Baja Cabbage Salad (Erewhon-Inspired, Budget-Friendly, and So Dang Fresh)
You know that feeling when you grab a gorgeous $20 salad from Erewhon and think, this is delicious… but WHY is it $20?! Same. That’s exactly why I created this Baja Cabbage Salad—it’s crunchy, vibrant, totally addicting, and you can make it at home for a quarter of the price.
This salad is light but satisfying, crunchy yet juicy, and thanks to a lemony, umami-rich olive oil dressing—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to meal prep and snack on all week. Honestly, it makes me feel like I just walked out of a fancy L.A. wellness café, even if I’m still in my kitchen in my favorite sweatshirt.
What I love most is that it’s more than just a “pretty salad”—this one is functional food, packed with fiber, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory ingredients that nourish you from the inside out. Especially helpful if, like me, you’re in that fabulous post-50 stage of life and want to support digestion, hormones, and skin from every angle.
Baja Cabbage Salad
Rate This Recipe:
Equipment
- Mandolin or Chef's Knife
- large bowl
- Metallic Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- ½ med head of red cabbage
- ¼ cup scallions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 jalapeño
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- sea salt
Instructions
Salad Instructions
- Finley sliced the red cabbage using a mandolin. If you do not have a mandolin thinly slice using a chef’s knife.½ med head of red cabbage
- Combine cabbage, cilantro, scallions in a large bowl.¼ cup cilantro, ¼ cup scallions
Dressing Instructions
- Using a metallic bowl, place rice vinegar, lemon juice, coconut amino into bowl.¼ cup rice vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- Next slowly drizzle one cup of extra-virgin olive oil, while whisking. Then add the salt.1 cup olive oil, sea salt
Putting the Salad Together
- Toss the salad with the dressing.
- Garnish with more cilantro, scallions, pumpkin seeds, and top with sliced jalapeño.¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- Serve immediately.
Video
More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want
- Mandolin slicer – for those ultra-thin cabbage ribbons (watch your fingers!)
- Chef’s knife – if slicing by hand, make sure it’s sharp
- Large mixing bowl – to toss everything together with room to spare
- Small whisk – for emulsifying the dressing
- Glass jar or dressing bottle – to store extra dressing in the fridge
Cooking Tips
- Slice thin. The thinner the cabbage, the more tender the salad.
- Let it sit. After tossing the salad with dressing, give it 10–15 minutes to soak in the flavor before serving.
- Make it a meal. Add grilled shrimp, salmon, or crispy tofu on top for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
- Double the dressing. It’s great drizzled over grain bowls, roasted sweet potatoes, or as a quick veggie marinade.
Nutrition
Why This Baja Cabbage Salad Loves You Back
Here’s the thing: red cabbage isn’t just a colorful backdrop. It’s a powerhouse veggie for women 50+—especially when paired with gut-loving ingredients like pumpkin seeds and olive oil.
- Red cabbage is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and sulforaphane—a compound that supports detox and healthy aging. It’s also full of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and reduce bloating.
- Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and zinc, two essential minerals for bone density and hormone balance post-menopause.
- Olive oil is full of anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Bonus: it helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the cabbage and herbs.
- Cilantro may support detox pathways and is naturally rich in antioxidants.
- Coconut aminos provide a lower-sodium, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce while adding umami flavor.
Erewhon Vibes, Grocery Store Price
Here’s the deal: Erewhon salads are gorgeous, but at nearly $20 a pop, they’re not exactly everyday fare. This homemade version costs about $4 per serving when you shop smart—proof that wellness doesn’t need a celebrity price tag.
Here’s an estimate of the cost for the ingredients at a lower-cost grocery store:
Red cabbage (1 medium head): Approximately $2.50
Scallions (1/4 cup): Approximately $0.50
Cilantro (1/4 cup): Approximately $0.75
Pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup): Approximately $1.99
For the dressing:
Olive oil (1 cup): Approximately $5.99
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Approximately $1.99
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Negligible cost
Coconut aminos (1 tablespoon): Approximately $2.99
Sea salt: Negligible cost
Total estimated cost for ingredients: Approximately $16.71
This comes out to approximately $4 dollars per 8 oz serving!
Shopping at a lower-cost grocery store should result in a lower overall cost compared to Erewhon.
Final Thoughts
This Baja Cabbage Salad is proof that you can eat clean, feel amazing, and still be budget-conscious. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and exactly the kind of dish that keeps you energized and glowing throughout the day. Bonus: it keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for batch lunches or quick weeknight sides.
Whether you’re feeding your family, planning a spring picnic, or just want something nourishing to pair with your favorite mocktail, this one’s a go-to.
Stay vibrant, stay full, and most importantly—enjoy every bite.