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!
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Jump to:
- 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 to slice cabbage:
- 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
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a new "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart is available in 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 to slice cabbage:
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:
- 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!!
When you make this 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. Google appreciates ratings on recipes and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. 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!
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
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