Crunchy Red Cabbage Salad

This crunchy red cabbage salad recipe is loaded with cucumber, walnuts, feta, and sweet apple. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet vibrant, refreshing, and full of texture in every bite.

Friends, there’s just something special about a salad made with simple ingredients that come together to create so much flavour and contrast. This red cabbage salad balances the juicy sweetness of apples with crisp cabbage and cucumber, nutty walnuts, and salty feta, all brought together with a creamy peanut dressing that really makes it shine.

Best of all, it’s quick and effortless to prepare. Simply slice everything thinly using a food processor or mandoline, then toss it all together. It’s a versatile side you can enjoy alongside almost any meal, any time of year. And if you love salads like this, I’d also recommend checking out my cabbage chickpea salad or walnut pomegranate salad—they’re just as fresh and delicious 😉

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this stunning red cabbage salad:

• Apple: I always reach for Pink Lady apples—they’re crunchy, juicy, and perfectly sweet. Feel free to use what you have, just aim for a sweeter variety rather than a tart one.
• Cucumber: Any type works, but Lebanese, Persian, or English cucumbers are ideal as they’re seedless and extra crisp.
• Feta cheese: A must for this salad. Crumbly Greek feta adds a creamy, salty tang that ties everything together.
• Walnuts: Chopped raw walnuts bring a delicious nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the apple.
• Red cabbage: The crunchy base of the salad. You’ll need about a quarter of a large red cabbage.
• Nut butter: I love using tahini or cashew butter in the dressing, but smooth natural peanut butter works perfectly if that’s what you have on hand.
• Honey: Helps balance the flavours with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds the perfect hint of acidity to brighten the dressing.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make the Best Red Cabbage Salad

Slice the veggies: Using the slicing attachment on your food processor or a mandoline, thinly shred the red cabbage, followed by the apple and cucumber. Transfer everything to a large mixing bowl.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the tahini, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the salad: Add the crumbled feta and chopped walnuts to the bowl with the cabbage, apple, and cucumber. Pour over the dressing and toss well until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately in your favourite salad bowl, or straight from the mixing bowl.

Variations and Substitutions

• Instead of red cabbage: You can easily swap in green cabbage, though the flavour will be slightly different. Green cabbage is milder and slightly sweet with a crisp, juicy texture, while red cabbage is bolder, more earthy, and a little peppery. Red cabbage is also firmer, which helps it hold its crunch especially well in this salad.
• Different cheese: Try goat cheese for a creamy tang, or finely grated pecorino for a sharper, saltier finish.
• Dried fruit: Swap the apple for sliced green pear, finely chopped Medjool dates, or raisins for an extra pop of sweetness.
• Grains: To make the salad more hearty and filling, add cooked quinoa, brown rice, freekah, or pearl couscous.
• Instead of walnuts: Use roasted pecans, pepitas, or sliced almonds for a different nutty crunch.
• No apple cider vinegar? Substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice, or use balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter salad.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover red cabbage salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the salad will soften slightly as it sits, so I recommend draining off any excess juices before serving.

Recipe FAQ

More Crunchy Salads

Crunchy Cabbage + Chickpea Salad

Chicken Edamame Salad

The Best Kale Crunch Salad

Edamame Crunch Salad

If you try this red cabbage salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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