Crunchy Napa Cabbage and Cucumber Salad with Sharp Cheddar
Cabbage & Cucumber Salad
A refreshing, crunchy slaw featuring crisp napa cabbage, cool cucumbers, and sharp cheddar cheese in a tangy dressing.
Nutrition (per serving)
There's something incredibly satisfying about the combination of textures in this salad. Napa cabbage provides a delicate, lacy crunch that’s far lighter than traditional green cabbage, while the cool, watery snap of fresh cucumber keeps every bite refreshing. It’s the kind of side dish that brightens up a heavy dinner or stands perfectly on its own as a light, crisp lunch.
What really takes this recipe to the next level is the unexpected addition of sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a savory depth and a creamy finish that balances the acidity of the apple cider vinaigrette. I love serving this at backyard cookouts or as a crunchy companion to grilled chicken; it’s a modern twist on a classic slaw that always has people asking for the secret ingredient.
Ingredients
- Napa cabbage, shredded:4 cups
- English cucumber, thinly sliced:2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese, julienned:4 oz
- Red onion, thinly sliced:1/4 cup
- Extra virgin olive oil:3 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar:2 tbsp
- Honey:1 tsp
- Dijon mustard:1/2 tsp
- Fresh chives, chopped:1 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper:to taste
Instructions
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In a small jar or mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is fully emulsified.
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In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded Napa cabbage, sliced cucumbers, and red onion.
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Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure an even coating.
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Add the julienned sharp cheddar cheese and chopped chives to the bowl, then toss once more very lightly to distribute.
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Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
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Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld while keeping the cabbage crisp.
Tips & Notes
- Using an English cucumber is best because the skin is thin and the seeds are minimal, so there is no need to peel it.
- For the best presentation, cut the cheddar cheese into matchstick-sized pieces rather than grating it.
- If you're making this ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain that signature crunch.
