Fresh, crunchy, and full of bright herbs, this Lebanese Cabbage Salad (Malfouf Salad) is a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw. Made with finely shredded cabbage, lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs, it comes together in just 20 minutes and is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, mezze platters, or a light lunch.
Ingredients for Lebanese Cabbage Salad
This Lebanese-style coleslaw is made with just a handful of fresh ingredients you likely already have at home. Here’s what makes it special:
- Cabbage – Use about 500 g total shredded cabbage. White cabbage is classic, with a little purple cabbage for colour contrast. Choose a firm head for the best crunch. Pointed (sweetheart) cabbage also works, but the texture is softer and wilts faster once dressed.
- Fresh herbs – A mix of parsley, mint, and dill brings layers of flavour and freshness.
- Garlic – Finely minced for just the right amount of kick.
- Green onions – Add a mild sharpness that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
- Dressing – Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne create a light, zesty finish.
- Za’atar – A classic Middle Eastern spice blend that adds earthy, tangy depth.
How to Make Lebanese Cabbage Salad in 3 Quick & Easy Steps!
Making Malfouf Salad couldn’t be easier. Here’s the simple process:
- Prepare the base – Shred the cabbage and chop the onions, then add to a large bowl with a pinch of salt.
- Mix the dressing – Stir in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, za’atar, and cayenne if you like a bit of heat. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add herbs and rest – Fold in parsley, mint, and dill, then let the salad sit for a few minutes so the flavours come together.
Get the exact ingredient quantities in the printable recipe card below. ausdrucken kannst.
Why I Think You’ll Love This Lebanese Cabbage Salad
Here are a few of my favourite reasons why this recipe might just win you over:
- Meal-prep friendly – Stays crisp for hours, making it ideal for picnics and gatherings.
- Light & refreshing – A healthier alternative to creamy coleslaw.
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 20 minutes with no cooking required.
- Packed with flavour – Fresh herbs and za’atar add a Middle Eastern twist.
- Versatile – Works as a side for grilled meats, falafel, or part of a mezze spread.
If you enjoy this cabbage salad, you might also love other fresh and flavourful recipes from the blog, like a classic tabbouleh bursting with parsley and lemon, a vibrant fattoush salad with crispy pita chips, a hearty Middle Eastern lentil salad with herbs and feta that makes a perfect meal on its own, or a protein-packed Turkish white bean salad that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Each of these dishes shares the same fresh, zesty Mediterranean flavours that make Malfouf Salad such a favourite.
Lebanese Cabbage Salad (Malfouf Salad)
This Lebanese Cabbage Salad (Malfouf Salad) is a crisp, zesty side made with shredded cabbage, fresh herbs, lemon, and za’atar. Quick, healthy, and full of flavour, it’s the perfect companion to almost any meal.
I’d love your feedback – just click on the stars to rate this recipe! ⭐
Ingredients
- 500 g shredded cabbage (about 1/2 a large white cabbage, with a little purple cabbage, if desired)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Juice of 1 1/2 lemons (about 4 tablespoons)
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons za’atar, divided
- 1 small bunch parsley, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (about 4 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (about 4 tablespoons)
Method
-
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded white cabbage, purple cabbage, and green onions. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, cayenne pepper (if using), 1 teaspoon of za’atar, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine.
-
Add the parsley, mint, and dill. Toss again gently until everything is evenly coated.
-
Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. Just before serving, toss again lightly and sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of za’atar, if desired.
-
Enjoy!
Notes
- For the most authentic and refreshing Malfouf Salad, choose a firm, crisp white cabbage (also called green cabbage). It has a mild flavour and crunchy texture that holds up beautifully against the lemon and olive oil dressing. Adding a little purple cabbage not only brings colour but also a slightly earthier taste and extra antioxidants.
- If you prefer, you can use pointed (sweetheart) cabbage. It’s a little sweeter, more tender, and has a delicate texture, which makes the salad softer and less crunchy.
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.
Did you try this Lebanese Cabbage Salad recipe?
Did you try this Lebanese Cabbage Salad recipe?Then tag @ellerepublic on Instagram and hashtag it #ellerepublic
How did you like it?
Please let me know how this Lebanese Cabbage Salad recipe turned out for you! I would love to hear how you liked it. Simply rate it with the stars above ⭐ or leave me a comment and rate it below.
Did you make any changes to this recipe?
If you have tips for other readers, let me know! It helps me and other readers so much. Sharing is Caring :-).
