About this recipe
This chipotle ranch cabbage salad is crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a fresh twist on coleslaw — shredded red and green cabbage, crunchy cucumbers, sweet carrots, and toasted pepitas tossed in a smoky chipotle ranch dressing.
Think of it as a cross between a Southwest chopped salad and a chipotle coleslaw. It works as a side for tacos, burgers, or grilled veggies, but it’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Plus, you can make it dairy-free with a couple of easy swaps.
Why you will love this recipe
- Crunch + creaminess – cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers keep it fresh, while the chipotle ranch ties it all together.
- Easy to make ahead – perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weekday meal prep.
- Healthy & flexible – gluten-free, can be made paleo, Whole30, or vegan.
- Multi-purpose – serve as a side, taco topping, or light lunch.
Ingredient notes
- Cabbage – a mix of red and green cabbage makes the salad colorful and crunchy.
- Carrots – shredded or julienned.
- Cucumber – English or Persian.
- Pepitas
- Chipotle ranch dressing.
Optional add-ins: diced avocado, black beans, or grilled corn for a more filling salad.
💫 Find the recipe for the Chipotle Ranch Dressing HERE!
How to make chipotle ranch cabbage salad
- Prepare the vegetables: shred the cabbage, slice the cucumbers, and julienne or shred the carrots.
- In a large bowl, toss the veggies with toasted pepitas.
- Pour in the chipotle ranch dressing (start with ½ cup) and toss until lightly coated.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.
Variations & serving ideas
- Chipotle coleslaw for tacos – use as a topping for fish tacos, veggie tacos, or burrito bowls.
- Meal-prep salad – add protein like crispy tofu, beans, or shredded chicken.
- Southwest chopped salad – add corn, black beans, and avocado for a heartier dish.
Home-cook to home-cook tips
- Toast your pepitas in a dry skillet until they pop — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- If your dressing is thick, thin it with lime juice or water before tossing the salad.
- Salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 5 minutes if you want to avoid excess water in the salad.
- For the best crunch, dress the salad just before serving.
FAQ
Chipotle Ranch Cabbage Salad with Carrots, Cucumbers & Pepitas
Equipment
- 1 Salad bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 medium carrots julienned or shredded
- 1 English cucumber thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted pepitas pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 –3/4 cup chipotle ranch dressing see my recipe here
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 avocado diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup black beans or grilled corn for a heartier salad
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and thinly slice the cucumber.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, and toasted pepitas.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chipotle ranch dressing and toss to coat. Add more dressing if desired.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Fold in optional avocado, beans, or corn if using.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Notes
Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo and yogurt in the chipotle ranch dressing.
Make it Whole30/Paleo: Use compliant mayo and skip yogurt, or sub with coconut yogurt.
Serving ideas: Perfect as a chipotle slaw for tacos, a side for BBQ, or a fresh topping for burgers.
Tip: Toast pepitas in a dry skillet until they pop for extra flavor.
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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