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Swedish Pizza Salad Recipe

4.4 from 116 reviews

Swedish Pizza Salad is a refreshing and tangy shredded cabbage salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette with herbs and a touch of sweetness. This crisp side dish perfectly complements savory meals, especially pizzas, providing a bright contrast with its balanced flavors and crunchy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 1/2 head green cabbage (finely shredded, about 68 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 23 tablespoons sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred the Cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage or slice it into very thin ribbons to ensure a crisp texture and even flavor absorption.
  2. Salt and Massage Cabbage: Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Massage the salt into the cabbage with your hands until it starts releasing its juices, about 5-10 minutes. This softens the cabbage and enhances its flavor.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, sugar (if using), dried oregano, dried basil (if using), black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Add the dressing to the salted cabbage and toss thoroughly to coat every strand evenly with the flavorful vinaigrette.
  5. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as desired for a perfectly balanced flavor.
  6. Marinate: Cover the salad and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a crisp, vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with pizzas or other savory mains.

Notes

  • Use white wine vinegar for a milder flavor; white vinegar works fine but is sharper.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness; it helps balance the acidity.
  • Optional herbs and red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted to taste.
  • Marinating for longer develops deeper flavor and tenderizes the cabbage.
  • Great as a refreshing salad side for pizza, grilled meats, or sandwiches.

Keywords: Swedish pizza salad, shredded cabbage salad, tangy cabbage salad, no-cook salad, pizza side dish