As I sit down to tell you about Mom’s Purple Cabbage Salad – I think about the fact that ain’t no one ever going to type into google “purple cabbage salad”. And, anyone coming upon this recipe on my blog would likely be reluctant to click on it – so I have GOT to make the name more interesting. And, I don’t think I’m stretching the truth with the added – aka – the BEST summer picnic salad ever. I love this stuff. I can eat bowls and bowls of it over days and days. Really. No exaggeration. I definitely think you should make this – see what I’m talking about – and bring this to your next big summer outing.
Do I have to have a picnic to make it?
No. Definitely not. But do NOT make a full recipe of this UNLESS you are going somewhere and have a bunch of people to feed. On the back of the recipe card from 1989 mom wrote – serves 16 – 20. That’s no joke. Definitely break this bad boy in half if you aren’t going somewhere and feeding a bunch of people.
So what’s in it besides purple cabbage?
It could alternately be called the yummiest cruciferous salad ever. Does that help? Hahaha…. OK. So – Cruciferous vegetables are a family of vegetables that includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips.
I’m still not answering the question, am I?
How’s this: Broccoli and Cauliflower. And peas. And BACON. What could go wrong?
Is it hard to make?
Heck No! Chop some veg (ok, a LOT of Veg), cook One Pound of BACON, and make a salad dressing (mayo + sugar + Parm + S&P) and mix up in the BIGGEST BOWL YOU HAVE. Not kidding there either. The biggest bowl you have will let you mix up the ingredients easily. Doing it in a small bowl will just make a mess on your counter. Been there, done that.
Realizing I love this stuff and it’s hard for me to describe… I’m no Guy Fieri…
I’ve been eating this salad for what seems like forever. It’s hard for me to understand that someone might not want to eat this. So I asked Chat GPT what the marketing department would say about this salad… and it suggested a few highlights:
It’s an Irresistible flavor combination : The flavors of the salad showcases the smoky richness of the bacon complemented by the freshness of the broccoli, cauliflower, purple cabbage, and peas. Each ingredient contributes to a vibrant and satisfying taste experience.
It’s seasonably fresh: The salad is perfect for summer picnics when people are looking for light and refreshing options during the warmer months.
Healthy Ingredients: The cruciferous vegetables are known for their nutritional value combined with the protein-rich bacon. The salad provides a balance of flavors while offering high nutritional value.
Indulgent Yet Balanced Dressing: The tangy mayonnaise dressing with Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch adding creaminess and depth of flavor to the salad. The dressing enhances the overall taste without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients.
Versatile and Convenient: This salad is an ideal side dish for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or any summer gathering. This is a make-ahead dish that can be prepared in advance, eliminating concerns over being ready on time. There is nothing to prepare once at the gathering.
One last piece of advice – Keep it Cold !
I learned this trick long long ago when I was a Tupperware lady. (Yes, really.) Get a few small pieces of Tupperware – which are guaranteed not to leak – the round ones. The old ones. (Not sure whether the new fangled ones are leak-proof. Double check before you ruin a huge bowl of salad!) You could put some water into round tupperwares and freeze them the night before. Then next day – before the picnic – you could put the frozen tupperware containers inside the salad – and they will keep the salad cold and won’t leak. Option #2 – Place a larger bowl of ice under your bowl of salad – keeping the salad cold and safe longer. #3 – place a frozen cooler container (Freez Pak or Ice Pack) into a big bowl of water – and place that big bowl under your salad.
Just some ideas to keep you all safe given the mayo in the dressing.
Enjoy !
Mom’s Purple Cabbage Salad – aka – the BEST Summer Picnic Salad Ever.
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl – Honestly – the biggest one you have
Ingredients
Salad Components
- 1 Head Purple Cabbage – Shredded
- 1 Head Cauliflower – Cut up into bite sized pieces
- 1 Bunch Broccoli – Get a big Bunch – equivalent to the cabbage / cauliflower – cut up into bite sized pieces
- ½ Large Onion – Chopped
- 1 Lb Bacon – Fried and Crumbled – more is always better
- 12 oz Frozen Peas – i.e. – one small package
Salad Dressing
- 2 C Hellmans Mayo – Not sure what to say to those of us West of the Mississippi… except Amazon sells Hellman's FYI.
- ⅓ C Parmesan Cheese – Grated – Use fresh – (Mom always used the green stuff tho.)
- ½ C Sugar – Yikes – No wonder it's good ! The Californian in me thinks this should be reduced – but I know it wouldn't taste like Mom's if we did reduce it…
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Fry and drain the bacon.
- Chop the broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower into bite sized pieces.
- Dice the onion.
- Mix all Salad Dressing together in a bowl.
- Mix all vegetables together in a LARGE bowl.
- Mix the salad dressing into the vegetables and let it sit for a bit. Maybe an hour or two before serving. Stir well before each subsequent serving.
- Mom says this serves 16 – 20 people if a full recipe is made.
- Mom also says it will keep 4-5 days if tightly covered.