This Crunchy Dill Cabbage Salad is a creamy, tangy, dairy-free side dish made with crisp red cabbage, dill pickles, and a simple cashew cream dressing. In fact, Crunchy Dill Cabbage Salad stands out for being fresh, colorful, and perfect when you want something bold, crunchy, and easy to prep ahead.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Red cabbage: Adds crunch, color, fiber, and a sturdy base for the creamy dressing.
- Cashew cream: Creates a rich, dairy-free sauce without using mayo or yogurt.
- Dill pickles and brine: Bring tangy, salty flavor that makes this salad bold.
- Fresh dill: Adds a bright, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with pickles.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a little sharpness and helps balance the creaminess.
- Garlic, onion, and pepper: Add savory flavor without overpowering the fresh crunch.
Alternative Ingredients
- Cashew cream: Use dairy-free yogurt or a creamy vegan mayo instead.
- Fresh dill: Use 2 teaspoons dried dill if fresh is not available.
- Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard can work too.
- Dill pickle brine: Use apple cider vinegar with a pinch of salt if needed.
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports Digestion: Fiber from cabbage helps support gut health and regularity.
- Promotes Fullness: Healthy fats from cashew cream make this salad more satisfying.
- Boosts Antioxidants: Red cabbage in this crunchy dill cabbage salad provides plant compounds that support cell health.
- Supports Hydration: Pickle brine adds salty flavor, which can help balance fluids.
- Encourages Veggie Intake: A creamy dressing makes raw cabbage easier to enjoy.
Expert Tips
Thin slice: Slice the cabbage as thinly as possible so it softens slightly while staying crisp.
Let it chill: Give the salad at least 15 minutes in the fridge so the flavors can blend.
Salt lightly: Taste before adding salt since the pickles and brine already add plenty.
Keep it crunchy: Do not overdress too early if you want the cabbage to stay extra crisp.
Balance the tang: Add a little more cashew cream if the pickle flavor feels too strong so your Crunchy Dill Cabbage Salad fits your preference.
FAQs
Yes, green cabbage works, but red cabbage gives this salad better color and a bolder look.
No, thin slicing and chilling helps soften it enough without massaging.
Yes, but thinly sliced fresh cabbage usually has the best crunch and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cabbage salad with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or simple roasted potatoes. It also works well as a crunchy topping for tacos, wraps, or grain bowls. Crunchy Dill Cabbage Salad is versatile enough to complement many dishes.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, since the dressing may settle as the cabbage releases moisture.
You’ll also enjoy:
Crunchy Dill Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups purple cabbage very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cashew cream
- 1/4 cup dill pickles finely chopped
- 3 tbsp dill pickle brine
- 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 black pepper
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the thinly sliced purple cabbage to a large bowl.6 cups purple cabbage
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cashew cream, finely chopped dill pickles, pickle brine, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until creamy and combined.1/2 cup cashew cream, 1/4 cup dill pickles, 3 tbsp dill pickle brine, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 black pepper
- Pour the creamy dill pickle sauce over the red cabbage and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving to let the cabbage soften slightly and absorb the dill pickle flavor.
- Taste and add salt only if needed, since the pickles and pickle brine already add saltiness.
Notes
- Thin Slice: Cut the cabbage very thin so it stays crisp but easy to eat.
- Taste First: Add salt only after tasting because pickle brine is already salty.
- Chill Briefly: Let the salad rest for 15 minutes to bring out the dill pickle flavor.
- Adjust Tang: Add more cashew cream if you want a milder, creamier dressing.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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