Kupus Salata (Croatian Cabbage Salad)

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Kupus Salata is a flavorful Croatian cabbage salad made with shredded white cabbage tossed in a simple caraway seed vinaigrette dressing. A delicious side to any savory meal.

kupus salata in a white plate — Simple, easy and crunchy kupus salata

What is Kupus Salata?

Kupus Salata translates from Croatian into "Cabbage Salad" in English. There are different versions across the Balkan countries of this tasty slaw.

This recipe is made with shredded cabbage tossed through a simple vinaigrette dressing flavored with caraway.

It pairs with most meals, making it an ideal go-to side 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 Highlight

shredded cabbage, oilive oil, white vinegar, caraway seeds, salt and black pepper in white bowls

Here are notes on some of the ingredients, the complete list with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

White cannonball cabbage, though technically light green is shredded or finely sliced. Select a white cabbage that is firm and blemish-free to make the freshest salad.

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 buy caraway seeds here. You can use ground caraway instead of the seeds. Start with half the amount listed in this recipe and adjust by taste testing.

A simple vinaigrette dressing of white vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper and salt.

Variations

At times, I have left out the olive oil to make this low-fat (oil-free).

Or, try a spoonful of mayonnaise without egg with the dressing if you'd like it to be a tad creamy.

Pro Tips

If using shredded cabbage instead of sliced, lightly massage it until it feels soft. I usually alternate between using my food processor with the shredding blade or a mandolin to shred the cabbage.

For the sliced version, I macerate it a bit longer as the pieces are larger.

a glass bowl of shredded cabbage salad on a white bench

FAQ

How to store Kupus Salata?

Place leftover kupus salata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up approximately 3-4 days. The longer it is stored, the juicer it gets.

More Cabbage and Salad Recipes

Looking for another way to use cabbage? Try my vegan beet soup or this cabbage and carrot salad.

You might also love my flavorsome pan fried Brussels sprouts recipe.

Or another simple side salad is my onion and tomato salad.

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

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