Simple & Delicious Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Looking for a vibrant and refreshing addition to your meals? Cava Cabbage Slaw is a zesty, crunchy side dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your table. This slaw, inspired by the popular Cava restaurant chain, combines shredded cabbage with a tangy dressing and a mix of colorful vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a crisp complement to grilled meats, a topping for wraps, or just enjoying it on its own, this slaw is sure to impress with its balance of sweet and savory notes.
This slaw can make you smile by being ready in just 15 minutes.
Why will you love this recipe?
This Cava Cabbage Salad Recipe is a standout choice for anyone seeking a crunchy, flavorful side dish that’s both versatile and easy to prepare. With its bright colors and crisp texture, it brings a refreshing twist to your meals, making it a perfect complement to a variety of main courses. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Burst of Flavor
- Fresh and Vibrant
- Versatile and Easy
- Healthy and Light
- Customizable
Key Notes
| Serving | Calories | Prep. Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
| 6 | 96 kcal | 5 Mins | 10 Mins | 15 Mins |
Kitchen Utensils
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (optional)
cava cabbage slaw Ingredients
For the Slaw:
| 4 cups shredded green cabbage | Check Price |
| 1 cup shredded red cabbage | Check Price |
| 1 cup shredded carrots | Check Price |
| 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion | Check Price |
| 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley | Check Price |
For the Dressing:
| 1/4 cup olive oil | Check Price |
| 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar | Check Price |
| 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup | Check Price |
| 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard | Check Price |
| 1 tablespoon lemon juice | Check Price |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Check Price |
Cava Cabbage Slaw’s Preparation
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve:
Let the slaw sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Secret Tips For Better Result
To take your Cava Cabbage Salad from great to exceptional, consider these insider tips. These simple tricks can elevate the flavor and texture, ensuring that your slaw is as vibrant and delicious as possible. Here’s how you can make your slaw stand out:
- Massage the Cabbage: Gently massaging the shredded cabbage with a bit of salt before mixing in the other ingredients can help to soften the cabbage and enhance its flavor. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse and drain.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables and herbs. Freshly chopped parsley and freshly grated carrots add vibrant color and crispness.
- Chill the Slaw: Allowing the slaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving lets the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Taste the dressing before adding it to the slaw and adjust the sweetness and tanginess according to your preference. Add a bit more honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter slaw, or more vinegar for extra tang.
- Add a Crunchy Element: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding a handful of toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds to the slaw just before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: Add a splash of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the dressing. Toss in some thinly sliced bell peppers and a handful of chopped cilantro for a vibrant, Asian twist.
- Spicy Slaw: Incorporate a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing for a spicy kick. You can also mix in some finely chopped jalapeño for added heat.
- Southwestern Slaw: Mix in some black beans, corn, and diced avocado. Add a bit of lime juice and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to the dressing for a Southwest-inspired flair.
- Mediterranean Slaw: Toss in some crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Add a touch of dried oregano to the dressing for a Mediterranean touch.
- Apple-Cider Slaw: Replace the honey with finely chopped apples or apple slices for a sweet and fruity variation. A dash of cinnamon in the dressing can also enhance the apple flavor.
Storage Guidelines
To ensure your Cava Cabbage Slaw stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness and crunchiness.
- Separation: If you’re preparing the slaw in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate from the vegetables until you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain the crisp texture of the cabbage and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Mix Before Serving: If the slaw has been stored with the dressing, give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the flavors and ensure even coating.
- Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze cabbage slaw due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the slaw without the dressing if you plan to use it later. Just be aware that the texture may be affected upon thawing.
Serving Suggestion
- As a Side Dish: Serve the slaw as a refreshing side alongside grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or lamb. It pairs especially well with Mediterranean or barbecue-style meals.
- In Wraps and Sandwiches: Use the slaw as a crunchy, flavorful topping for wraps, sandwiches, or pita pockets. It adds a crisp texture and a burst of flavor to your favorite handheld meals.
- Topped on Bowls: Add a scoop of slaw on top of grain bowls, such as quinoa, couscous, or rice bowls, to add a vibrant and crunchy element to your meal.
- With Tacos: Use the slaw as a zesty topping for tacos, whether they’re fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Its tanginess complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
- As a Salad Base: Serve the slaw as a base for a larger salad. Add proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, and top with additional veggies and a light dressing for a hearty meal.
FAQs:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe offers a vibrant and versatile addition to any meal, combining crisp cabbage and fresh vegetables with a tangy, flavorful dressing. Whether served as a refreshing side dish, a crunchy topping, or a base for a hearty salad, this slaw brings a delightful burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor to your table. Easy to prepare and adaptable to various tastes and occasions, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe book.
Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Grater (optional)
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the slaw sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.