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–+ servings
Shredded green cabbage salad
This shredded green cabbage salad is a refreshing mid-century American classic that blends crisp vegetables and fruit with a lightly creamy, tangy dressing. Cabbage salads like this were especially popular from the 1940s through the 1960s, when cooks favored make-ahead dishes that traveled well and used simple, affordable ingredients. The addition of apples and grapes adds natural sweetness and crunch, while celery seed, mustard, and lemon bring brightness and balance. Chilled before serving, the flavors meld beautifully, softening the cabbage just enough while keeping the salad crisp. It’s a timeless potluck favorite that bridges savory and sweet in a way only vintage recipes can.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 95 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 2 cups seedless grapes
  • 2 cups apples (skinned, coarsely chopped)
  • ¼ tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp celery seeds
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp lemon peel (grated)
  • 1 tsp prepared mustard
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions
 

Prepare the produce

  • Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
  • Add the grapes and chopped apples. Toss gently to combine.

Make the dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, celery seeds, lemon juice, lemon peel, mustard, and sour cream until smooth and well blended.

Combine

  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
  • Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Chill

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the cabbage to soften slightly.

Serve

  • Toss once more before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips

  • Use red grapes for deeper color contrast
  • Swap apples for pears for a softer sweetness
  • Add chopped walnuts for crunch
  • Increase lemon peel for extra brightness
  • Let chill overnight for best flavor
  • Slice cabbage extra thin for softer texture
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
  • Add a pinch of salt if serving with grilled meats
  • Sprinkle parsley before serving for freshness

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.9mg
Keyword cabbage salad, fruit and cabbage salad, make-ahead salad, potluck classic, retro recipes, vintage salad