Refreshing Cucumber Cabbage Salad: The Ultimate Ukrainian & Russian Recipe with Zesty Vinegar Dressing
Cucumber Cabbage Salad is a delightfully simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, primarily featuring finely shredded cabbage, crisp cucumbers, and pungent green onions, all beautifully tossed in an easy, zesty vinegar dressing. This iconic salad is a cherished staple at Ukrainian weddings and festive gatherings, often recognized as Russian Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad. Its refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser and a healthy addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage & Cucumber Salad
This cabbage recipe is much more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or elaborate holiday feasts. Here’s why this Cucumber Cabbage Salad will become a new favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Wonderfully Refreshing: The crispness of fresh cabbage and cucumbers, combined with a tangy vinegar dressing, creates a remarkably refreshing experience, especially on warm days.
- Nutritiously Wholesome: Packed with vitamins from raw cabbage and cucumbers, it’s a healthy alternative to heavier side dishes, supporting a balanced diet.
- Incredibly Versatile: Perfect for parties, summer potlucks, BBQs, or as a light accompaniment to almost any main course. It’s often served where a traditional coleslaw might be found, offering a lighter, healthier twist.
- A Taste of Tradition: This salad carries the rich culinary heritage of Eastern Europe, making it a delicious way to explore global flavors.
The Heart of Eastern European Cuisine: Cabbage Salads
Ukrainians and Russians deeply appreciate cabbage, incorporating it into countless dishes, from hearty soups to delicate rolls and, of course, a wide variety of salads. Whether raw, cooked, or marinated, cabbage is a versatile and economical vegetable that forms the backbone of many beloved traditional recipes. Beyond this refreshing Cucumber Cabbage Salad, you’ll find a plethora of cabbage ideas, including our comforting rolled-up Cabbage Rolls, savory cooked Fried Cabbage (which pairs wonderfully with bacon or pork), and even a delicious cabbage soup recipe to look forward to!
For those who love the tang of pickled vegetables, we offer several fantastic options. Three top Russian cabbage salads that showcase the diverse uses of cabbage include our tangy Russian Pickled Cabbage Salad, the classic Sauerkraut Recipe, and the unique Bologna Cabbage Salad, often referred to as Russian coleslaw. Each offers a distinct flavor profile, proving the endless possibilities of this humble vegetable.
Simple & Refreshing: A Deeper Look at the Easy Cabbage Salad Recipe
This authentic Ukrainian cabbage salad recipe holds a special place in Eastern European culinary traditions, being widely popular at family gatherings, weddings, and holiday celebrations. It’s exceptionally well-suited for entertaining, be it a casual summer potluck or a more formal dinner. Among all the cabbage salad variations, this particular recipe stands out for its invigorating freshness, undeniable health benefits, and satisfying crunch. Its simplicity is a huge draw: a fresh head of raw cabbage can be shredded in mere minutes, transforming into a delicious side dish ready to complement nearly any meal where a traditional coleslaw would be served. Consider it your go-to healthy side dish that never disappoints.
A classic Ukrainian cabbage and cucumber salad is typically prepared with crisp raw cabbage, fresh cucumbers (either quartered or halved for a substantial bite), aromatic fresh dill, and a light, bright vinegar dressing. While some cooks might opt to transform this into a creamy cabbage salad by incorporating mayonnaise and sour cream, the traditional vinegar dressing is preferred for its much lighter and more refreshing character. If you do lean towards a creamy version, you can still add all the vinegar dressing ingredients, omitting the oil, and combine them with mayonnaise for a sweet and slightly tart salad, reminiscent of traditional coleslaw but with a distinctive Eastern European flair.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cucumber Cabbage Salad
One of the beauties of this Cucumber Cabbage Salad is its reliance on a few fresh, high-quality ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find. The core components create a delightful synergy, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.
The Fresh Base: Cabbage, Cucumbers, Green Onions
This refreshing salad recipe shines brightest with crunchy green cabbage as its foundation. While you can certainly enhance the mixture with additions like finely shredded purple onion or grated carrots for extra color and sweetness, we find its purest form—made simply with green cabbage, crisp cucumbers, and thinly sliced green onions—to be the most appealing. For those who enjoy experimenting, delightful variations can be achieved by adding other fresh elements like chopped avocados, diced tomatoes, or sweet bell peppers, which can introduce new textures and flavors without overwhelming the salad’s inherent freshness.
The Zesty Vinaigrette Dressing: The Secret to Flavor
The dressing is where this salad truly comes alive. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in a generous amount of fresh garlic, complemented by white distilled vinegar, a touch of sugar to balance the acidity, and the unique aroma of fresh dill. This homemade zesty vinaigrette comes together in minutes and delivers a perfectly tangy profile with just the right hint of sweetness. In Ukrainian cuisine, sunflower oil is a popular choice for salad dressings due to its mild flavor. Many varieties are refined, meaning they won’t impart a strong nutty taste, allowing the other fresh ingredients to shine. You can often find unscented sunflower oil at most grocery stores, including major retailers like Walmart, making it an accessible ingredient for an authentic touch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Speedy Cabbage Salad
Preparing this green cabbage salad is incredibly quick and straightforward. With just three easy steps, you can create a perfectly light and flavorful side dish. The vinegar dressing takes only about two minutes to whisk together. For an even faster preparation, consider using a pre-shredded “slaw” mix available at most grocery stores, though freshly shredded cabbage always yields the best texture.
1. Perfectly Shredded Cabbage & Sliced Cucumbers
Begin by finely shredding your green cabbage. This can be achieved efficiently using a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin pieces, a sharp knife if you prefer hand-slicing, or a food processor with a shredding attachment for speed. A useful tip is to cut the cabbage head in half while keeping the core intact; this provides a stable base when shredding against a mandoline. Once shredded, add the thinly sliced cucumbers and chopped green onions to a large mixing bowl, creating your fresh salad base.
2. Whisking Up the Flavorful Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing: sunflower oil, white distilled vinegar, salt, fresh dill, sugar, and black pepper. Don’t forget the four cloves of minced garlic, which are crucial for the salad’s signature flavor. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. If fresh dill isn’t available or you prefer a different herb, fresh cilantro or parsley can be excellent substitutes, offering a slightly different but equally delightful aromatic profile.
3. Combine and Serve for Instant Freshness
Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece of vegetable is coated with the zesty vinaigrette. This salad can be served immediately for maximum crunch and freshness. For a slightly softer texture where the cabbage begins to wilt and absorb the dressing more deeply, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Leftovers are still good the next day, but be aware that the cabbage will continue to soften and wilt the longer it sits in the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh within a few hours of preparation.
Creative Variations & Add-Ins for Your Cabbage Salad
While our core recipe with dill, green onion, and fresh cabbage is a timeless classic, this salad is incredibly adaptable. It’s a fantastic way to utilize other fresh vegetables in your fridge, transforming them into delicious additions:
- For an extra layer of crunch and a peppery bite, incorporate 3-4 thinly sliced radishes.
- Nuts for Texture: Enhance the textural experience with a sprinkle of walnuts, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or pecans. Toasting them lightly can deepen their flavor.
- Add a touch of sweetness and tartness with dried cranberries or a chopped-up apple (toss the apple pieces in a little lemon juice to prevent browning).
- Experiment with different fresh herbs: Instead of dill, try fresh cilantro for an Asian-inspired twist or fresh parsley for a more robust, earthy flavor.
- For a visually stunning purple salad with an earthy sweetness, add half of a finely shredded beet.
- Grate a carrot using a box grater for additional color, a subtle sweetness, and a boost of nutrients.
- Combine broccoli and cabbage in equal parts for a different nutrient-rich crunchy base.
- For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- A squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice in the dressing can brighten the flavors even further.
Mastering the Vinegar Dressing: Proportions for Perfection
The vinegar dressing for this cabbage salad is remarkably simple, yet its balance is key to the salad’s overall success. It takes only about two minutes to prepare, and by following the dressing proportions carefully, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile with the ideal tang and a touch of sweetness. The secret to this specific cabbage dressing lies in two crucial elements: using a generous amount of minced garlic to infuse depth and flavor, and effectively mellowing out the sharp zing from the white distilled vinegar with just the right amount of sugar. For a slightly healthier rendition, you can substitute the sugar with an equal amount of honey, adding a different subtle sweetness.
This cabbage recipe relies on a vinaigrette-based dressing, so it’s important not to skimp on any of the ingredients if you want to achieve the best, most authentic results. Every component plays a role in creating that signature vibrant taste. However, if you’re specifically craving a rich, creamy dressing for raw cabbage, you must try our Creamy Broccoli Salad, which features a luscious dressing and, for an extra treat, crispy bacon!
Before adding the dressing to your shredded cabbage mixture, always ensure you mix it thoroughly. This crucial step guarantees that the fresh dill, garlic, and all the seasonings are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistently delicious flavor in every bite of your Cucumber Cabbage Salad.
What to Serve with Your Cucumber Cabbage Salad
Forget the notion that only an Asian or Ramen Cabbage Salad can be a delicious homemade dish! This crisp green cabbage salad, with its refreshing vinegar dressing, is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses. Think of it as a vibrant, lighter alternative to traditional coleslaw, perfect for cutting through rich flavors or complementing grilled meats. It’s an ideal accompaniment for almost any BBQ dish or chicken preparation.
- Grilled Meats: Its tanginess perfectly complements grilled chicken, juicy steaks, or our savory Braised BBQ Ribs. The freshness provides a wonderful contrast to the smoky, rich flavors of barbecued fare.
- Hearty Sides: Serve alongside comforting carbohydrates like Boiled Baby Potatoes, crispy Oven-Baked Potato Wedges, or classic French Fries (Fast Food Style).
- Chicken Dishes: It’s an excellent match for flavorful chicken entrees such as Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken (Monterey Chicken) or a creamy and comforting Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole.
- Sandwiches & Burgers: A fantastic side for robust sandwiches, especially pulled pork, or classic, juicy Burgers, offering a fresh counterpoint to their richness.
- Fish & Seafood: The light, zesty profile also makes it a great partner for grilled fish or shrimp dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Is Cabbage Good For You?
Absolutely! The benefits of cabbage are extensive and well-documented. Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other essential nutrients, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Beyond its impressive nutritional profile, cabbage is a remarkably affordable and readily available vegetable, making healthy eating accessible to many. It offers incredible versatility: it can be enjoyed raw, as in this refreshing cabbage salad, or cooked down into hearty dishes like a Cabbage Roll Casserole. There are countless delicious and healthy ways to incorporate more cabbage into your meals!
How To Cut Cabbage For Salad?
To achieve the perfect texture for this vibrant cabbage salad, you’ll want to thinly slice or shred the cabbage. This can be done efficiently using a mandoline slicer, which ensures uniform, delicate strips, a food processor with a shredding disc for quick preparation, or a sharp chef’s knife for precise hand-slicing. For easier handling and safer slicing, first cut the head of cabbage in half, ensuring the core remains intact. Then, working with one half at a time, place it cut-side down and slice thinly across the leaves, creating beautiful, shredded pieces that will integrate perfectly into your salad.
Do You Cook Cabbage Salad?
No, you do not need to cook the green cabbage for this particular cabbage salad recipe. Green cabbage is perfectly delicious and wonderfully crunchy when eaten raw, and it’s actually the main ingredient in many classic coleslaw recipes. The raw, crisp texture is a key characteristic of this fresh salad. However, if you prefer a softer, slightly wilted cabbage texture, the vinegar-based dressing will naturally tenderize and soften the cabbage over time, often within as little as one hour of being tossed. So, you can enjoy it immediately for maximum crunch or let it sit a bit longer for a more tender bite.
What Kind of Cabbage to Use?
For this Cucumber Cabbage Salad, the most popular and highly recommended variety is green cabbage. Look for a dense, round head with tightly packed leaves. The outer leaves typically display a medium to light green hue, often with paler areas closer to the center. The key is to select a firm head with tightly packed leaves for the best crunch. While green cabbage is ideal for its texture and mild flavor, red cabbage can also be used, though it will give the salad a beautiful purple color and a slightly different, often earthier, flavor profile.
It’s important to avoid more tender varieties such as Romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, or Savoy cabbage, as these tend to wilt too quickly once tossed in the dressing, losing the desired crispness. This raw cabbage recipe truly shines when made with densely packed cabbage leaves that hold their shape and crunch.
How To Store?
To store your cabbage and cucumber salad for a softened, more marinated texture, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. The vinegar dressing will continue to tenderize the cabbage during this time. However, if you wish to retain the salad’s vibrant crunch, it’s best to store the dressing separately from the shredded cabbage and cucumber mixture. Combine them just before serving. Once tossed with the vinegar dressing, this cabbage salad does not freeze well, as the freezing and thawing process will compromise its crisp texture. For the freshest and most enjoyable experience, this cabbage and cucumber salad is truly best when prepared and served fresh.
Expert Tips for the BEST Cabbage Salad:
- Preserve Freshness: If you’re not using the entire head of cabbage at once, keep the core intact for any leftover portions. This helps maintain its freshness longer in the refrigerator. Note that mixing cabbage with salt can initiate a fermenting process, so add salt only when ready to dress.
- Time-Saving Shortcut: For an exceptionally quick preparation, utilize pre-shredded green cabbage or a coleslaw mix from your local grocery store. While fresh is often best, this is a great option for busy days.
- Keep it Chilled: When serving this delightful salad at a potluck, picnic, or any outdoor summer event, ensure it stays cool. Place the serving bowl of salad into a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain its refreshing temperature and crispness under the sun.
- Stable Shredding: When shredding a whole head of cabbage, always keep the core intact until the very end. This provides a stable base and prevents the cabbage leaves from scattering or falling apart while you’re slicing or shredding.
- Make-Ahead Mastery: To prepare this salad in advance without losing its crunch, whisk the dressing ingredients separately and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare and shred your cabbage and cucumbers, keeping them in a separate container. Combine both components just before serving, even up to the next day.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Opt for fresh herbs, particularly fresh dill, over dried herbs. Fresh herbs infuse the salad with a far more vibrant, aromatic, and refreshing flavor, which is crucial for the authentic taste of this Cucumber Cabbage Salad.
More Delicious Salad Recipes To Make:
- Couscous Salad with Shrimp and Feta
- Sauerkraut Recipe– fermented cabbage makes a great side dish! We love to toss this in additional oil and raw onions as a side salad.
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad in mayonnaise.
- Korean Carrot Salad with carrots
Full Recipe: Cucumber Cabbage Salad
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Cucumber Cabbage Salad Recipe
Equipment
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1 large mixing bowl
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1 mandoline slicer or sharp knife (to shred cabbage)
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1 cutting board
Ingredients
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs cabbage (about 7 cups of shredded cabbage)
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3/4 English cucumber
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4 sprigs of green onions (sliced)
Salad Dressing:
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1/4 cup sunflower oil
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2 TBSP white distilled vinegar
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1 tsp salt
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2 TBSP fresh dill (chopped)
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2 tsp sugar
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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4 cloves garlic
Instructions
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In a large bowl, finely shred the cabbage using a Mandoline slicer (or thinly slice cabbage using a sharp knife). -
To make cucumber triangles; trim the ends off of the English Cucumber, then cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and then in half again to make quartered pieces. Slice across the quartered cucumbers to make thin triangle slices. -
Combine the shredded cabbage, sliced cucumbers, and green onions in the large bowl. -
Whisk all the salad dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and pour over the cabbage mixture. -
Toss together until well combined and serve immediately or refrigerate for 2 hours before serving for a slightly softer texture.
Nutrition per serving