A Croatian recipe of crunchy shredded white cabbage salad called Kupus Salata, that has been is tossed through a simple caraway seed vinegar dressing. An ideal side to any savory meal.
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😋Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Makes a great side to so many meals such as rice, pastas, soups and more
- Can be made oil-free
- This is like a mayonnaise free slaw
- Easy and quick - ready in minutes
What is Kupus Salata?
Kupus Salata translates from Croatian into "Cabbage Salad" in English. There are different versions across the Balkan countries.
Made with shredded cabbage that has been tossed through caraway seeds, white vinegar, olive oil, black pepper and salt.
It pairs with most meals, making it an ideal go-to side.
My Croatian Brother In Law taught me how to make this recipe as a comparison to my Malfouf salad, which is the Lebanese equivalent. They are similar.
✔️Ingredients You’ll Need
The full list of ingredients, quantities and cooking methods can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
White cannonball cabbage, though technically light green is shredded or finely sliced.
Caraway seeds are a key flavor, similar to aniseed (though aniseed has a stronger flavoring). These will soften when the dressing is added. These can be found in the spice section of your local supermarket or online here (affiliate link).
A simple dressing of white vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper and salt.
🥬How To Make White Cabbage Salad
Step 1 In a large bowl massage (macerate) the shredded cabbage, until it has softened.
Step 2 Toss through the caraway seeds and dressing. Serve cold.
⭐ Pro Tips
If using shredded cabbage, only slightly massage the cabbage until it feel just soft.
You can make this ahead of time. It will store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The longer it sits, the softer and juicer it will be.
🥗Variations
I have been leaving out the olive oil to suit my diet.
Use ground caraway instead of the seeds. Start with half the amount listed in this recipe and adjust.
Try adding a spoonful of mayonnaise without egg to the dressing.
❓FAQ
Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up approximately 3-4 days. The longer it is stored, the juicer it gets.
🍴Serving Suggestions
This side is ideal to pair with nearly any savory meal.
We love it with fasolia, which is a Lebanese kidney bean stew or even a vegetable and nut rice.
My family also loves it with my creamy baked vegan pasta or super flavorsome moghrabieh or deliciously creamy curried barley porridge.
🍲Related Recipes
Looking for another way to use cabbage? Try my vegan beet soup. You might also love my flavorsome Asian brussel sprouts.
Did you enjoy making kupus salata? I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below and give me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. This will help me sustain Plant Based Folk.
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📖 Recipe
Kupus Salata (Croatian White Cabbage Salad)
Ingredients
- ¼ small-medium Cabbage cannonball
- 1 tablespoon White vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds
- ¼ teaspoon Cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl massage (macerate) the shredded cabbage, until it has softened.¼ small-medium Cabbage
- Toss through the caraway seeds and dressing. Serve cold.1 tablespoon White vinegar, 1 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds, ¼ teaspoon Cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon Salt
Video
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
Tavo
I love how easy to make and simple this salad is. I am definitely along it again. We love cabbage.
Ivana
As a Croatian myself, I am thankful you shared this kupus salata recipe. I had forgotten the spice my baka put in.
Melanie
I love how simple and easy this is to make - as well as delicious! This is a new go-to side dish!
Jacqui
This is the perfect side salad! So crunchy and healthy
Nima
thanks for introducing me to this cabbage salsa. it goes wonderful with a good protein and cuts thru the greasy meal
Savannah
I'm making this recipe atm! I have some cabbage I need to use, and I always love your tasty and easy recipes! It's so juicy!
Natalie
Coming from Croatia, I'm very familiar with kupus salata. It's very popular in my house. I will give your recipe a tick. Looks delicious!
Jayson
this makes for a delicious side. cuts the fat from the greasy proteins 🙂