GREEK CABBAGE AND CARROT SALAD RECIPE (LAHANOSALATA)

There can be immense joy in the simplicity of certain dishes. The classic Greek Cabbage and Carrot Salad exemplifies this perfectly. With just a few basic ingredients, you can quickly add a delicious and nutritious salad to your table!

Greek Cabbage and Carrot Salad, known as Lahanosalata or Λαχανοσαλάτα in Greek (pronounced La-ha-no-sal-AH-ta) is Greece’s version of a coleslaw salad. For a little Greek lesson – “Lahano” means “Cabbage” and “Salata” means “Salad” so this long name simply translates to “Cabbage Salad”.

In Greece, it is very common to eat with the seasons. This means that in the summertime when there is an abundance of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, the most popular salad served is the Classic Greek Village Salad (Xoriatiki Salata. However, in winter, root vegetables shine with cabbage and leafy greens becoming the stars. Hence the popularity of salads such as Lahanosalata, the aromatic Politiki Salata, and the simple leafy Maroulosalata.

Everyone who knows me knows that I love a good cabbage recipe. Whether it’s a cooked cabbage dish like Lahanorizo or a cabbage-based salad, using this extremely healthy and affordable vegetable on a regular basis makes it so much easier to follow the Mediterranean Diet. Greek and Cabbage and Carrot Salad fits perfectly into the Mediterranean Diet which emphasizes plant-based dishes and using heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil. There are no fancy ingredients, only simple staples many people have on hand. Enjoy Lahanosalata as a starter, side dish, or even as a healthy main meal.

As an additional note – prechopped and bagged coleslaw is not recommended! The taste and texture just aren’t the same.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE OUR GREEK CABBAGE AND CARROT SALAD RECIPE

• Delicious – Fresh, peppery cabbage and sweet carrots give this crunchy salad a great taste.
• Fast and Easy – No fancy techniques or steps are needed for this recipe. Place all the ingredients in a bowl, mix, and enjoy!
• Super Healthy – Cabbage is a low-caloric and nutrient-dense vegetable that is filled with so many good things for you! Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. They help you feel full and satisfied longer which is great for weight loss. The addition of extra virgin olive oil elevates the heart-healthy and antioxidant compounds which have made the traditional Mediterranean diet so famous.
• Budget-Friendly – The cost of living is rising in pretty much all parts of the globe. With this, people are looking for economical ways to eat healthy on a budget. Cabbage and carrots are the perfect vegetables! They are relatively cheap, have a long shelf-life, and are easy to find at almost all supermarkets.
• Plant-based – The traditional Greek diet is renowned for having naturally vegan dishes. A diet rich in plant-based food is associated with an incredible amount of health benefits. It is also great for the environment as plant-based food has a smaller environmental footprint than meat-based agriculture. One baby step toward a cleaner world for us all!
• Top Allergen Free – As with many recipes here on Athena Pot, Greek Cabbage and Carrot Salad is another one that strives to meet “top allergen-free” criteria. If using red wine vinegar as the dressing this salad will contain sulphites and this can be substituted with using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead.

INGREDIENTS FOR GREEK CABBAGE AND CARROT SALAD

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup peeled and grated carrot (one large carrot)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

HOW TO MAKE GREEK CABBAGE AND CARROT SALAD RECIPE

Cut very thin strips of cabbage, as you would for a coleslaw salad, with either a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Grate the peeled carrot with a shredder. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed to preferred taste. Serve cold as a side or starter or as a healthy main meal. Smile and enjoy!

OPTIONAL EXTRAS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

This recipe as posted makes the classic, traditional Lahanoslata that you will find throughout Greece. As always, you will find there are substitutions and additions to this recipe.

Instead of using red wine vinegar, some people prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice. You can also substitute the green cabbage for red cabbage or use a combination of both.

If you are feeling fancy and have extra ingredients on hand, some common additions to this salad are:

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Shredded apple
• Walnuts
• Raisins
• Pomegranates
• Black Currants

ALLERGY INFORMATION FOR GREEK CABBAGE AND CARROT SALAD RECIPE

Our Greek Cabbage and Carrot Salad is:

• Dairy-free
• Egg-free
• Nut-free
• Peanut-free
• Wheat-free
• Soy-free
• Sesame-free
• Fish-free
• Crustacean-free
• Celery-free
• Mustard-free

STORING INSTRUCTIONS FOR LAHANOSALATA

I recommend eating Greek Cabbage and Carrot Salad on the same day of preparation to enjoy the crunchiness. Store leftovers in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad will soften and the flavours become more intense the longer it stays.

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