There’s always that one salad at a braai that disappears first and this Crunchy Cabbage Salad is it. Made with shredded baby cabbages, toasted noodles and almonds, it’s fresh, textured, and bursting with flavour. For extra crunch, you can also toast sunflower seeds with the almonds and noodles, they’re optional, but add a lovely nutty flavour. The salad is finished with a delicious sweet, tangy and savoury dressing made with sunflower oil, sugar, white vinegar and soya sauce, with a chicken stock cube adding extra depth of flavour.
It’s the kind of salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free side for your next get-together.
Why You’ll Love this Crunchy Cabbage Salad
- Perfect for a braai – light, refreshing, and a great complement to rich grilled meats.
- Make-ahead friendly – toss everything together just before serving to keep it crunchy.
- Packed with texture – from the toasted noodles and nuts to the crisp cabbage.
- Budget-friendly – simple ingredients with maximum flavour and visual appeal.
- Always a hit – even the salad-sceptics come back for seconds.
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and satisfying addition to any braai table. The combination of fresh greens and toasted elements gives it a unique flavour and irresistible crunch. It’s quick to make and always impresses guests.
Crunchy Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 600 g baby cabbages (approximately) shredded (about 2–4 small cabbages)
- 100 g mange tout or sugar snap peas sliced thinly (1 cup / 3.5 oz)
- 100 g spring onions chopped (2 packets / 1 cup / 3.5 oz)
- 100 g slivered almonds 1 cup / 3.5 oz
- 68 g two-minute noodles (Maggi) uncooked (1 packet)
Dressing:
- 120 ml sunflower oil ½ cup / 4 fl oz
- 50 g sugar ¼ cup / 1.8 oz
- 60 ml white vinegar ¼ cup / 2 fl oz
- 15 ml soya sauce 1 tablespoon / 0.5 fl oz
- 1 chicken stock cube dissolved in a little hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Toast the mix: Spread the almonds and crumbled two-minute noodles on a baking tray. Toast for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Prepare the dressing: In a jug or bowl, whisk together sunflower oil, sugar, vinegar, soya sauce, and the dissolved chicken stock until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced mange tout, and chopped spring onions.
- Toss and serve: Add the toasted mixture. Pour the dressing over just before serving and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Tools You Need for This Crunchy Cabbage Salad Recipe
These are the kitchen essentials I rely on when preparing this Crunchy Cabbage Salad. Having the right tools makes chopping, mixing, and serving so much easier — and lets you focus on enjoying the process. I love using Villeroy & Boch for their elegant German craftsmanship and Pyrex for their reliable, everyday functionality. Together, they bring both beauty and practicality to your kitchen.
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Description: Perfect for tossing and serving salad. |
Description: Accurate measurements for liquid ingredients for dressing. |
Description: Ideal for mixing dressing. |
Perfect for tossing and serving salad.
Accurate measurements for liquid ingredients for dressing.
Why I Love Villeroy & Boch
I’ve always had a soft spot for Villeroy & Boch. My mom had the Petite Fleur tea set, which I absolutely love. It reminds me of her timeless taste and love for beautiful things. For something more versatile, though, I recommend their white porcelain ranges, which suit almost any theme, flowers, or serviettes. My personal favourites are the For me and Afina collections, both effortlessly elegant, beautifully made, and true to the exceptional German quality that Villeroy & Boch is known for.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside grilled chicken, boerewors, or kebabs for a complete meal.
Storage or make-ahead notes
Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine and add dressing just before serving to keep the crunch. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day, though the texture softens slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crunchy Cabbage Salad
Yes, simply replace the chicken stock cube with a vegetable stock cube.
Absolutely. Regular cabbage will work beautifully.
Yes, cashews or pumpkin seeds make great alternatives.
You can prep it a few hours ahead, but add the dressing just before serving.
Yes, it scales easily, just double all ingredients and toast in batches.
More Braai Salads and Celebration Ideas
If you’re planning a relaxed braai or special gathering, you might also enjoy some of my other favourite recipes and party ideas.
For another classic side dish, my Potato Salad is creamy and full of flavour. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
If you prefer something protein-packed, my South African Bean Salad is vibrant and easy to prepare ahead of time. Because it can be made in advance, entertaining becomes far more manageable.
If you’re hosting something significant, you can also explore how I styled a Milestone Birthday celebration. Although it was a small gathering, every detail was carefully considered.
Finally, to end the meal on a sweet note, a slice of traditional Milk Tart is always a lovely choice. Alternatively, my homemade Fudge makes a wonderful treat to serve with coffee.
I Would Love to Hear From You
Have you tried this Crunchy Cabbage Salad at your braai? Let me know how it turned out.
Where This Recipe Came From
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad recipe was given to me by Sallyann Gelder, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. I’m not sure where it originally came from, but it’s too good not to share.