Easy Pickled Red Cabbage Salad is a tangy, vinegar-based deli health salad that's vegan and gluten-free. This simple recipe has only 6 ingredients made in one bowl without mayo.
This pickled cabbage is a tangy and sour side salad or topper for anything from a tuna salad sandwich to a pulled beef sandwich.
And it's fast to make! Shred your own red cabbage, and it takes only around 10 minutes! Then, just chill (optional, but recommended).
A terrific vegan side dish for meals at home, picnics, and backyard barbeques.
It's perfect for anyone who likes pickled vegetables.
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What is needed to make this pickled red cabbage salad?
I hardly ever meal plan, so I like to keep a cupboard full of seasonings, spices, veggies, and canned goods in my kitchen to use whenever the mood strikes.
But these are all you need to have on hand to make this recipe even last minute!
shredded red (purple) cabbage
lemon juice
white vinegar
white granulated sugar
salt
oil (vegetable or olive)
A little about red cabbage
Red cabbage has a high content of both vitamin C and vitamin K and other health benefits.
While this vegetable is called "red," it is mostly found in more of a purple color. It will change its color according to the pH value of the soil it grows in; in acidic soil, it will be more reddish, and in more neutral soil, it will be more purple.
It is used both raw and cooked, depending on the recipe. It can be used raw with mayonnaise (as in this recipe) or with lemon juice or vinegar for a salad or coleslaw.
It can also be pickled and made into sauerkraut. Prepared properly, it can complement a variety of dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pickled red cabbage salad actually tastes better when allowed to sit for a little while. Making it ahead allows the vinegar and flavors to fully penetrate the cabbage, enhancing the tangy taste.
Do I have to chill this salad before serving?
You don't but it's recommended to let the flavors combine.
Is this deli salad mayo-based?
No, this traditional-style deli health salad is completely mayo-free. It relies on a light, vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.
How long does pickled red cabbage salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep fresh and crisp in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free and/or vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally both gluten-free and vegan, using simple plant-based ingredients with zero animal products or wheat derivatives.
What does it mean when a recipe says that an ingredient is "optional"?
If an ingredient is "optional," it means that you can add it in or not based on your own preference. An optional ingredient can be flavor related (i.e., salty, sweet, spicy, etc.), appearance related (garnish), or even something like nuts or chocolate chips in baking.
Want to make other delicious deli salads?
Here's another deli health salad made without mayo:
deli salads made with cabbage:
Easy Pickled Red Cabbage Salad Recipe
Delicious vegan, sour and tangy red cabbage deli health salad.
Ingredients
- 14-16 ounces of shredded red (purple) cabbage
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive)
Instructions
- Place the shredded red cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil and mix together well.
- Chill for around an hour (optional, but recommended).
- Remove from the refrigerator and drain excess liquid, if there is any, before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 39Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 276mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
