The first things you'll notice about this Copycat Sunflower Crunch Kale and Cabbage Salad is that it is colorful, healthy, and addictive! This chilled salad has it ALL going on!! Dig in! You're going to love this colorful salad!
I came up with my own version of this sunflower crunch salad because I used to love the prepared Dole sunflower crunch salad kit from the grocery's produce department so much.
This kale, cabbage, and sunflower coleslaw is my copycat version of that similar bag salad, but I can say with 100% confidence that this recipe is far superior in taste and freshness!
This recipe post and its contents may include affiliate links for your consideration. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but your prices are never increased as a result. Thank you.
Go directly to the recipe.
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- How long does it take to prepare this make-ahead chilled side dish?
- Can this chilled chop salad be served as something other than a side dish?
- Why this recipe is superior to what you can purchase in the grocery store?
- Can the sunflower crunch salad dressing be used for other salads?
- What if I wanted a vegetarian salad? Can I leave the bacon out?
- Why is this the perfect BBQ side dish?
- What BBQ main course does this recipe best pair with?
- Do I need a food processor to chop the cabbages and carrots?
- How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
- Can I substitute other nuts for the sunflower seeds?
- Additional side dishes to serve with your next BBQ:
- Additional salad recipes:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Copycat Sunflower Crunch Kale Cabbage Salad
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- Green Cabbage
- Red Cabbage
- Fresh Kale
- Carrots
- Bacon Bits
- Salt and Pepper
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Minced Garlic
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dried Cranberries
- Sunflower Seeds
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- large mixing bowl
- medium mixing bowl
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
- whisk
- wooden spoon or spatula
- vegetable peeler
- whisk
- garlic press (optional)
- food processor (optional)
- plastic wrap (for chilling)
How long does it take to prepare this make-ahead chilled side dish?
From the chopping to the mixing, this sunflower crunch salad will take approximately 20 minutes to prepare.
Chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (but overnight is preferred) is the best way to get the most flavor out of this delicious and colorful vegetable dish.
Can this chilled chop salad be served as something other than a side dish?
By mixing up a big bowl of this copycat bagged salad mix, you can have it ready to eat for lunch (or dinner) anytime you like.
Also, feel free to add some cooked protein if you're looking for something a little more substantial.
Whenever you serve this salad, for lunch, dinner, or even a party, be ready for people to fill their plates and then come back for more.
Kale and cabbage sunflower salad is a winning combination of flavors and textures that will soon become your signature dish!
Why this recipe is superior to what you can purchase in the grocery store?
I've added dried cranberries to the mix, and I've also added sweet apple cider (apple juice also works) to thin the dressing, and for a little touch of extra sweetness.
Click here for my latest and greatest Kudos Kitchen tasty BBQ side dishes.
Can the sunflower crunch salad dressing be used for other salads?
You bet!
Whisk up the mayonnaise, apple juice (or cider), vinegar, sugar, and garlic (optional) and use it on any salad you like. This sweet and tangy dressing will soon become one of your favorites!
What if I wanted a vegetarian salad? Can I leave the bacon out?
By all means...YES!!! It's your salad, your call!
Why is this the perfect BBQ side dish?
- Because everyone loves it!
- It's a make-ahead time-saver.
- Healthy options are always popular!
- It's fresh and colorful!
- It's cold and crunchy!
- It pairs well will all types of food!!
What BBQ main course does this recipe best pair with?
- pulled pork
- bbq chicken
- ribs
- brisket
- bbq beef
- hamburgers
- cheeseburgers
- sausages
- pork chops
What will YOU serve it alongside?
Do I need a food processor to chop the cabbages and carrots?
No, not at all! I didn't use one.
I used a chef's knife and a cutting board. But, of course, using a food processor will be faster.
If using a you're using a chef's knife and cutting board, slice the cabbages into quarters, remove the cores (heart), and then thinly slice the quarters into strips, and chop into small pieces.
Easy, peasy with no extra equipment to wash!
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
Keep it well covered in an air-tight container and it will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Can I substitute other nuts for the sunflower seeds?
Yes, of course!
Try making this with chopped pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, or even chopped macadamia nuts.
Since I'm a nut and seed girl, I'm certain that any (or all) of them would be a tasty addition.
Additional side dishes to serve with your next BBQ:
- Calico Beans with Beef and Bacon is a deliciously hearty side dish that can also serve double duty as a main course. They're a sweet and smoky baked bean dish that is always popular no matter when they're served!
- BBQ Side Dish Recipe Roundup (pictured below) from all your favorite food bloggers.
"With the help of this BBQ Side Dishes recipe roundup, your BBQ menu will keep your family and friends very full, and extremely happy!"
Additional salad recipes:
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad is a hearty romaine lettuce salad loaded with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. It's then topped with a lightly sweet and tangy homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette that balances this delicious salad perfectly!
A chef's salad isn't something only to be eaten at restaurants. You can easily make this Best Ever Chef's Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing at home with all the great add-ins and flavor you love!
This Kale Salad with Fresh Berries is a deliciously healthy side dish that takes only minutes to prepare. It's chock full of Mother Nature's healthiest ingredients and then topped with a homemade vinaigrette which has just the right amount of tang to complement the hearty kale.
You won't find a better macaroni salad than this chilled Macaroni and Pea Salad. It may sound like a bold statement, but it's the truth. This pasta salad has a perfectly balanced flavor that's light and refreshing.
If you're looking for a coleslaw recipe you can make in advance that tastes amazing and can remain outdoors without running for cover during summer's hottest weather, look no further. This No Mayo Sweet Sour Coleslaw will be your backyard BBQ's best friend!!
Chilled Broccoli and Apple Salad is simply one of the best broccoli salads you'll ever eat. In addition it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and everyone loves it.
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did. Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
Copycat Sunflower Crunch Kale Cabbage Salad
Equipment
- food processor optional for shredding vegetables
- plastic wrap optional, for chilling
- garlic press optional
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage chopped into a small dice
- ½ head purple cabbage chopped into a small dice
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped into a small dice
- 2 cups kale ribs removed and chopped into a small dice
- ½ cup bacon bits
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the green and purple cabbage along with the prepared carrots and kale.
- Add the salt, pepper, bacon bits, garlic, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Stir well to combine. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider, cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cider and mayonnaise dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours for the best flavor.
- Serve chilled with additional dried cranberries and sunflower seeds to the top, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for Sunflower crunch salad as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Debbie Felske says
Love this salad so very much. My question is: can I use low calorie mayo and do you use salted or unsalted sunflower seeds.
Thank you.
Renée says
Hi, Debbie!
You can certainly use low-calorie mayonnaise.
As far as the sunflower seeds, I use salted, but unsalted will also work.
I hope this is helpful. Thanks for visiting. Please come again.
Take care,
Renee
Adrienne Cameron-Parks says
I recently tried the bagged version of this salad and right away jumped onto the internet to find the dressing. You did not disappoint me!!!! In fact...yours is better!!! Try this salad on top of a shredded beef or pork bbq sandwich. Chefs kiss!!! Thank you for taking the time to write this recipe.
Renée says
Very high praise, Adrienne, THANK YOU!!
I love you thinking outside of the box and topping beef and pork with the dressing too. Smart girl!
Thanks for taking the time to comment and rate this recipe.
I hope you'll visit again and try more of my recipes.
Thanks again,
Renee
Sandra says
This recipe would make too much for my family since I’m the only one who will eat kale. I substituted Trader Joe’s 10oz bag of Cruciferous Crunch (kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green and red cabbage) for the vegetables in the recipe. The only other change was omitting the bacon. This is such a wonderful salad and the dressing is almost drinkable delicious. I plan on serving the original recipe at our Super Bowl party and am almost certain there won’t be any leftovers! Thank you for sharing this healthy, delicious recipe.
Renée says
Hi, Sandra!
I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe and I think the use of TJ's bagged salad is brilliant!
Thank you for the wonderful rating and comment.
Take good care,
Renee
Deborah White says
I made this for New Year 2024, what a hit. I omitted kale as did not have any, used 1 tsp of salt as tried to make a smaller amount, did not change anything else. I also made it a second time on Jan 4 (haha no leftovers) and used pecans as was too lazy to go to store for sunflower seeds.
Can't say enough about this salad. Thanks for the recipe!
Renée says
Wow, Deborah!
That is quite a glowing review!! Thank you so much for coming back to rate this recipe and leave your wonderful comment. It means the world to me.
I'm thrilled you (and others) enjoyed this so much.
I do hope you'll visit me again and check out more of my recipes.
Until we eat again,
Thank you so much!!
Renee
Emily says
I'm picky...I've been sadly disappointed with every coleslaw recipe I've tried, UNTIL this one came along. I'm not even a big cabbage fan, but I really enjoyed the ingredients in this recipe. Thank you!
Renée says
Wow, Emily!
I really appreciate you leaving this comment and also for the 5-star rating.
I'm so very happy you enjoyed this salad.
I hope you'll visit my site often and try more recipes.
Thanks so much,
Renee
Ruth says
This is my grandson’s favorite salad, one of the few ways he’ll eat his veggies!
Renée says
I'm go glad he loves this salad, Ruth! Thanks for telling me because it's heartwarming to me when a kid eats veggies and enjoys them.
Thanks also for the 5 star rating. I really appreciate it!
Take good care, and please come back to visit.
Renee
Johnny Baw says
Is it really supposed to have 2tsp of salt? I'm going to cut it out next time as I'm a little sensitive. Otherwise delicious and crunchy!
Renée says
Hi, Johnny!
Of course, if you're sensitive feel free to cut back on the salt.
That's always a wonderful idea. However, kosher salt isn't as strongly flavored
as iodized table salt, and I always use kosher salt.
If you don't already use kosher salt I suggest you give it a try.
I appreciate you giving this recipe 5 stars. Thank you very much!!
Have a wonderful day!
Renee
Jojo says
I followed the recipes and the salt was too much. Love the salad though. Going to try it again with 1/4 of the salt
Renée says
Hi, Jojo!
I've never heard anyone say that before, but everyone has different ideas of "too salty."
I'm glad you'll be making the recipe again and using salt to your taste.
Take good care,
Renee
Smilingdown says
Does the recipe really call for 1/4c. apple cider vinegar and 1 1/2T. apple cider vinegar which were separate on the ingredients list? I used 2T. Apple cider vinegar and adjusted the salt from 2t. to only 1/2t.
Other than that the recipe was good.
Renée says
Hello,
The ¼ cup is of apple cider or apple juice. The sweet stuff. The beverage. Not cider vinegar.
The apple cider vinegar is different, and that is 1½ tablespoons.
I hope this helps. Cider vinegar and Apple Cider or Juice.
Have a good day,
Renee
Cathy says
What would happen if you put the dressing on and keep it in the refrigerator? How long would it last? Would it get too mushy or be ok for a few days?
Renée says
It will definitely be okay for a few days. The cabbage and kale are hearty veggies that will stand up and retain their crunch.
Go ahead and make it ahead. You'll be fine. That's also why the leftovers are ok to keep for awhile. I'd put a 6 day limit on it, however.
I hope this is helpful.
Have a great day,
Renee
Kristina Olson says
Delicious! Thank you for posting.
One of my favorites. I have made it several times. It's handles substitutions very well. I have made with stevia, maple syrup and honey on separate occasions. Even used raisins when I didn't have cranberries and pumpkin seeds when I didn't have sunflower seeds. All variations were extremely enjoyable.
I really appreciate your time and effort in sharing this must have recipe.
Kristina
Renée says
You are a doll, Kristina!
Thank you for your lovely comment and the 5 star rating.
I'm glad this recipe works so well for you and adapts to your tastes and preferences.
Have a wonderful day,
Renee
Wendy Jackson says
Have you tried this with Greek Yogurt instead of mayo? If not, do you think it would be as good? Thank you!
Renée says
Hi, Wendy!
I have not tried this with Greek yogurt, but I do have a few suggestions if you do.
Make sure you cut back on the amount of vinegar used in the recipe. Since Greek yogurt has quite a tang to it already, I wouldn't want it to overpower the salad.
You still want a nice balance of sweet and tart.
I'd also cut back a on the amount of apple cider so the dressing is on the thicker side and not runny, but that's just me.
Play around a little with the amounts, and taste as you go. That's your best bet.
I don't know if this helps, but it's my suggestion. Let me know.
Thanks so much for your question.
Have a great day,
Renee
Wendy Jackson says
Your suggestions were great and the salad was very popular...served it to a large group and everyone wanted the recipe. I am making another batch now and realized I didn't reply. Thank you for a great recipe!
Renée says
I'm so happy this recipe was well received, Wendy. Thank you very much for letting me know.
Thanks also for the 5-star rating. I appreciate it.
Take good care,
Renee
Melissa says
Do you think using the bagged cole slaw would work instead of chopping fresh cabbage?
Renée says
You bet. I'm not sure why, but for some reason, chopping cabbage is a zen experience for me. You do you though. I know the bagged slaw will work fine.
Take good care,
Renee
Melissa says
Kitchen cheater question: Has anyone tried using the bagged coleslaw instead of cutting up the cabbage? I’m a fan of shortcuts. This looks delicious though.
Renée says
Hi, Melissa!
It's perfectly acceptable to use the bagged coleslaw mix. I'm a fan of taking shortcuts whenever and wherever possible. Enjoy the recipe! 🙂
Renee
Denice says
This is such a easy and fresh salad! I will be making this often!
Renée says
Great to hear it, Denice! Thanks for the 5-star rating too!!
Take good care,
Renee
Becky says
This has become my absolute favorite salad. I think it's partly because I love crunch and this is crunchy! It's so healthy and the flavors just meld together so well. I am vegan, so I top my salad at the time I eat it with a bacon alternative. I also use vegan mayo. Otherwise, I followed the recipe. I love making it up and having it to eat on all week long. Thank you for this fabulous recipe. You're right, it's better than anything I can buy. It is well worth taking the time to chop it up!
Renée says
That's awesome, Becky!
I'm glad you were able to make the changes to the recipe to make it vegan.
Thanks for the very thoughtful comment.
Enjoy, and healthy eating!
Renee
Jenny says
Made this tonight for dinner and everyone loved it(even my super picky 9year old). I made it exactly to recipe except I didn’t add the garlic. Thanks for the great recipe! We will definitely be making it again.
Renée says
This is awesome to hear, Jenny, especially about your picky 9-year-old. Priceless!
Thanks so much for the 5-star rating. That means a lot to me.
Please continue to enjoy the recipe. I'm so glad you do!
Take good care,
Renee
Patty says
This salad had the makings of being fabulous. I was in a rush and used my food processor to chop the carrots and cabbages. I would strongly recommend to take the time and hand chop all veggies.
Renée says
Good to know, Patty. Was the consistency too mushy with the chopping blade?
I did use the food processor (with the shredding blade) but then chopped everything into smaller bits with a chef's knife.
It takes a bit longer this way, but the texture is more to my liking.
I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
Take good care.
Renee
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Homemade is an awesome option! I love this and can't wait to enjoy it over and over (yay for sunflower seeds)!
Renée says
I agree about the sunflower seeds. I eat them by the handful!
Thanks, Patricia!
Felice says
What can you substitute for apple juice?
Renée says
Hi, Felice!
I might try and substitute white grape juice, or apple cider. Both of those will work.
Pear juice would also work, as would pineapple juice. Taste as you go and don't add the full amount the recipe calls for until you're sure it's going to work.
What you're going for is a lightly sweet juice without much color so it won't alter the color of the salad.
I hope this helps.
Take good care,
Renee
Tracey says
Absolutely divine! Thank you so much for sharing
Renée says
My pleasure. So happy you enjoy this recipe!
Take good care, Tracey!
Renee
Tammy says
Has anyone tried adding some pasta to this salad? The salad itself is oh-so-tasty. I’ve added shredded chicken in the past, but wondered how a little bit of pasta would work here? I always seem to have a little extra dressing.
Renée says
I think that's an excellent idea, Tammy! There isn't anything I don't like pasta in, and this salad with pasta would be a winner!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Could the green cabbage be substituted with kale or romaine?
Renée says
Hi, Vanessa!
I think the romaine would be a good substitution for the green cabbage (since kale is already in the recipe).
But, having said that, I don't think this salad would hold up as long in the refrigerator using the romaine.
Probably just a day, two at the most. So be aware that making it ahead is likely not the best idea and leftovers
should be eaten ASAP.
I hope this helps. Enjoy the salad. Please let me know what you think, and which way you decided to go. I'd love to know.
Take good care,
Renee
Suzanne says
This looks so good! I wouldn’t have thought to put these flavors together!
Renée says
Hi, Suzanne!
I do hope you'll try this salad. It's always a huge hit!
Enjoy!
Take good care,
Renee
Elizabeth says
Seriously, so much better than the packaged version!! Absolutely wonderful!!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family
StacyD says
Love this for summer. Reduced sugar and salt but still delicious.
Renée says
Glad to hear it, and glad you made the adjustments you felt necessary. Thanks.
Renee
Becky says
Incredible!!!! I just made it again for our family 4th of July barbecue we're having tomorrow. I hate mayo so I subbed 1/4 c of the mayo with Greek yogurt and good gracious.....even better! Best salad recipe I've ever made. Thanks for sharing!
Renée says
Hi, Becky!
This is so wonderful to hear and I'm so glad you adapted the recipe to your particular tastes and preferences! SO smart!!
Glad you loved the recipe. I'm always happy to share!! Thanks for letting me know, and for the great star rating!
Have a fantastic day!
Renee
Cathy Phillips says
loved the veggies but didn't like the dressing flavor profile at all. It was way too salty and garlicky and just did not work well with the sweetness of the cranberries or the taste of a slaw. I feel like this could have been a much better salad with a different dressing. The kale also seemed completely unnecessary. Deleting the pin and will not make again.
Renée says
Everyone's opinion is different. I happen to love this salad and the dressing. The kale is for texture and nutrition.
Have a lovely day.
Renee
Catherine says
Is cider vinegar the same as apple cider? Made it twice and just used additional apple cider. I also substituted honey for sugar, because I had no sugar. It still taste amazing!
Renée says
Hi, Catherine.
Apple cider vinegar is vinegar. Not sweet. Vinegary. I use it in this salad to give it a little balance so it's not too sweet.
As long as you enjoyed the salad the way you made it, I say keep making it like that! I'm so happy you loved the way it turned out!
Renee
Rhonda says
What kind of mayo do you use in this recipe? Looks delicious.
Renée says
I use Hellmann's. If you decide to use something like a MiracleWhip, I suggest cutting back on the amount of sugar called for in the recipe.
Besides that, any mayo you use should be fine.
Enjoy the salad, Rhonda!
Vicki says
I'm not a fan of kale, would spinach hold up in this salad? Everything else sounds awesome.
Renée says
Hi, Vicki!
Great question, but I'm not 100% sure. My guess would be no because I think it would get too soggy.
If you're not a fan of kale, why not leave it out?
Or, how about if you finely chop some broccoli (florets, and stems, if you're so inclined), and add those to the salad?
I think that would be a terrific addition and one that would hold up well to all the other ingredients.
Just a thought.
I'm anxious to know what you decide to do. Let me know. I'd love to hear.
Hope this helps.
Take care,
Renee
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I loved it! So flavorful!
Lindsay Cotter says
What a delicious side dish! It's sure to be a favorite!
Renée says
Thank you, Lindsay! It's always been a hit whenever I've served it!
Anne says
What is the serving size for this recipe? The nutrition facts says 1g, which must be a typo.
Thank you
Renée says
Hi, Anne!
Sorry about that. I've gone ahead and adjusted the post, recipe card, and the serving size for being 1 cup of salad.
Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
I hope you love this salad as much as I do!
Take care,
Renee
Jennifer says
Does it keep for 5 days with the dressing mixed in, or do I keep it dry until ready to eat?
Renée says
Great question, Jennifer. Keep it dry until ready to eat. The day you're going to serve, add the dressing and chill for about 3-4 hours.
Diane Moody says
Thanks, Renee! Can't wait to try it!
Renée says
You're welcome, Diane! Unfortunately, I can't limit myself to only a half cup! If I don't stop myself, I'd eat the entire bowl! LOL
Enjoy!
Diane says
Hey Renee, this sounds amazing! What is the portion per serving? I’m on Weight Watchers so I’d like to calculate the points.
Renée says
Hi, Diane!
A serving size is approximately 1/2 cup. I hope this helps.
Take care,
Renee
Meagen Brosius says
I love how easy this is but it has so many awesome flavors and textures! Perfect for all my upcoming parties and events!
Renée says
I'm glad you're thinking of entertaining with this salad. It really does please an entire crowd. Thanks, Meagen!
Wilhelmina Wessel says
I love all the delicious crunch! Totally addictive!
Renée says
Thank you, and you're right. It's TOTALLY addictive!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I love how easy this is to make!
Renée says
It's a bonus after the delicious factor!
Alida | Simply Delicious says
So healthy, so delicious! Love all that crunch.
Renée says
Thank you!
Liz says
SO fabulous! I could eat this every single day...the perfect salad!
Renée says
When I have it in my fridge, I definitely eat it every day. I seriously can't get enough!
Beth Lee says
Such great instructions and tips, who needs the bag? Thanks so much for this!
Renée says
Thanks so much, Beth! I'm glad you like the recipe!