Politiki Salata is a traditional Greek cabbage salad that’s fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. It’s a popular side dish in Greek homes and goes well with almost any meal.
This colorful salad combines white and red cabbage, carrots, celery root, and roasted red peppers. Everything is tossed with a simple dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.
One of the best things about Politiki Salata is that you can prepare it ahead of time. After a little time in the fridge, the vegetables absorb the dressing and the flavors come together beautifully.
It’s a simple, delicious salad that’s perfect for everyday meals or a family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and crunchy: The combination of white cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and celery root gives this salad a wonderful crunch.
- Full of flavor: Roasted red peppers add a little sweetness, while garlic and apple cider vinegar give the dressing a pleasantly tangy taste.
- Simple, healthy ingredients: This salad is made with fresh vegetables and extra virgin olive oil. There’s no mayonnaise or complicated dressing.
- Perfect for making ahead: The salad tastes even better after spending some time in the refrigerator. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it over the next few days.
- Goes with almost anything: Serve it alongside grilled meat, fish, or your favorite Greek dishes. It’s also delicious on its own as a light meal.
My Tips for the Perfect Politiki Salata
- Don’t cut the cabbage too finely: Cut the white and red cabbage into medium-thick strips. This helps the vegetables keep their crunchy texture.
- Massage the vegetables with salt: Add the salt and gently massage the vegetables with your hands. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to release some of their moisture.
- Squeeze out the excess liquid: Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the vegetables after resting. This is an important step. It prevents the salad from becoming watery and helps the dressing coat the vegetables better.
- Use roasted red peppers: They add a lovely sweetness and balance the sharp flavor of the vinegar and garlic.
- Remove the garlic germ: Before crushing the garlic, cut the clove in half and remove the green germ, especially if you’re using older garlic.
- Give the salad time to rest: Refrigerate the finished salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend while the vegetables stay pleasantly crunchy.
Want to see how to make traditional Greek Politiki Salata at home?
Watch the Video Recipe
Watch my step-by-step video below to see how I prepare the vegetables, remove the excess moisture, and make the simple garlic and apple cider vinegar dressing. You’ll also see how to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Traditional Greek Politiki Salata (Cabbage Salad)
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the celery root: Peel 1 celery root (about 300 g) and grate it using the coarse side of a box grater. Place it in a large bowl.
- Grate the carrots: Peel and coarsely grate 3 carrots. Add them to the bowl with the celery root.
- Cut the cabbage: Cut 500 g of white cabbage and 300 g of red cabbage into thick strips. There's no need to shred them too finely. Add both to the bowl.
- Salt and massage the vegetables: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over the vegetables. Massage them thoroughly with your hands to help soften the cabbage.
- Let the vegetables rest: Leave the mixture aside for approximately 10 minutes. The salt will help draw out excess moisture.
- Squeeze out the liquid: Transfer the vegetables onto a clean kitchen towel. Wrap them and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Add the roasted peppers: Return the vegetables to the bowl. Slice 2 roasted red peppers into strips and add them to the mixture. You can also use roasted peppers preserved in oil.
- Add the fresh herbs: Finely chop a small bunch of fresh baby celery leaves or parsley. Add them to the salad.
- Prepare the garlic: Cut 1 large garlic clove (or 2 small cloves) in half and remove the green germ. Crush or press the garlic into a small bowl.
- Make the dressing: Add 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar and 60 ml (¼ cup) of extra virgin olive oil to the garlic. Season with freshly ground black pepper and mix well.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Using two large spoons, toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing and the flavors to develop.
- Serve: Give the salad a final toss and serve chilled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Serve Politiki Salata
Politiki Salata is best served chilled, after the vegetables have had time to absorb the dressing.
It’s a great side dish for grilled meat, roasted chicken, fish, or traditional Greek meals. You can also enjoy it with some crusty bread for a light lunch.
This salad is perfect for family gatherings and meals with friends. You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Give it a quick toss before serving, and enjoy its fresh, crunchy texture!
Kali Orexi! (Καλή Όρεξη!)
