Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Introduction
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavors. Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch while a tangy vinaigrette brings it all together. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side for any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1/2 head)
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (about 1/4 head)
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into thin sticks
- 4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the almonds by coating a large pan with a thin layer of olive oil. Add the sliced almonds and stir continuously over medium heat until they turn golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the mustard vinaigrette by whisking together Dijon mustard, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, sumac, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbages, grated carrots, chopped green onions, red bell pepper sticks, sliced radishes, chopped parsley, and dill. Season with a good pinch or two of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon sumac. Add three-quarters of the toasted almonds and toss gently to mix.
- Step 4: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. For best flavor and texture, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly.
- Step 5: Before serving, give the salad one final toss and garnish with the remaining toasted almonds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds.
- Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini to the vinaigrette.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of lime for a slightly different citrus note.
- To keep the cabbage extra crisp, dress the salad just before serving instead of letting it sit in the fridge.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the cabbage will soften over time. For best texture, reserve the vinaigrette and almonds separately and toss just before serving. Leftover salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day ahead. Toss it with the vinaigrette and refrigerate, but note that the cabbage will soften the longer it sits. For extra crunch, add the toasted almonds just before serving.
What if I don’t have sumac?
If sumac is unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika for a similar tangy and slightly fruity flavor, though the taste will be less authentic.
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Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy cabbage salad featuring a colorful mix of green and red cabbage, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all tossed in a zesty Dijon-lime vinaigrette with toasted almonds for added texture and flavor. This refreshing salad offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and mildly spicy notes, ideal as a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (from about 1/2 head of green cabbage)
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (from about 1/4 head of red cabbage)
- 1 cup grated carrots (from about 3 medium carrots)
- 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into thin sticks
- 4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sumac
For the Dijon-Lime Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the almonds. Heat a large pan over medium heat and coat it with a thin layer of olive oil. Add the sliced almonds and stir frequently until they turn a golden brown color, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the Mustard Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk until well emulsified.
- Prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, red bell pepper sticks, sliced radishes, chopped parsley, and chopped dill. Season with kosher salt and 1 teaspoon sumac. Add three-quarters of the toasted almonds and gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients and seasonings.
- Dress and refrigerate. Pour the prepared Dijon-lime vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly while retaining some crunch.
- Finish and serve. Give the salad a final toss and transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with the remaining toasted almonds for extra crunch and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor that complements the lime juice in the vinaigrette.
- Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge helps soften the cabbage slightly and meld the flavors for a better taste.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a nut-free option, omit the almonds or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cabbage salad, Dijon-lime vinaigrette, crunchy salad, toasted almonds, healthy salad, easy side dish, summer salad

