This simple Shredded Red Cabbage - Turkish Kebab Salad recipe shows you how easy it is to create shredded red cabbage just like you would get from a kebab takeaway shop.
Obviously, makes a great addition to kebabs but it is also a fab Vegan and Vegetarian side dish for many other Greek and Mediterranean recipes.
How to make cabbage taste like the kebab shops?
The secret to the delicious flavour and texture of cabbage just like you get from your Turkish takeaway kebab shop.
In short, is to make it ahead of time, allowing it time to soak up a simple dressing consisting of, olive oil, lemon and salt.
In order to make this at home yourself, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Jump to RecipeFollow along the step by step slideshow above.
Red Cabbage or Green Cabbage for a kebab salad?
We like to use red cabbage, not only because the purple leaves give a lovely colour to add to salad. But it is also full of goodness!
Check out this article for the full benefits of Red Cabbage.
Of course, white or green cabbage tastes just as good and still full of goodness so you can use them instead of red cabbage, or even do a mix of them both!
How to chop or shred cabbage?
Remove any loose outer leaves from the cabbage, using a long bladed knife, cut cabbage in half through the stem, cut the thick stem away.
Now you can sit the ½ head on its side to chop thinly using your large knife.
Or if you are not as confident with a knife try using a mandolin for easy even shredded cabbage.
Should I wash red cabbage?
Once you have cut the cabbage into thin strips wash in a colander under a running tap.
Best oil to use on shredded cabbage salad?
Use a cheap mild olive oil, do not use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as it will be too strongly flavored.
How long to leave cabbage in dressing?
Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the lemon to soften the cabbage.
However, I suggest leaving for longer to help soften more, I find 4 hours gives best results.
Why and when to add sugar to Turkish style red cabbage?
Sometimes we add a bit of sugar to taste if we feel it needs it?
Once your cabbage has soaked up the oil, lemon and salt for about 30 minutes, have a taste.
If it is too sour for your liking add a sprinkle of sugar to combat the bitterness (about ½ a teaspoon to start with) shake it up and try again.
Feel free to add more if it's still too sour. It is a personal taste preference.
What other salad items to serve with red cabbage?
Red Cabbage is great served up with a nice crisp salad, we used iceberg lettuce, slices of cucumber, tomatoes & raw onions.
What to serve with red cabbage?
We love to serve our Shredded Red Cabbage - up with Turkish Kebabs like our Takeaway Lamb Shish Kebab Recipe or why not try adding to our Spicy Chicken Burger?
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Or equally as good Takeaway Chicken Kebab Recipe, alongside some pickled chilli peppers & pitta bread.
Click through above images for kebab recipes.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Shredded Red Cabbage - Turkish Kebab Salad
Ingredients
- ½ head Red Cabbage
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil (mild or light) - Do not use extra virgin/ virgin it will be too strong
- 1 large Lemon - freshly squeeze, should be about 3 tbsp
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional- if your lemon is particularly sour you may need to add some sugar
- 1 teaspoon sugar - add more/less to taste
Instructions
- Chop red cabbage into really thin slices and wash.
- In a ziplock bag (or a bowl) pour olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
- Place cabbage in bag (bowl) and give a good mix, shake, rub, to get the oil well coated over cabbage.
- Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the oil and lemon to seep into the cabbage
- Serve with other salad items, such as lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes & raw onions.
Video
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this check out our Kebab Shop Chilli Sauce perfect for giving an extra kick of heat!
Steve says
Do you need to add salt as ckd
Luke and Kay says
Hi Steve,
Adding salt, is really up to personal preference. salt can enhance the flavour and help draw out extra moisture, if you leave the salt out it may be soggier. 🙂
Sarah says
Brilliant, easy recipe that I make again and again! It's so fresh and tasty. I used to salt the cabbage and weigh it down for hours, but this recipe has proved that's totally unnecessary. I use extra virgin olive oil, which works perfectly, but obviously it would be best to stick to a mild oil if you don't like the flavour. I also add some black pepper, and I've never needed any sugar. Amazing!
Luke and Kay says
Thank you for your wonderful review, Sarah! We are grateful for your feedback and pleased you enjoy our recipe. We agree that salting and weighing down is unnecessary and glad to hear you find it tasty when prepared with extra virgin olive oil or a milder one. It's great that you adjust the recipe with black pepper, as well, and happy to hear it does not require any sugar.
We are thrilled that our shredded red cabbage recipe has become such a staple in your kitchen. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts - we truly appreciate it! 🙂
Karen says
Best salad recipe for Turkish salad I have come across, others all seem to mix theirs with mayonnaise or yogurt. This one is jives you the best fresh flavour.
Luke and Kay says
Thank you so much Karen for your review! We are so pleased that you found our recipe to make the best Turkish salad and loved how fresh the flavour was. It is great to hear that ours is different compared to other recipes as we strive to bring new ideas and flavours. 🙂
Raj says
The best tasting salad, perfect with any barbecue or kebab.
Luke and Kay says
Hi Raj,
Thank you for your kind words about our shredded red cabbage recipe! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed it and find it a perfect pairing with barbecues and kebabs. We strive to create versatile recipes that can complement a variety of dishes, and we're glad this one hit the mark for you. Keep enjoying and happy cooking! 🙂