Name: Healthy Cabbage and Carrot Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/2 purple cabbage; 1 red apple; 2-3 medium carrots; 1/4 cup cilantro, to taste; 1 lime; 1 Tbs honey; 2 Tbs olive oil, to taste; Salt and Pepper, to taste

By: Merritt Taylor

Jump To Recipe

Cabbage and carrot salad is an easy to assemble, quick to make, simple salad recipe that everyone will love. Made with super crunchy ingredients, this salad checks so many boxes. It is a healthy and very hearty addition to any table, and is light enough in flavor that it will go with so many different dishes!

There is nothing better than finding a good salad recipe, and cabbage and carrot salad has become one of my go-to creations, especially when I need to impress guests. You will love how colorful this salad, how easy it is to put together, and how great you feel after eating it.

Made with purple cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and apple, cabbage and carrot salad will not only fullfill your vegetable requirement for the day but will make you feel good while doing so. This post will walk you through how to make a delicious cabbage and carrot salad that you will want to have on repeat.

Common Questions for Cabbage and Carrot Salad

Do I Have to Peel My Carrots?

No you do not need to peel your carrots. I recommend washing them very well, even giving them a light scrub. If your carrots are really dirty, it is not a bad idea to peel the skin away before use, however.
If you only have baby carrots on hand, you can use those too! Baby carrots do not require peeling.

What Kind of Cabbage Do I Need?

I call for purple cabbage for this recipe. Purple cabbage is bright and a great contrast to the orange carrots. You can also use green cabbage or savoy cabbage. Both are extremely tasty and will not change the flavor of the salad in the end.
If you have leftover cabbage, you can save it for other salads! I also love to stir fry or even roast leftover cabbage to serve as my vegetable with different meals.

What Else Can I Add to Cabbage and Carrot Salad?

The flavor of this salad can change with the different herbs you use. I love using fresh cilantro since I think it goes so well with the lime but you can use mint, basil, parsley, or even oregano.
You can also add in different fruits to this cabbage and carrot salad. I love using apple as its available year round and adds a nice burst of crunchy sweetness. You can also add in dates, green pears (red may be too soft), or even jicama if you want an equally crunchy but not so sweet addition.
Dried fruit is also a great addition, you can crush up dried apples or similar and sprinkle them on top. The sweetness is the most important part as it helps balance out the salad.

I Do Not Have a Mandolin, What Do I Do?

Though a mandolin is really helpful for getting your carrots and the cabbage very thin, it is not necessary. Finely chopping the cabbage and carrots into match stick style will still yield a super tasty result! You can also use a peeler to thinly shave the vegetables. I recommend cutting the shavings in half so its easier to eat.

What does Cabbage and Carrot Salad Go With?

Cabbage and carrot salad is a hearty and crunchy salad that goes with so many things. Try serving it alongside a seared chicken breast or a marinated steak.
You can also serve this salad next to some delicious chicken, garlic, and parmesan pasta. Salad and pasta is always a good idea right?
To keep your dinner all vegetarian, try serving this salad with a creamy coconut rice topped with maple roasted cashews! Both dishes have great flavor and go really well together.
Gluten Free Meatloaf is also a great pairing for this salad. While hearty and filling, the meatloaf is complimented by the crunchy cabbage salad. The best part is that you can use extra cabbage from the salad, in the meatloaf or vice versa.

How to Store Leftover Salad:

This salad keeps well even once dressed. Carrots and cabbage do not wilt the same as other dressed salads, so if you have leftovers after a dinner you can store them in your fridge for about a day. The cilantro may wilt but you can add fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime to re-brighten the whole dish.
Ingredients that you did not dress or have not cut yet, will last for about a week in your fridge.

Ingredients for Cabbage and Carrot Salad

Ingredients For Cabbage and Carrot Salad

Recipe: Serves 6

1/2 purple cabbage You can also you green cabbage
1 red apple any type of apple will do
2-3 medium carrots
1/4 cup cilantro to taste
1 lime about 1 Tbs of juice
1 Tbs honey you can also use maple syrup
2 Tbs olive oil to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste

How To Make Cabbage and Carrot Salad

Chop the Vegetables
1. De stem the cilantro, wash and set aside to drain
2. Thinly chop the 1/2 cabbage, the carrots, and the apple. You can use a mandolin for this step (I use 1/16th inch setting) but cutting very thinly will work well too.
3. Add all the salad base ingredients to a large bowl.
Combine and Dress
1. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the salad.
2. Add the honey and olive oil.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix to combine and enjoy!