If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and nutrient-packed salad that truly pops with flavor, this Red Cabbage Citrus Salad is a must-try! I love making this simple yet stunning salad when I want something crunchy, colorful, and refreshing on the table. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like red cabbage, shredded carrots, clementines, and fresh herbs, tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette.
This red cabbage citrus salad with clementines and almonds is bright, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, and it’s one of those salads that actually tastes better the next day. I’ve been making this on repeat as a fresh lunch or light dinner side, and it always hits the spot.
Why you’ll love this easy red cabbage salad
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C
- Comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts
- Holds up beautifully for leftovers or meal prep
- A delicious way to eat more cruciferous vegetables
RECIPE TIP; Marinate the Cabbage for Better Flavor and Texture
Before assembling the salad, I like to toss the sliced red cabbage with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, then let it sit for about 15–20 minutes. This quick marination does two great things:
- Softens the cabbage – Red cabbage can be quite firm and fibrous. Marinating helps break it down just slightly, making the texture more tender and easier to chew without losing that satisfying crunch.
- Boosts flavor – The apple cider vinegar infuses the cabbage with a tangy brightness that enhances the overall taste of the salad and balances the sweetness from the carrots and clementines.
This simple step adds a lot of dimension and is especially helpful when prepping the salad ahead of time, it just gets better as it sits!
Ingredients
To make this refreshing cabbage citrus salad, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 1 medium head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 carrots, shredded
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 3 clementines, peeled and segmented
- A handful of fresh dill and mint, chopped
- plus 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and a generous pinch of sea salt (marinate)
For the Dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- add herbs of choice if you like but remember there is plenty of dill and mint in the salad
Helpful tips and variations
Add protein: Turn this into a full meal by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian meal.
Swap the citrus: No clementines? Try oranges, grapefruit, or blood oranges for a different twist. The citrus balance the flavor and texture of the cabbage in a delightful way.
Make it ahead: This salad holds up beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge, especially when marinated in apple cider vinegar. You’ll notice that the cabbage won’t bleed its color as much. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Add a sweet note: If you prefer a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup in the dressing works beautifully.
Red Cabbage Citrus Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head red cabbage thinly sliced or shredded
- 4 large carrots shredded
- 1 cup almonds chopped or slivered
- 3 clementines divided into segments
- 3 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh mint chopped
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- salt
Zesty Vinaigrette Dresseing
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped or shredded cabbage to a bowl, toss in apple cider vinegar and salt and let it sit for 15 minutes
- Meanwhile shredded the carrots and divide the clementines into segments. Add to a large bowl along with almonds, dill and mint.
- Whisk the zesty ingredients in a jar and set aside.
- When ready to build the salad, add the cabbage into carrot bowl. Toss in dressing and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
