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.
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 Lebanese slaw equivalent. They are similar.
Ingredients Highlight
The complete list of ingredients 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.
FAQ
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 borscht 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.
Recipe
Kupus Salata (Croatian Cabbage Salad)
Ingredients
- ¼ small-medium Cannonball cabbage shredded
- 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 Cannonball cabbage
- Toss through the caraway seeds and dressing until evenly combined with the shredded cabbage. Serve cold.1 tablespoon White vinegar, 1 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds, ¼ teaspoon Cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon Salt
Video
Notes
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Roberto J Vel
i make this all the time love it and very healthy
Judy
I made this as a side salad for some barbecue as a mayo-free option (I hate coleslaw), and it turned out really good. There are some pre-cut coleslaw bags at the grocery store with a few other added shredded veggies. Do you think I could use that instead of shredding my cabbage next time?
Janelle Hama
Absolutely that would work, just pick the freshest looking bag.
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 🙂