This Chinese Cabbage Salad with Yogurt Dressing is a refreshing, crisp, and light salad that feels like sunshine in a bowl. It’s loaded with texture, color, and flavor — from the crunch of the cabbage and bell pepper to the juiciness of apple and cucumber, finished with the creamy tang of a yogurt-lemon dressing. This salad strikes that perfect balance between healthy and satisfying, with just the right mix of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s one of those versatile recipes that fit any season — a bright side dish for summer barbecues, a refreshing lunch on its own, or a crisp addition to a cozy winter meal. The mild Chinese cabbage makes it ideal for pairing with strong or tangy dressings because it soaks up flavor beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients.
What makes this salad even better is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few fresh ingredients and a light, creamy dressing made from yogurt, lemon juice, and mustard, you can have this dish ready in under 15 minutes. It’s nutritious, refreshing, and looks beautiful on any table. The natural sweetness of apple and corn contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing and salty notes of mozzarella or feta. It’s one of those feel-good salads that’s perfect for people who love clean, fresh eating without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
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½ head of Chinese cabbage, finely shredded
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1 cucumber, diced
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1 apple, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 can of corn, drained
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1 ball of mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
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200 g plain yogurt
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Juice of ½ lemon
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1 tablespoon sweet or mild mustard
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Directions
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Start by preparing the vegetables. Slice the Chinese cabbage into fine strips using a sharp knife or mandoline for even texture. Dice the cucumber, apple, and bell pepper into small cubes to ensure everything mixes well and provides a balanced bite.
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Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and drain the corn thoroughly. Place all the chopped vegetables and mozzarella into a large mixing bowl.
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Prepare the dressing by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your taste — add more lemon juice for tang or mustard for depth.
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Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix gently to coat everything evenly. The yogurt dressing should cling lightly to the cabbage and vegetables, giving a glossy and creamy finish.
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Let the salad sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the cabbage softens slightly while remaining crunchy.
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Serve chilled as a light meal or as a side dish alongside grilled meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes.
Nutrients
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Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
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Protein: 9 g
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Fat: 7 g
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Carbohydrates: 22 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Vitamin C: Rich source (from cabbage, apple, and bell pepper)
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Calcium: Moderate source (from yogurt and cheese)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Chinese Cabbage Salad with Yogurt Dressing for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make — no cooking required, just chop, mix, and enjoy. Second, it’s naturally light yet full of flavor, which makes it perfect for anyone watching calories but still craving something satisfying. The combination of creamy yogurt and tangy lemon gives the salad a freshness that feels vibrant and wholesome. The crispness of cabbage and cucumber paired with the juicy apple creates a refreshing crunch in every bite. It’s versatile enough to enjoy as a side or as a main when you want a light lunch that leaves you energized instead of heavy.
This recipe also appeals to a wide audience because it’s adaptable — you can add extra protein, adjust the flavors, or swap ingredients based on what’s in season. It’s a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners because it’s bright, colorful, and naturally gluten-free.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
The inspiration for this salad comes from classic European and Asian-style cabbage salads, particularly those popular in Germany, Poland, and Eastern Europe, where cabbage-based salads are a staple. Chinese cabbage (also known as Napa cabbage) has long been valued in Asian cuisine for its mild flavor and tender leaves. When combined with yogurt dressing — a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Eastern European kitchens — you get a perfect fusion of freshness and creaminess. This dish reflects a blend of East and West: the simplicity of Asian produce with the tangy dairy richness of European-style dressings.
It’s also inspired by the modern trend toward healthier alternatives to mayonnaise-based salads. Yogurt provides the same creamy texture but with far less fat and a delightful tang. The inclusion of fruit, like apple, adds natural sweetness, making this salad an evolution of traditional coleslaw into something lighter and fresher.
Ingredient Spotlight
Chinese cabbage is the hero of this salad. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender crunch make it a versatile base for countless recipes. Unlike traditional green cabbage, it’s softer and easier to digest, which makes it ideal for raw salads. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a nice amount of fiber to support digestion.
The cucumber adds hydration and crispness, making every bite refreshing. Apple lends natural sweetness and a subtle tart note that balances the creamy yogurt dressing. Bell pepper brings a pop of color and a mild crunch, while corn adds a pleasant sweetness that enhances the flavor variety.
Mozzarella provides richness and soft creaminess — though you can easily swap it with feta or cottage cheese for a sharper, saltier flavor. The dressing is where the magic happens: yogurt gives it creaminess without heaviness, lemon juice adds brightness, and mustard ties it all together with a gentle bite that makes the flavor come alive.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This salad is best served fresh, but it also stores well for later enjoyment. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage and yogurt dressing will soften slightly over time, but the flavors deepen and become even more balanced. If you prefer the crispest texture, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the vegetables just before serving.
Avoid freezing the salad — the texture of the cabbage and yogurt will change, resulting in a watery and uneven consistency. Since it’s a cold salad, there’s no need for reheating. Before serving chilled leftovers, simply give it a gentle stir to refresh the dressing and redistribute the ingredients.
Common Variations to Try
There are endless ways to personalize this salad. If you like it heartier, add grilled chicken strips, boiled eggs, or chickpeas for extra protein. Want a more Mediterranean vibe? Toss in olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano. For a fruity twist, add orange segments, pineapple chunks, or dried cranberries for sweetness.
You can also change the dressing — try a yogurt-honey dressing for a touch of sweetness, or add a bit of minced garlic for bold flavor. If you’re a fan of crunch, top the salad with sunflower seeds, walnuts, or roasted almonds. Feta, cottage cheese, or even goat cheese can replace mozzarella for a tangier bite. The key is flexibility — this recipe invites creativity while maintaining its light, wholesome spirit.
Pairing Recommendations
This Chinese Cabbage Salad pairs beautifully with almost anything. It’s a refreshing contrast to rich or grilled dishes like chicken skewers, baked salmon, or roasted potatoes. It also complements vegetarian mains such as lentil patties, veggie fritters, or quiches. In the summer, serve it with grilled meats and barbecue; in the winter, it adds a crisp, cool contrast to hot casseroles or soups. It’s also a fantastic addition to a buffet table — colorful, fresh, and universally appealing.
For drinks, pair it with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling water with lemon, or a fresh mint iced tea for a completely refreshing meal experience.
Health Benefits
This salad isn’t just delicious — it’s packed with nutrients that support overall wellness. Chinese cabbage is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that aids digestion and supports gut health. Yogurt adds probiotics that help maintain a healthy digestive system and boost immunity. Apples provide antioxidants and vitamin C, while bell peppers and lemons offer even more vitamin C for immune support and skin health.
The combination of fresh vegetables means you’re getting hydration, fiber, and natural sweetness all in one dish. Plus, using yogurt instead of mayonnaise makes the dressing lighter and much lower in fat, perfect for anyone looking to eat cleaner without giving up flavor. This dish is proof that healthy eating can also be satisfying and flavorful.
Conclusion
Chinese Cabbage Salad with Yogurt Dressing is the perfect blend of freshness, texture, and creamy tang. It’s a salad that feels comforting yet invigorating — a dish that you can throw together quickly but still impress guests with. It’s versatile, nutrient-rich, and ideal for everyday meals or special occasions. With its balance of crunch and creaminess, it captures the essence of what modern salads should be: vibrant, wholesome, and bursting with flavor.
If you’re looking for a dish that celebrates vegetables in the most delicious way possible, this salad is it. Try it once, and it’ll likely become one of your go-to recipes for years to come — simple, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable.