Fresh, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing, this Cabbage Cucumber Salad is like summer in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that quietly steals the show at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. And best of all? It comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. If you’re looking for a light, crunchy salad that’s big on flavor but low on fuss, this one’s for you.

The secret lies in its simplicity: finely shredded green cabbage, crisp cucumber slices, and a zippy vinegar dressing. Toss in fresh dill and green onions for that bright herbaceous pop, and you’ve got a fresh herb salad that’s as good next to grilled meat as it is on its own. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Cucumber Salad

A refreshing summer side dish with minimal prep
Bursting with flavor from dill, vinegar, and green onions
Perfectly crunchy with just the right amount of tang
Vegan, gluten-free, and picnic-friendly
Great make-ahead option for busy days

Ingredients

Salad:

900 g (2 lbs) green cabbage, shredded
3 medium cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
4–5 green onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp (approx. 8 g) fresh dill, chopped

Dressing:

90 ml (6 tbsp) sunflower oil
60 ml (4 tbsp) distilled white vinegar
1 tsp (6 g) fine salt, or to taste
¼ tsp (0.5 g) ground black pepper, or to taste

How to Make This Fresh Herb Salad

In a small cup or bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let it sit a few minutes so the salt can dissolve.
Wash and pat dry all your veggies. Remove the outer cabbage leaves and slice the cabbage thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin. Toss the core.
Halve and slice the cucumbers thinly. Add them to a large salad bowl with the cabbage.
Chop the green onions and dill, then mix them into the bowl.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
Serve immediately for max crunch or chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

Tips for the Perfect Vinegar Dressing Salad

Use a mandolin for super fine cabbage shreds and uniform cucumber slices.
Swap sunflower oil for avocado or light olive oil if needed.
Adjust vinegar to taste if you prefer a milder tang.
Letting the salad sit in the fridge softens the cabbage a bit, which some folks love!
Add a grated carrot or a handful of chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.

Why This Salad Lives in My Summer Recipe Rotation

One summer, I found myself drowning in cucumbers from the garden (you know the drill). Desperate for a new way to use them up, I threw together what I had on hand—a lonely cabbage, some dill, and pantry staples. The result? A crunchy, zingy salad that disappeared faster than I could say, “Should I make more?” Now it’s my trusty standby whenever I need a fast, fresh side that pleases a crowd.

What to Serve with Cabbage Cucumber Salad

This salad goes with everything. It’s amazing alongside grilled chicken, salmon, burgers, or BBQ ribs. Or go the light route and pair it with a chilled soup or veggie wrap. It also works great as a picnic side dish or a fresh topping for sandwiches and grain bowls.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cabbage will soften over time but still tastes great. If you know you’ll be storing it, you can keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually improves with a few hours of chilling, but if you prefer it extra crisp, add the dressing just before serving.

Can I use red cabbage instead?

Sure thing! It’ll change the flavor slightly and make the salad extra colorful.

What if I don’t have sunflower oil?

Light olive oil or avocado oil are great substitutes.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely! Shredded carrots, radishes, or bell peppers would all be delicious.

Crunchy, Tangy, and Totally Addictive

This Cabbage Cucumber Salad is everything a summer side should be: light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. The vinegar dressing gives it zing, the fresh herbs make it sing, and the crunch is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just need a simple weekday veggie fix, this salad delivers every time.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.