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How To Make Kebab Shop Salad (White Cabbage, Red Cabbage And The Rest)
Delicious Turkish kebab shop salad: that’s tasty, fresh and so easy to make. Find out how to make your own homemade takeaway style salad below.

There’s something about kebab shop salad that just tastes so good! The lettuce, the white cabbage and then there’s the red shredded cabbage that’s everyone’s favourite: it’s sweet, crunchy and sour all at the same time. Plus, it looks so beautiful on the table.
This takeaway salad is best served with donner kebab, shish kebab and a red chilli sauce. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make the best takeaway kebab salad including their most popular red cabbage. You won’t miss anything here; the secret is all revealed!

How Do You Make Cabbage Like The Kebab Shop?
Ever wondered why Turkish red and green cabbage taste so good?
There are a few simple steps to turn ordinary cabbage into kebab shop cabbage with its delicious taste and texture.
The first step is to add salt to the cabbage and leave it for a few minutes. What this does is draw out the moisture from the cabbage which is then squeezed out. You’ll notice once you’ve done this step, the texture of the cabbage will resemble kebab shop cabbage.
The next step is to coat the cabbage in a very simple salad dressing, then it’s left aside for the cabbage to soak up the flavours. It’s good to leave the cabbage to rest for at least 30 minutes but 3 to 4 hours is best.
Watch How To Make Kebab Salad
Should I Use Red Or Green Cabbage For My Kebab Salad?
When I get takeaway kebab, I always get red and green cabbage as it’s my top two salad options. Whether you use red cabbage or green cabbage is completely up to you, you can even use both!
Making red cabbage is exactly the same as how you’ll make green cabbage.
Should I Wash My Cabbage And Veg?
Yes, after you have cut your cabbage and lettuce into thin slices, place it into the colander and run it under the tap and mix. Wash each type of veg separately to avoid having to separate them after.
How To Slice The Cabbage And Lettuce

Cut a whole cabbage in half and cut the thick stem off. Place the cabbage flat side down then cut the cabbage lengthways to create long strips. Using a sharp knife will make this step easier.
Donner Kebab Salad Recipe Ingredients
Below are the few ingredients needed to make this Turkish kebab salad, most of the ingredients below are for making the red or green cabbage.
- Cabbage: I used red cabbage for this salad but you can also use green cabbage, Turkish kebab shops serve both. How you make red cabbage is the same way as making green cabbage.
- Salad Dressing For Cabbage: To make the sauce that coats the cabbage, a mixture of salt, olive oil, white vinegar (or wine vinegar) and lemon juice is poured onto the cabbage. It’s then left to soak for at least 30 minutes, the longer it’s left to rest the better it gets.
What’s The Best Oil For Making Shredded Cabbage?
I used olive oil to make the salad dressing. It’s best to use olive oil but if you don’t have it at hand, avoid using any strong flavoured oils as an alternative.
- Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is cut in half, then cut into small strips just like the cabbage.
- Tomatoes & Cucumbers: You can also add tomatoes and cucumbers to your salad, it makes a fresh and juicy addition. The tomatoes and cucumbers are cut into slices and it’s served with the cabbage and lettuce.
How To Make Kebab Shop Salad
Blow is a step-by-step guide on how to make takeaway kebab salad with this fakeaway recipe. Full instructions are on the recipe card at the bottom with a video too.
Step One:
Cut a whole cabbage in half and cut the thick stem off. Place one half of the cabbage flat side down onto your chopping board and cut the cabbage lengthways to create long strips.
Step Two:

Place the cabbage into a colander and wash the cabbage under the tap. Then place the cabbage into a large mixing bowl, add salt and mix it evenly into the cabbage. Then leave the cabbage for 15 minutes.
Step Three:


After 15 minutes, with your hands squeeze out the excess water from the cabbage and pour the excess water out.
Step Four:

Add the lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil into the bowl and mix together until evenly distributed. Then cover the bowl with cling film and leave aside for at least 30 minutes. You can prep the other veg in this time.
Step Five:

Slice your tomatoes and cucumber into circular slices and slice the lettuce into strips (the same way you cut the cabbage).
You can also slice onions to add to this kebab salad but this is optional.
Plate all of the salad and enjoy!
Should I Add Sugar To The Cabbage
Some kebab salad recipes add a small amount of sugar to the cabbage but this is optional. Once the cabbage has soaked in the dressing for 30 minutes, have a taste of the cabbage.
If you find it to be too acidic and sour, you can add half a teaspoon of sugar and give it a mix. If it’s still quite sour for you, then add a bit more sugar as necessary.
What To Serve With Kebab Salad

I love this salad served with homemade lamb shish kebabs, Chicken shish wraps, garlic sauce and Turkish red chilli sauce; they’re all really easy to make.
It also goes well with many other dishes like:

kebab Shop Salad Recipe (Shredded Red Cabbage)
Ingredients
- ½ Whole Red Cabbage
- ½ Whole White Cabbage
- ½ Whole Lettuce
- 4 Tomatoes
- ½ Cucumber
Cabbage Salad Dressing
- 1 tsp Salt Or To Taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar Or White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Cut a whole cabbage in half and cut the thick stem off. Place one half of the cabbage flat side down onto your chopping board and cut the cabbage lengthways to create long strips.
- Place the cabbage into a colander and wash the cabbage under the tap. Then place the cabbage into a large mixing bowl, add salt and mix it evenly into the cabbage. Then leave the cabbage for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, with your hands squeeze out the excess water from the cabbage and pour the excess water out.
- Add the lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil into the bowl and mix together until evenly distributed. Then cover the bowl with cling film and leave aside for at least 30 minutes. You can prep the other veg in this time.
- Slice your tomatoes and cucumber into circular slices and slice the lettuce into strips (the same way you cut the cabbage).You can also slice onions to add to this kebab salad but this is optional.
- Plate all of the salad and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Music in video from Uppbeat, License code: 08VBCZFHCZBZDBBY
Amy
Love this, it’s so tasty. I made this today, thank you.
Michelle
Hi Amy, glad you like the kebab salad!
Kylie
Hiya, can’t wait to try this out. I only have apple cider vinegar at hand. Will this be ok to use instead of white vinegar?
Michelle
Hi Kylie, I wouldn’t advise using apple cider vinegar as it’s more tart in flavour.
Sarah Davis
Oh my God, it’s exactly like kebab salad, I’ll end up looking like a cabbage as can’t stop eating it👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Michelle
Hi Sarah, thanks for trying the recipe 😂!!
Sharna
How long will this keep in the fridge if you dont use it all right away? X
Michelle
Hi Sharna, store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.