bright, crisp flavors.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
5. 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix cabbage and carrots.
2. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and ginger (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over veggies; toss to combine.
4. Enjoy immediately.
5. 7. Thai Peanut Cabbage Salad

7. Thai Peanut Cabbage Salad

Peanut sauce and fresh veggies turn basic cabbage into a flavorful dish in this Thai Peanut Cabbage Salad—ideal for meal prep or potlucks.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups green or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4. 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for topping)
5. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or basil (optional)

Peanut Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons peanut butter (natural)
2. 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (low-sodium)
3. 1 tablespoon lime juice
4. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
5. Water as needed for thinning

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk peanut dressing ingredients until smooth, adjusting thickness with water.
2. Place cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle peanut dressing over the veggies and toss well.
4. Top with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs if desired.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar Cabbage Slaw

For a tangy bite, this Apple Cider Vinegar Cabbage Slaw is a quick side dish that goes well with grilled meats or fish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 cup shredded carrots (or beets for color)
3. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4. 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Combine cabbage and carrots in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over the cabbage and carrots; toss thoroughly.
4. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before serving to soften the cabbage slightly.

9. Avocado Lime Red Cabbage Salad

Creamy avocado, zesty lime, and vibrant red cabbage make this Avocado Lime Red Cabbage Salad both visually striking and delicious.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 avocado, diced
3. 2 tablespoons lime juice
4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, gently toss cabbage with avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
4. Serve immediately.

10. Cabbage and Corn Salad with Cilantro

Sweet corn kernels contrast with crunchy cabbage in this Cabbage and Corn Salad, brightened up by fresh cilantro.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
2. 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
3. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
4. 2 tablespoons lime juice
5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, corn, and cilantro.
2. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

11. Cabbage and White Bean Salad

Fiber-packed white beans add heartiness to this Cabbage and White Bean Salad, making it a light but satisfying lunch option.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups green or Napa cabbage, shredded
2. 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
3. 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
4. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
5. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. Salt, pepper, and dried herbs (thyme or oregano) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine cabbage, white beans, and onion if using.
2. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Enjoy immediately or chill for up to a day.

12. Warm Cabbage and Bacon Salad

For cooler days, try a Warm Cabbage and Bacon Salad, where the heat from the bacon drippings lightly wilts the cabbage.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
2. 4 slices bacon, chopped
3. 1/4 cup diced onion
4. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook bacon pieces until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté onion in the bacon drippings for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add cabbage and stir-fry until slightly wilted, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss bacon back in. Serve warm.

13. Rainbow Cabbage Salad with Tahini Dressing

Colorful and nutrient-dense, this Rainbow Cabbage Salad features multiple veggies and a creamy tahini dressing for a Middle Eastern twist.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
2. 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
3. 1 cup shredded carrots
4. 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Tahini Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons tahini
2. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
5. Water to thin if needed

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine both cabbages, carrots, and bell pepper.
2. Whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and optional sweetener. Add water for desired consistency.
3. Drizzle dressing over the vegetables and toss.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

14. Cabbage and Tuna Salad

Lean protein from tuna makes this Cabbage and Tuna Salad both convenient and filling—a great option for busy weekdays.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix)
2. 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
3. 1/4 cup diced celery or cucumber
4. 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or light mayo
5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, flake the tuna and mix in yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in celery or cucumber.
3. Place shredded cabbage in a serving bowl.
4. Top with the tuna mixture. Enjoy immediately.

15. Southwest Cabbage Salad

Spice up your meal with this Southwest Cabbage Salad, featuring corn, black beans, and a zesty cumin-lime dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2. 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed)
3. 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
5. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro if using.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad; toss thoroughly.
4. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 days.

16. Cabbage and Chicken Salad with Peanut Sauce

Shredded chicken and a rich peanut sauce make this Cabbage and Chicken Salad a protein-packed dinner or lunch option.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups green or Napa cabbage, shredded
2. 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3. 1/2 cup shredded carrots
4. 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional)

Peanut Sauce:

1. 2 tablespoons peanut butter (natural)
2. 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
3. 1 tablespoon lime juice
4. 1 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice
5. Water to thin as needed

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk together peanut sauce ingredients, adding water until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, chicken, and carrots.
3. Drizzle peanut sauce over the mixture and toss well.
4. Top with chopped peanuts if desired.

17. Cabbage, Beet, and Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy beets and tangy goat cheese pair perfectly with crunchy cabbage in this Cabbage, Beet, and Goat Cheese Salad—ideal for a more gourmet feel.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes (includes beet roasting time)
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
2. 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting beets)
4. Salt and pepper to taste
5. 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (or feta)
6. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for ~20–25 minutes or until tender.
2. Let beets cool slightly.
3. In a salad bowl, place shredded cabbage and roasted beets.
4. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
5. Top with crumbled goat cheese and an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper if needed.