Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad: 15-Minute Fresh Delight

Name: Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs), thinly shredded; 3 medium cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber), sliced; 4–5 green onions, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 6 tablespoons sunflower oil; 4 tablespoons distilled white vinegar; 1 teaspoon fine salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, some days you just need a side dish that shows up without making a mess of your kitchen—or your schedule. That’s exactly why this Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad has a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

It’s crisp. It’s bright. It’s refreshing in that “open the windows and let the sunshine in” kind of way. And the best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes. No oven. No stovetop. No stress.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, bringing something to a potluck, or just trying to make Tuesday night feel a little less ordinary, this salad delivers. It’s budget-friendly, packed with fresh flavor, and made with simple pantry staples like sunflower oil and vinegar. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad

There are a lot of salads out there. But this one? It hits different.

Super quick – 15 minutes from start to finish.
No fancy ingredients – Just cabbage, cucumbers, herbs, and a simple dressing.
Light and refreshing – Perfect next to grilled chicken, burgers, or hot wings.
Crowd-approved – Even picky eaters tend to ask for seconds.
Stays fresh for days – Hello, easy leftovers.

As someone who believes in “minimal effort, maximum flavor,” this salad makes my heart happy. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together while your slow cooker is doing its thing—or while the kids are asking what’s for dinner for the third time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad keeps things beautifully simple.

Salad Ingredients:

1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded
3 medium cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
4–5 green onions
1 bunch fresh dill (about 2 tablespoons, chopped)

Dressing Ingredients:

6 tablespoons sunflower oil
4 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon fine salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

That’s it. No sugar. No mayo. Just clean, crisp flavor.

How to Make Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad

You don’t need special skills—just a knife, a bowl, and about 15 minutes.

Step 1: Mix the Dressing

In a small measuring cup, combine:

Sunflower oil
Distilled white vinegar
Salt
Black pepper

Stir well and set it aside so the salt can dissolve. This simple vinegar dressing is what gives the salad that bright, tangy kick.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Wash all your vegetables and pat them dry with paper towels. Nobody wants watery salad.

Remove any soft outer leaves from the cabbage.

Step 3: Shred the Cabbage

Thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer. If you’re using a mandolin, please protect those hands—no salad is worth a bandaged finger.

Transfer the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl. You can discard the core… or snack on it like I sometimes do. (It’s crunchy and oddly satisfying.)

Step 4: Slice the Cucumbers

Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then thinly slice them. If you’re using a mandolin, this step takes seconds.

The combination of crunchy cabbage and crisp cucumbers is what makes this Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad so refreshing.

Step 5: Chop the Herbs

Finely chop:

Green onions
Fresh dill

Don’t skip the dill. It adds that fresh, slightly grassy flavor that makes the whole salad pop.

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables.

Toss well until everything is evenly coated.

You can serve it right away for maximum crunch, or refrigerate it for a couple of hours if you prefer the cabbage slightly softened.

Either way? Delicious.

Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad with thinly sliced cabbage and cucumbers topped with dill — This easy Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad comes together in just 15 minutes and makes the perfect light side dish.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Cucumber Salad

Let’s talk real-life kitchen tips—because we all need those.

1. Like It More Tangy?

Add an extra tablespoon of vinegar. If you love bold flavor, a little extra acid makes this salad sing.

2. Oil Swaps

While sunflower oil gives a light, neutral taste, you can use olive oil, canola oil, sesame oil, or even avocado oil if that’s what you have. Use what works for your pantry.

3. Add a Little Kick

Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes if your family likes a little heat. It pairs beautifully with the cool cucumbers.

4. Make It a Meal

Add:

Grilled chicken
Crumbled feta
Sweet bell peppers
A handful of kale

I’ve even served this alongside hot wings, and let me tell you—it balances all that richness perfectly.

5. Let It Marinate (Optional)

If you have time, refrigerate it for 1–2 hours before serving. The cabbage softens slightly and soaks up the dressing. It’s still crisp, just a little more tender.

And if the dressing pools at the bottom? Just toss again. That’s flavor waiting to be redistributed.

Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad with fresh dill and sliced cucumbers in a white bowl — This Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with fresh dill and cucumbers.

A Little Personal Note

This recipe saved me one summer when life felt like one giant to-do list. I needed something quick for a last-minute barbecue. No time for complicated prep. No time for fancy ingredients.

I shredded cabbage, sliced cucumbers, tossed it all together—and hoped for the best.

Not only did it disappear from the table, but three people asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew this simple Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad was staying in my collection.

Sometimes the “humble” dishes are the real stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good toss before serving.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely. While distilled white vinegar keeps it classic and clean-tasting, you can use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use dried dill. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Is this like coleslaw?

It’s similar in texture but lighter. Traditional coleslaw usually has a creamy dressing, while this Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad uses a simple oil and vinegar dressing—so it feels fresher and less heavy.

Can I reduce the oil?

You can adjust the oil to fit your preference. Some readers reduce it for lighter meal plans and still love the results. Just keep the balance of oil to vinegar so the salad isn’t overly sharp.

Fresh, Simple, and Always a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s something comforting about having a go-to side dish you can rely on. This Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad is that recipe. It’s quick enough for a busy weekday, fresh enough for summer gatherings, and simple enough that you probably have everything you need right now.

It’s proof that you don’t need complicated steps or expensive ingredients to make something that tastes amazing.

So the next time you need a bright, crunchy side that practically makes itself, give this Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad a try. I have a feeling it might just become your new favorite too.

Keep the Fresh Flavors Going

If this Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad made your dinner table feel a little brighter, here are a few more fresh and flavorful recipes you might love adding to your rotation:

Try the vibrant Persian Shirazi Salad — it’s packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty bite that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or simple weeknight dinners.
Have extra cabbage on hand? These golden, savory Cabbage Fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and completely irresistible.
For a sweet and savory main dish, serve this salad alongside Honey Butter Chicken. The rich glaze and fresh crunch are such a delicious balance.
If you’re craving another green, wholesome favorite, the creamy and herb-packed Green Goddess Salad Recipe is always a hit.

And if you’d like to see another classic take on this refreshing side, you might also enjoy this version of Green Cabbage Cucumber Salad.

Mix, match, and make it your own — because simple, fresh food is what brings everyone back to the table.