Introduction

This Creamy Cabbage Salad with Yogurt is the perfect side dish for any meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, wonderfully fresh, and delivers a satisfying crunch with a light, tangy dressing. For another vibrant, fruit-forward salad option, try this Sunshine Salad Recipe With Pineapple and Mandarin Oranges. It’s a simple recipe that comes together in minutes for a healthy, flavorful addition to your table.

Ingredients

This vibrant and crunchy Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt comes together with just a handful of fresh ingredients, creating a refreshing side dish or light meal.

1/2 head of either green or red cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, mint, or sprouts (optional)
1/4 cup garlic yogurt sauce

Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt ingredients

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This best cabbage salad with yogurt comes together in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than similar recipes that require cooking or marinating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cabbage

Remove any wilted outer leaves from a small, firm head of green cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the tough core, and then thinly slice or shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline for the best texture.

Tip: For extra crunch, soak the shredded cabbage in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and thoroughly pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2 — Make the Yogurt Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of plain, full-fat Greek yogurt with the juice of one lemon, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.

Whisk vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the tang.

Step 3 — Combine Salad Base

Place the prepared, dry cabbage in a large mixing bowl. Add in classic mix-ins like 1 shredded carrot, ¼ of a thinly sliced red onion, and a handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley.

Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together to distribute the vegetables evenly before adding the dressing.

Step 4 — Dress and Marinate

Pour the creamy yogurt dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss very well, ensuring every shred is lightly coated. For the most flavorful Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the dressing’s flavors, transforming it from good to exceptional.

Step 5 — Check Seasoning & Texture

After marinating, give the salad a final toss. Taste a spoonful and check for seasoning—you may need another pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice.

The cabbage should be crisp-tender, not soggy. If excess liquid has pooled at the bottom, you can drain it off or simply stir it back in.

Step 6 — Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt to a serving bowl or platter. Finish with a final drizzle of olive oil, a crack of black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish. This salad holds up well, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~85 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~12 g
Fat	~3 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~180 mg

Note: These are approximate per-serving values for this Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt is easy to adapt. Here are some simple swaps to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Protein Alternative — Swap the yogurt for blended silken tofu or a plant-based yogurt to create a creamy, dairy-free version.
Lower-Carb Option — Reduce the shredded cabbage and add more chopped cucumber, bell peppers, and radishes for extra crunch with fewer carbs.
Dairy-Free & Vegan — Use a thick, unsweetened coconut or almond milk yogurt. Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dressing.
Gluten-Free Assurance — The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on any pre-shredded cabbage or add-ins for cross-contamination warnings.
Low-Sodium Version — Omit added salt and use fresh herbs like dill or chives, a dash of garlic powder, and extra black pepper for flavor.
Nut-Free & Seed-Free — For allergies, skip nuts/seeds and add crunch with roasted chickpeas or baked, seasoned quinoa clusters.
Higher-Protein Boost — Mix in a scoop of unflavored protein powder into the yogurt dressing or add a can of drained, flaked tuna or chickpeas directly to the salad.
Tangier Flavor Profile — Replace half the yogurt with buttermilk or kefir for a thinner, more tangy dressing that clings beautifully to the cabbage.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this crunchy Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt with grilled meats like chicken shawarma or lamb kofta for a refreshing, cooling contrast.
Serve it as a vibrant, healthy side at summer barbecues and potlucks, where its creamy texture and tangy flavor stand out.
Transform it into a light main course by adding a protein like chickpeas, shredded rotisserie chicken, or flaked salmon.
For an elegant presentation, use a ring mold to plate individual portions, creating a neat, restaurant-style stack.
Pack it in a sealed container for a satisfying, no-soggy lunch that travels well to work or on a picnic.
Offer it alongside rich, heavy dishes like baked pasta or creamy casseroles to cut through the richness.

This versatile Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt dressing is a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide range of cuisines, from Mediterranean to American classics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using pre-shredded cabbage from a bag, which is often dry and limp. Fix: Shred fresh green or red cabbage yourself for maximum crunch and flavor.
Mistake: Not salting and massaging the cabbage, leading to a tough, chewy texture. Fix: Sprinkle shredded cabbage with a little salt, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
Mistake: Choosing a thin, runny yogurt that makes the dressing watery. Fix: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt or labneh for a luxuriously thick and creamy dressing.
Mistake: Dressing the salad too early, causing it to become soggy. Fix: Combine the yogurt dressing with the cabbage just before serving to keep it crisp.
Mistake: Skipping the acid, resulting in a flat, one-dimensional flavor. Fix: Always balance the yogurt with fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Mistake: Overlooking fresh herbs, which add essential aromatic complexity. Fix: Stir in a generous handful of chopped dill, mint, or parsley for a flavor lift.
Mistake: Forgetting to toast nuts or seeds, leaving them bland and soft. Fix: Lightly toast almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to add a nutty crunch.
Mistake: Under-seasoning the yogurt dressing, making it taste bland. Fix: Season the yogurt aggressively with salt, pepper, and garlic before mixing it into the salad.
Mistake: Storing leftovers with the dressing already mixed in. Fix: Store any undressed salad and extra dressing separately in airtight containers for fresh leftovers.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store your Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt in a sealed airtight container. It will stay fresh and crisp for 3 to 4 days. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The yogurt dressing and fresh cabbage will separate and become watery upon thawing, resulting in a soggy, unappealing texture.
Reheat: This Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt is designed to be served cold. Reheating is unnecessary and will wilt the cabbage and curdle the yogurt dressing. If the salad is too cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

For the best texture, add any crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds just before serving. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This Best Cabbage Salad with Yogurt is a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. For another fantastic cabbage dish, try our Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing Recipe. We hope you love this refreshing salad—give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments!