There’s something so refreshing about Cabbage And Carrot Salad. It’s crunchy, zesty, and full of bright colors. This salad can really jazz up any meal and is super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for my weeknight dinners.
This salad tackles soggy lunch issues, provides quick prep, boosts fiber intake, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and helps busy kitchens create colorful, crisp meals.

One problem I often face when making salads is finding the right dressing. Too much moisture can make everything soggy, and nobody wants that! This recipe helps solve that issue with a light dressing that adds just enough flavor without overwhelming the veggies.
What I love about this recipe is how quick it comes together. You’re looking at just 15 minutes from prep to table! Plus, it’s super customizable. You can toss in your favorite herbs or even a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. It’s a salad that really fits into your busy life.
If you love salads, you’re going to want to check out this Asian Carrot Ribbon Salad. If you’ve got the ingredients ready, this Cabbage And Carrot Salad will become a new favorite in no time!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Great Crunch : This salad packs a satisfying crunch from the fresh cabbage and carrots. It’s refreshing and adds a nice bite to any meal.
- Bright Flavors : Each bite is a zesty explosion thanks to the lime juice and herbs. It’s a simple way to get your taste buds dancing without overwhelming flavors.
- Quick to Whip Up : You’ll have this salad ready in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need a tasty side without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Easy Storage : Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick mix before serving again to refresh those flavors.
Vibrant Carrot Cabbage Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: salad
- Method: tossing
- Cuisine: vegan
- Diet: vegan, gluten-free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad made with red cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing, perfect for a healthy vegan diet.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (360 g) red cabbage, finely sliced
- 3 medium (230 g) carrots, julienned or cut into fine strips
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 11/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/41/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mint, cilantro/coriander or parsley), finely chopped
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix Cabbage & Carrot: Start by tossing shredded red cabbage with julienned carrots in a large bowl. You should see the vibrant colors mix together, making the salad visually appealing. This combo gives the salad a satisfying crunch and refreshing taste. Be careful not to add too much cabbage; it could overwhelm the dish.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth. You will notice the aromas mingling beautifully, which will enhance the flavor of your salad. This simple dressing adds just the right kick, but avoid using too much oil to keep the salad light.
- Toss & Taste: Gently toss the salad with the dressing, letting all the flavors mingle for a moment. The colors should brighten up and the veggies will glisten with the dressing. This step adds depth to the flavors, so do not skip it. Just remember, too much dressing can turn it soggy, so add gradually.
- Add Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty crunch. They should smell slightly nutty and golden brown. This final touch amps up the texture without adding gluten. Keep an eye on them while toasting; they can burn easily if left unattended.
- Chill & Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend nicely. The salad tastes even better after a good chill. Just do not forget it in the fridge for too long; overly cold salads can lose their fresh crunch.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Briefly mix again before serving.
- Expert Tips: If the salad becomes watery, use fresh, firm vegetables and consider using less dressing to control moisture.
- When toasting sesame seeds, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning.
- If the flavors are too tangy, a little extra maple syrup or a pinch of sugar can help smooth things out.
- Letting the salad sit for 30 minutes can really allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 66
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

Recipe Tips
- If the salad turns watery, opt for fresh, firm vegetables and consider using less dressing to control moisture.
- When toasting sesame seeds, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning.
- If the flavors are too tangy, a little extra maple syrup or a pinch of sugar can help smooth things out.
- For a more flavorful experience, letting the salad sit for 30 minutes can really allow the flavors to meld.
- For variations, think about adding different fresh herbs to suit your taste or the occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cabbage and carrot salad with baked tofu or sticky tempeh for a nutritious meal. Pair it with quinoa or brown rice to create a hearty dish.
This salad adds color as a side to katsu curry or pad thai for a satisfying meal. It complements various entrees at summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks.
Dress this salad with a zesty vinaigrette to add brightness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds boosts flavor and crunch, enhancing the dish’s appeal.
Recipe variations
- You can use green cabbage instead of red cabbage for a slightly different taste and color in your salad.
- Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for an extra tangy flavor to complement the sweetness of the carrots.
- Either add diced apples for a sweet crunch or include thin strips of bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.
- If you want to prepare this salad for more people, simply double the ingredients to serve about 8 people comfortably.
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How to Store?
To keep your cabbage and carrot salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Mix again before serving.
Freezing: Transfer salad to a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled after thawing for best texture. Add fresh herbs or dressings to refresh flavors.
If you enjoyed this Cabbage And Carrot Salad or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!