Delicious Southern Cabbage Salad Recipe for Your Taste Buds
Welcome to my kitchen, where I always strive to create the most delicious and authentic southern-style dishes. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that’s sure to leave your taste buds begging for more: my Southern Cabbage Salad with Sweet Onion and Peppers.
This dish holds a special place in my heart because it is one of the first recipes I ever learned how to make from my sweet grandmother. She would always use vegetables from her garden and an array of spices to make this dish come alive. It was always the perfect addition to any meal or enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
My version of this classic southern coleslaw recipe combines finely shredded cabbage, sweet bell peppers, and carrots along with a delicious homemade dressing made with the perfect balance of apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and olive oil. The result is a salad that’s sweet, sour, tangy and savory all at once.
This Southern Cabbage Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for something fresh and satisfying to enjoy on a busy weeknight. It’s simple to make but never fails to impress guests with its bold flavors and bright colors.
So why not come into my kitchen and whip up some soulful goodness with me? No matter your level of cooking experience, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Allow me to wax poetic about the marvel that is Southern Cabbage Salad with Sweet Onion and Peppers.
This divine dish is an embodiment of the soul of the South. It is a symbol of warm hospitality, rich heritage, and good eatin’. One bite of this delectable salad, and you’ll be transported to the front porch of a charming southern home, swaying along to the rhythm of a blues band and savoring every morsel of this Southern coleslaw recipe.
What sets this recipe apart is its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The finely shredded, marinated cabbage melts in your mouth like buttery angel hair, while the sweet onions and bell peppers add a satisfying crunch. The dressing is the best sweet Southern coleslaw recipes have offer – tangy apple cider vinegar balanced with just enough sugar and salt, jazzed up with a splash of lemon juice and zest.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Served as a refreshing salad sweet onion potatoes or hot, crispy fried chicken or even as a side dish for sausage, it pairs well with anything on your menu.
But above all, you’ll love this recipe because it’s easy yet elegant, simple yet sophisticated. It embodies the down-home charm of soul food while elevating it to new heights. So gather your ingredients, tie on your apron, and get ready to fall in love with one of the most irresistible Southern dishes you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredient List
Get ready to gather all the necessary ingredients, my dears! Before I delve into the recipe in detail, let me highlight the components that make Southern Cabbage Salad with Sweet Onion and Peppers so irresistible.
- 1 medium-sized head of green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 head of red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned or shredded
- 3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
For the dressing:
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Here are some substitutions you can use:
– Cabbage: Napa cabbage or angel hair cabbage.
– Onion: Red onion can be used instead of sweet onion.
– Bell Peppers: Green and orange bell peppers can be used instead of yellow ones.
– Carrot: Shredded apples can be a delicious substitute for carrots.
Pro tip: To make ahead of time, prepare and mix the vegetables in a bowl but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we got all the ingredients sorted and ready, it’s time to put our Southern Cabbage Salad with Sweet Onion and Peppers together!
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
First things first, let’s make sure the vegetables are prepped and ready to go. For this recipe, we’ll need:
– 1 head of green cabbage, finely shredded
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
– 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 bell peppers (green and red), cut into thin strips
Once you have everything chopped and sliced, mix vegetables in a large bowl thoroughly.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Dressing
The lemon dressing is what brings this salad to life! It’s super easy to make and you only need a few ingredients:
– Juice and zest of one lemon
– 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– Salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
– 1/3 cup of olive oil
In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and fresh-ground black pepper. Slowly pour in olive oil while continuing to whisk until all is well combined.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add your dressing to your big bowl of mixed veggies. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with dressing.
Step 4: Let it Marinate!
Marinate cabbage mixture for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to fully come together.
Step 5: Plate and Enjoy!
After marinating for an hour or more, give the salad one more stir to combine any juices that may have settled on the bottom. Plate it up in a decorative serving bowl or on individual plates. You can garnish with some fresh chopped herbs or seeds if you like. Then it’s time to enjoy your Southern Cabbage Salad with Sweet Onion and Peppers!
Now that you have the recipe down pat, there’s no excuse not to give this amazing recipe a try! It’s sure to become one of your go-to side dishes for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
My dear friends, let me share with you a few tips for substituting and varying the ingredients in this beloved Southern Cabbage Salad with Sweet Onion and Peppers Recipe. When it comes to creating new and exciting dishes, experimenting with ingredients and techniques is always a good idea. You can still experience the delicious taste of this recipe, even if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand.
Instead of using green cabbage, why not try red cabbage or Napa cabbage? The crunchiness and mild sweetness of Napa cabbage will add an interesting twist to your salad. Additionally, shredded Brussels sprouts can provide a unique bitter flavor to your salad.
If you want to make your salad more colorful and add more texture, consider mixing in some shredded carrots, diced celery or apple slices. Moreover, if you don’t have bell peppers or sweet onions, feel free to swap for other vegetables such as red pepper, yellow onion, or fennel.
For variety in dressing options, you could make use of homemade dressings like zesty Italian or creamy coleslaw dressing; these are great choices that pair well with the salad’s ingredients. For some added sweetness to your Southern cabbage salad dressing, consider incorporating brown sugar or sweet pickle relish.
Lastly, for a more filling dish during mealtime or soulful gathering try adding some protein items – such as sausage or sauteed chicken -and serve it alongside your cole slaw.
Remember my friends cooking is all about creativity and exploring more options towards achieving satisfying meals.
Serving and Pairing
Listen up, y’all! This southern cabbage salad with sweet onion and peppers is a perfect side dish that complements various main dishes. I like to serve this salad alongside some well-seasoned fried chicken or cooked sausage. The sweet and sour flavor of the vinegar dressing adds a delightful burst of flavor to any meal.
For an even more, southern flavor, pair this cabbage salad with some warm cornbread or sweet potato casserole. You’ll have yourself an irresistible meal that reminds you of home.
If you’re looking for a light lunch option, toss in some leftover marinated chicken or shrimp to this salad for a protein boost. It’s also perfect as a vegan meal when paired with grilled tofu or tempeh on top.
As for the desserts, let’s keep it simple yet divine. Pair this sweet southern cabbage salad with some classic pecan pie or peach cobbler. The combination of flavors will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
So go ahead and bring this southern cabbage salad with sweet onion and peppers to your next potluck dinner, family gathering or barbeque night. Your guests will surely want to take seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear friend, it’s important to note that this cabbage salad can be made a day ahead and will only become more flavorful as it sits in the fridge. To store it appropriately, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you need to reheat the salad, I recommend doing so gently in a skillet over medium heat. Be sure not to overcook it, as this will cause the vegetables to become mushy and lose their crunch.
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the cabbage will become. So if you prefer your salad with some crunch, I recommend eating it within a day or two of making it.
Overall, this salad is super versatile and can be prepared in advance which is perfect for when you’re hosting a get-together or cooking for a crowd. With its delicious combination of flavors and crunchiness, it’s no surprise that it’s one of my favorite salads.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all of the ingredients laid out, and step-by-step instructions for making your southern cabbage salad with sweet onion and peppers, it’s time to think about some tips to help you create the perfect dish.
1. Finely Shred Cabbage
When shredding your cabbage, make sure to cut it as thinly as possible. This helps the cabbage absorb the marinade and results in a tender texture that is easier to eat. If you are struggling to get fine shreds, try using an angel hair shredder or food processor.
2. Properly Season With Salt and Pepper
Seasoning with salt and pepper may seem like a no-brainer, but getting the right balance can be tricky. Start by adding a small amount of salt and pepper to your cabbage, mix it in thoroughly, then taste as you go. You want enough seasoning to bring out the flavors of your vegetable mix without overwhelming them.
3. Don’t Overdo The Dressing
While it may be tempting to pour all of your dressing into the bowl, resist the urge! Overdressing can lead to soggy vegetables and muted flavors. Instead, add about half of your dressing mixture initially, then mix well before adding more as needed.
4. Chill Before Serving
For maximum flavor absorption, let your finished coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The resting period allows the flavors to fully mix and integrate with each other.
5. Experiment With Different Veggies
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your coleslaw vegetable mix! Some other great options include diced apples or sweet pickles for added sweetness or sauteed bell peppers and sausage for a soul food twist.
By following these five tips, you are sure to create a delicious southern cabbage salad with sweet onion and peppers that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Cabbage Salad recipe will leave you wanting more! A perfect side dish with a combination of flavors that can really make your taste buds dance. You’ll have the best sweet and sour vinegar dressing for your summer gatherings or as part of your permanent slaw collection.
I urge you to experiment with the recipe by tweaking some ingredients and making it your own. Perhaps adding some roasted nuts or even switching up the cabbage flavors by using napa cabbage or adding apples to the mix. Regardless of playing around, make sure to follow the tips and substitutions provided as they go a long way in getting the perfect mouth-watering Southern Cabbage Salad.
Trust me when I say that this Sweet Onion and Peppers Southern Cabbage Salad is not just another salad; it’s an experience that takes you straight to soul food heaven. It is perfect for large gatherings, picnics, barbeques, and everyday meals. Try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe today and get ready to be taken on a savory journey through the southern states of America!
Southern Cabbage Salad With Sweet Onion and Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb cabbage (1 small cabbage, finely shredded)
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow or green or a combination, julienned)
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 onion (Oso Sweet quartered, sliced thinly)
- 1 lemon, juice and zest of
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Mix vegetables in a large bowl.
- Thoroughly combine lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; whisk in oil.
- Fold into vegetables.
- Season to taste with salt.
- Store up to 12 hours in the refrigerator to marry flavors.
- Return to room temperature before serving.