Swedish Pizza Salad Recipe
Introduction
Swedish pizza salad is a simple and tangy side dish that perfectly complements a variety of meals, especially pizza. Made from crunchy cabbage and a zesty vinegar dressing, it’s refreshing and quick to prepare.

Ingredients
- 1 kg White cabbage (2.2 lb)
- 4 tbsp White vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sugar (or 4 tbsp pineapple juice)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
- 3 tsp Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the cabbage very thinly using a mandolin slicer for best results and place it in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add sugar and white vinegar to the cabbage. Using your hands, squeeze the cabbage for a few minutes to release some liquid, which will become part of the dressing. Keep all the liquid in the bowl.
- Step 3: Add oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the cabbage mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and liquid to develop.
- Step 5: After resting, the salad will have released more liquid, which acts as a natural dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter twist, substitute the sugar with pineapple juice as suggested, which adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Use freshly ground black pepper and good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- If you don’t have a mandolin, a sharp knife will work; just slice the cabbage as thinly as you can for optimal texture.
Storage
Store the Swedish pizza salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the cabbage may soften over time. Serve cold, and stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it an hour or more ahead is recommended as resting helps develop the flavors and soften the cabbage slightly.
Is Swedish pizza salad spicy?
No, it is not spicy. The salad is tangy and slightly sweet, with herbal notes from the oregano, making it a fresh contrast to rich dishes like pizza.
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Swedish Pizza Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Swedish Pizza Salad is a crisp, tangy cabbage salad traditionally served alongside pizza in Sweden. It features thinly sliced white cabbage marinated with white vinegar, sugar or pineapple juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then rested to develop a flavorful dressing from the cabbage’s own liquid. This refreshing salad adds a zesty crunch that complements rich pizza dishes perfectly.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 kg White Cabbage (2.2 lb)
- 4 tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sugar (or 4 tbsp Pineapple Juice)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 3 tsp Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Cabbage: Start by slicing the white cabbage very thinly using a mandolin slicer for uniformity. Place the thinly sliced cabbage into a large bowl.
- Squeeze with Vinegar and Sugar: Add the sugar and white vinegar (or pineapple juice) to the cabbage. Squeeze the cabbage mixture with your hands for several minutes until it releases liquid. Retain this liquid as it will become part of the salad dressing.
- Add Seasonings and Oil: To the cabbage and its liquid, add the oregano, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors well.
- Rest the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld while the liquid becomes a flavorful dressing.
- Serve and Enjoy: After resting, you will notice the salad has released more dressing liquid. Leave it as is and serve chilled alongside your favorite pizza for a refreshing accompaniment.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer ensures the cabbage is thinly and evenly sliced, which helps with better flavor absorption and texture.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, substitute sugar with pineapple juice as an alternative sweetener.
- This salad tastes best when allowed to rest for at least 1 hour but can be stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan friendly.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to balance the tanginess and enhance the overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Swedish
Keywords: Swedish pizza salad, cabbage salad, tangy salad, no-cook salad, vegan Swedish salad, pizza side dish, quick salad

