If you’re looking for a vibrant and easy side dish that brings a burst of color and crunch to your meals, this red cabbage salad is just the thing. The combination of thinly sliced red cabbage, tart apple, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts creates a refreshing texture that’s both satisfying and light, all tied together with a simple citrus dressing that highlights fresh flavors without any fuss.
This salad comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious yet effortless. It’s great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time, and busy moms or professionals appreciate how it pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone lunch. Many love it for its healthy twist on classic salads, offering fiber and antioxidants in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this red cabbage salad because it’s so simple to whip up on hectic weeknights. No cooking required means more time for what matters, like family chats or unwinding. The crisp cabbage, sweet apple, and tangy feta create a flavor explosion that’s fresh yet comforting.
- Super quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile side: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, or stands alone for lunch.
- Meal prep friendly: Flavors get even better the next day, saving you stress.
- Impresses everyone: Guests rave about the vibrant colors and crunch.
Red Cabbage Salad Ingredients
I love how these ingredients blend crisp textures with bright flavors in red cabbage salad. Fresh, quality picks like ripe apples and tangy feta make the dish pop with natural vibrancy.
- Red cabbage: Forms the crunchy, colorful base that holds everything together.
- Salt: Seasons and tenderizes the cabbage for better texture.
- Orange juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to the dressing.
- Olive oil: Brings smoothness and richness to the light dressing.
- White balsamic vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Enhances flavors with a mild, spicy kick.
- Apple: Offers sweet crunch and juiciness for contrast.
- Scallions: Delivers fresh, mild onion notes and color.
- Feta cheese: Contributes creamy, salty depth when crumbled.
- Walnuts: Adds nutty crunch and hearty texture.
Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large bowl: For mixing the cabbage and dressing; a mixing bowl works fine if you don’t have one.
- Sharp knife or mandoline: To thinly slice the cabbage evenly; a food processor can substitute for quick chopping.
- Whisk or fork: For blending the citrus dressing; shake in a jar as an easy alternative.
- Clean hands: Ideal for kneading the salted cabbage to soften it; use tongs if you prefer.
How to Make Red Cabbage Salad
Step 1: Prepare and slice the red cabbage
Start by removing any tough outer leaves from the red cabbage. Cut it in half, then into quarters, and remove the core. Thinly slice the quarters using a mandoline for even pieces, or a sharp knife if needed. Place all slices in a large bowl for easy mixing later.
Step 2: Season and knead the cabbage
Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt over the sliced cabbage. Use clean hands to knead it vigorously for a few minutes. You’ll notice it softens and releases liquids, which tenderizes it perfectly. This step makes the texture just right for a healthy salad.
Step 3: Whisk the citrus dressing
In a small bowl, squeeze juice from half an orange. Add one tablespoon olive oil, one teaspoon white balsamic vinegar, and plenty of fresh black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. This light dressing ties the flavors in your feta salad nicely.
Step 4: Dress and rest the cabbage
Pour the dressing over the kneaded cabbage. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Let it rest for about 20 minutes so flavors blend and the cabbage softens more. This quick wait boosts the taste without much effort.
Step 5: Prep the apple, scallions, feta, and walnuts
While the cabbage rests, chop one small apple into bite-sized pieces. Slice two or three scallions thinly into rings. Crumble six to seven ounces of feta cheese and about one-third cup of walnuts roughly. These add-ins bring crunch and creaminess to the apple walnut salad.
Step 6: Combine and mix everything
Add the chopped apple, sliced scallions, crumbled feta, and walnuts to the cabbage bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients blend well. Taste it, then adjust with more salt or pepper if you like. Now your quick side dish is ready.
Step 7: Serve the salad
Spoon the vibrant red cabbage salad onto plates as a refreshing side. It pairs great with grilled meats or fish. Enjoy it fresh for the best crunch and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Slice the cabbage as thinly as possible with a mandoline for the best texture in your red cabbage salad—it ensures even softening without tough bites.
- Knead vigorously after salting; this releases moisture and prevents chewy pieces, saving time on tough prep days.
- Use fresh orange juice for the dressing—it brightens flavors naturally and keeps things light for picky eaters.
- Let the salad rest fully; flavors meld beautifully, making it even tastier for busy weeknight dinners.
- Taste before serving and adjust pepper or salt—personal tweaks make it feel like home cooking.
How to Store Red Cabbage Salad
I know how busy life gets, so storing this red cabbage salad right saves time and keeps it fresh. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors deepen nicely, making it even tastier for quick lunches. For freezing, portion into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, but note the crunch may soften slightly. Always check for freshness before eating.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this red cabbage salad with grilled chicken or fish for a light summer dinner—it’s a hit with picky eaters.
- Serve family-style in a big bowl to encourage sharing during busy weeknights.
- Enjoy alongside fresh iced tea or a crisp white wine for a refreshing meal.
- Top with extra walnuts for a pretty, crunchy presentation that impresses guests.
Simple Red Cabbage Salad with Feta
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and refreshing red cabbage salad with crumbled feta cheese, chopped apple, walnuts, and a light citrus dressing made from orange juice, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 small head red cabbage (approx. 750g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ orange, freshly squeezed juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small apple, chopped
- 2–3 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 6–7 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup walnuts, roughly crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the red cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, then quarter it and remove the tough core. Thinly slice the cabbage, ideally using a mandoline for uniform pieces, and place it in a large bowl.
- Season the sliced cabbage with 1 teaspoon of salt. Using clean hands, vigorously knead the cabbage for several minutes until it becomes noticeably softer and starts to release its natural liquids. This step is crucial for tenderizing the cabbage.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the tenderized red cabbage and toss well to coat. Let the salad rest for approximately 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to further soften.
- While the cabbage rests, chop the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the scallions into rings. Roughly crumble the feta cheese and walnuts.
- After the resting period, add the chopped apple, sliced scallions, crumbled feta cheese, and crumbled walnuts to the bowl with the red cabbage.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, as the flavors improve over time.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based alternative.
- Use a mandoline for easier and uniform slicing of the cabbage.
