Dinner

Simple Easy Cabbage and Carrot Salad Recipe

ByRita Bennet January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Introduction

This simple and refreshing cabbage and carrot salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. With a creamy mustard dressing and a hint of dill, it brings a delightful crunch and vibrant flavors to your table. It’s quick to prepare and great for a healthy snack or accompaniment.

A close-up view of a fresh coleslaw salad served in a white bowl, with a mix of thin, crunchy layers including creamy white cabbage, bright orange carrot sticks, light green celery pieces, and small bits of purple onion. The salad is sprinkled evenly with small black sesame seeds and tiny green dill leaves, adding texture and color contrast throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred background, giving a fresh and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups shredded green cabbage (packed)
2 cups julienned carrots (packed, about 3 carrots)

⅓ cup freshly chopped dill
⅓ cup sliced onion (green or red)

2 tbsp black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds)
2 tbsp creamy mustard (Dijon or yellow)

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp sour cream (dairy or non-dairy, such as cashew-based)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp sea salt
⅓ tsp garlic granules or powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables by thinly slicing the cabbage with a knife or mandoline for uniform pieces. Peel and julienne the carrots using a knife or julienne peeler. Slice the onion and chop the fresh dill finely.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, chopped dill, sliced onion, and sesame seeds. This provides the crunchy base of your salad.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy mustard, honey or maple syrup, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and garlic granules until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste; you may use two-thirds or the entire amount.

Step 5: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding to the salad.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier dressing with fewer calories.

Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a different herbal note.
Include some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and richness.
For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crunch. If needed, give the salad a gentle toss before serving again. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a fresh coleslaw dish served in a white bowl, showing two main layers of shredded vegetables. The bottom layer consists of pale green cabbage strips, while the top layer has bright orange carrot sticks mixed with thin purple onion slices, all coated lightly with a creamy dressing. Speckled black sesame seeds and small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly on top, adding color and texture. The bowl sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface with a black woven mat partially visible in the background, and a blurred mixing bowl and fork set off to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Allowing it to rest for up to 2 hours helps the flavors meld, but avoid making it too far ahead to keep the vegetables crisp.

Can I use other types of cabbage?

Absolutely. You can use red cabbage or even Napa cabbage for a different texture and color variation. Adjust the dressing ingredients slightly if needed to complement the cabbage type.