If you’re searching for a delightfully crunchy, colorful centerpiece to brighten your table and excite your taste buds, look no further than the Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe. This salad is a feast of fresh textures and vibrant colors, blending crisp red cabbage, sweet corn, earthy beets, and a creamy garlicky mayo that ties it all together perfectly. It’s not just a salad, it’s a celebration of flavors and a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad comes from a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own personality, whether it’s the crunchy snap of cabbage, the natural sweetness of corn, or the zing from garlic in the dressing. Together, they create a harmonious mix of texture, flavor, and color that makes this recipe shine.
- 15 oz can corn: Adds natural sweetness and a nice pop of yellow to brighten the salad.
- 1/3 red cabbage (super-finely sliced): Provides a crisp, crunchy base loaded with vibrant purple color.
- 1 medium raw beet (grated): Offers earthy depth and stunning red hues for visual appeal.
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper: Brings mild sweetness and extra crunch.
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed): A burst of bright green and a tender vegetable bite.
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion: Delivers a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that lifts the salad.
- 1 cup chow mein noodles or lime tortilla strips: Adds wonderful crunch and texture contrast.
- 3 large or 4 small garlic cloves (pressed or finely chopped + more to taste): The star of the dressing, offering bold flavor.
- 1 cup real mayonnaise: Provides creamy richness to mellow and bind all the ingredients together.
How to Make Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Begin by finely shredding your red cabbage until it’s super thin—this creates the perfect texture that feels light but still crunchy. Grate the raw beet so it blends in beautifully with the cabbage while adding a lovely earthy sweetness and color burst to the salad.
Step 2: Arrange Your Ingredients Creatively
To form the signature wreath shape, start by placing a cup or ramekin in the center of your serving plate to hold the peas in place. Then, arrange each ingredient carefully around it to build layers of color and texture. This step is not only practical but turns the salad into a visually stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Mayo Dressing
Next, mix the real mayonnaise and pressed garlic cloves together. This creamy, punchy dressing is the heart of the Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe, adding a silky finish that perfectly complements the crisp veggies and crunchy noodles or tortilla strips.
Step 4: Combine Just Before Serving
To retain all that fresh crunch, it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing right before serving. This way, every bite stays vibrant, crisp, and full of the bright, lively flavors that make this salad a standout. Once mixed, be sure to gently incorporate the chow mein noodles or lime tortilla strips last to keep their delightful crispy texture.
How to Serve Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can enhance the visual appeal and add freshness to your Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe. Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top for extra texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mayo dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a vibrant side to a comforting pasta dish. Its crispness and creaminess provide a perfect balance, making it a wonderful counterpoint to richer main courses or spicy foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try forming individual mini wreaths on small plates for guests. Alternatively, serve the salad in a hollowed-out cabbage bowl for a rustic effect or layer it in a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the colorful layers. No matter how you present it, the Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe will be the star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the crunch, keep the chow mein noodles or tortilla strips separate and add them at serving time. The salad will stay delicious for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the high water content in the vegetables and the creamy mayo dressing, which can separate upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not generally advised. Instead, enjoy leftovers chilled, giving them a quick toss to refresh textures before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier alternative?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute to lighten the dressing while still maintaining creaminess.
Is it necessary to grate raw beets?
Grating raw beets ensures they blend smoothly into the salad, providing sweetness and color without overpowering the texture. Cooking them first can make the salad less crisp.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare everything except mixing the salad up to a day ahead. Combine with the dressing right before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be fantastic additions to make the salad more filling.
What are good alternatives to chow mein noodles?
Tortilla strips, crispy wonton strips, or toasted nuts can add a similar satisfying crunch and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe is not just a salad; it’s a burst of freshness, color, and joy that’s perfect for any gathering or casual meal. Its simple ingredients come together to create a dish that looks as fabulous as it tastes. I encourage you to try making this vibrant salad and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Red Cabbage Wreath Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Red Cabbage Wreath Salad perfect for gatherings, featuring finely sliced red cabbage, fresh grated beet, crisp bell peppers, and a creamy garlic mayonnaise dressing. This no-cook salad is bright, colorful, and ideal as a festive side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/3 red cabbage, super-finely sliced
- 1 medium raw beet, grated
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion
Other Ingredients
- 15 oz can corn, drained
- 1 cup chow mein noodles or lime tortilla strips
- 3 large or 4 small garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped (+ more to taste)
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
Instructions
- Shred and Grate: Shred the red cabbage very finely and grate the raw beet using a fine grater to prepare the base for the salad.
- Arrange Ingredients: Arrange all ingredients to form the wreath. Begin by placing a cup or ramekin over the peas to hold them in place, then build the salad around this center, layering the cabbage, corn, bell peppers, and other vegetables attractively.
- Prepare Dressing: Combine the mayonnaise with the pressed or finely chopped garlic cloves thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful dressing.
- Mix Before Serving: Just before serving, mix the salad and dressing together so all flavors meld, maintaining the salad’s freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the cabbage super-finely for best texture.
- Thaw peas completely and drain canned corn to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference to control the intensity of the dressing.
- Chow mein noodles add extra crunch but can be substituted with tortilla strips for a different texture.
- Serve immediately after mixing to maintain the crispness of ingredients.
