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Looking for a quick, simple low-carb salad that actually feels satisfying? This Keto Cabbage Salad is one of those recipes I come back to again and again.
Thinly shaved green and purple cabbage are tossed with cucumbers and radishes, then coated in a creamy mayo dressing that brings everything together. It’s crunchy, filling, and perfect for meal prep.
I often make a big bowl at the beginning of the week and serve it alongside baked pork chops, grilled chicken thighs, or roasted fish.
It’s the kind of salad that uses simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store, but still feels fresh and balanced.
Why I Love Making Cabbage Salad
Cabbage is one of those vegetables that doesn’t get enough credit.
It’s inexpensive, easy to store, and incredibly versatile. A head of cabbage can last in the fridge for days, which makes it perfect for everyday cooking.
Unlike lettuce salads that wilt quickly, cabbage stays crisp even after being dressed.
This particular cabbage salad works well because it combines:
• crunchy shredded cabbage
• cool cucumbers
• peppery radishes
• a creamy, tangy dressing
The result is a salad that feels light but still satisfying, especially if you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
How To Cut Cabbage For Salad
You can absolutely use pre-shredded cabbage from the grocery store if you want to save time.
But when I have a whole cabbage, I prefer slicing it myself. Freshly shaved cabbage tends to stay crisp longer and gives the salad a better texture.
Here’s the easiest way to prepare it:
- Cut the cabbage in half from top to bottom through the core.
- Place each half cut-side down on a cutting board.
- Cut each half in half again to make quarters.
- Remove the core from each piece.
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips.
You can slice vertically for longer strands or horizontally for shorter pieces.
A mandolin slicer works too, but a sharp knife does the job just fine.
Cabbage Salad vs Coleslaw
People often confuse cabbage salad with classic coleslaw.
Traditional coleslaw usually contains finely shredded cabbage and sometimes carrots, dressed with either a creamy mayo dressing or a vinegar-based dressing.
A cabbage salad, on the other hand, is more flexible. It can include additional vegetables and different types of dressing.
In this recipe, cucumbers and radishes add freshness and a little peppery flavor that balances the richness of the mayo dressing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad keeps things simple and uses vegetables that pair naturally together.
You’ll need:
• green cabbage
• purple cabbage
• cucumbers
• radishes
For the creamy dressing:
• mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• apple cider vinegar
• sour cream (optional)
• salt and black pepper
Some people also like adding a small amount of low-carb sweetener to balance the dressing, but that’s optional.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How To Make Keto Cabbage Salad
- This salad comes together in just a few steps.
- First, prepare the vegetables by shredding the cabbage and slicing the cucumbers and radishes.
- Some people like to sprinkle a little salt over the cabbage and gently massage it for a minute. This softens the cabbage slightly and helps it absorb the dressing better.
- Next, whisk together the ingredients for the creamy dressing in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add the vegetables to a large bowl, pour the dressing over the top, and toss everything until evenly coated.
- For the best flavor, let the salad rest for about 30 minutes before serving so the cabbage can absorb the dressing.
More Cabbage Recipes:
What To Serve With Cabbage Salad
This creamy cabbage salad pairs well with many simple meals.
Try serving it with:
• baked pork chops
• grilled chicken thighs
• baked Halibut
• burgers or grilled meats
Because it’s low in carbs and high in fiber, it also works well as a side dish for heavier meals.
Can You Make This Salad Ahead?
Yes, this is actually a great meal-prep salad.
You can:
• shred the cabbage up to two days in advance
• store it in an airtight bag in the refrigerator
• prepare the dressing ahead of time as well
However, once the salad is fully mixed with the dressing, it’s best enjoyed within one to two days.
After that the vegetables can start releasing moisture and the texture may change.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Yes. Cabbage is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which makes it a great vegetable for low carb and keto diets. When paired with a simple creamy dressing, it becomes a filling side dish that fits easily into a keto meal plan.
Cabbage salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because cabbage releases moisture after being dressed, the texture is best within the first 24 hours.
Yes. You can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a light vinaigrette depending on the flavor you prefer.
Lightly massaging shredded cabbage with salt helps soften the leaves and releases a bit of moisture. This improves the texture and helps the cabbage absorb the dressing more evenly.
Keto Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
- 10 cups shredded cabbage, about ½ green and ½ purple cabbage
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced radishes
- Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream, optional
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Video
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage
- Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of salt and gently massage the cabbage with your hands for about 30–60 seconds. This helps soften the cabbage and improves the texture of the salad.
- Add the vegetables
- Add the chopped cucumbers and sliced radishes to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the salad
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Let it rest
- Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the dressing.
Notes
The cabbage will release some moisture over time, so the texture is best within the first day. Recipe Tips Use pre-shredded cabbage mix to save time. Add a pinch of low-carb sweetener to the dressing if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor. This salad pairs well with baked pork chops, grilled chicken, or roasted fish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
LOW CARB PLACED BESIDE CARBS (RICE)
Made this with minor changes…I subbed celery for cucumber, because cucumber will continue to seep and make the salad soggy. I also added red onions to the cabbage, because I love them! Made the dressing as is (including sour cream), but I did add 1 tsp. xylitol for a touch of sweetness. Thanks for a solid recipe!
Thank you! Great substitutions!