Kebab Shop Salad Dressing

Have you ever indulged in a nice kebab at the weekend with the greasy meat filled with flavour and then the crisp crunchy refreshing cabbage kebab salad cutting through the fat so you can take an ever bigger bite next time.  A little unhealty but so very mouth dribbling satisfaction.

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When I succumb to the takeaway from the kebab shop I now go for the grilled meats of lamb and chicken rather from the rotisserie as its packed with fat, but that was until I discovered how easy and cheap it is to make your own dressing at home for the Kebab Shop Salad Dressing . Even better it only takes a few minutes to make and then some resting time for it to work its magic on the cabbage and anything else you wish to add to your salad.

Some great simple Kebab Recipes  or a spicy chilli jam to accompany

Shish Kebab Salad Dressing

What cheaper ingredients could you ask for, cabbage (white red) onion carrot if you wish, its simple and when you add i to your own grilled meats and pitta bread you have your very own healthy stay in take away. I use a BBQ rack for the oven, I have 2 of them 1 a ceramic dish that I can lay the skewers on in in the oven but then I stumbled across this oven/bbq kebab griller which is so versatile. Sometimes know as Turkish Salad (LAHANA SALATA) or a Cabbage salad. Try it on a burger

The Kebab Salad will keep in the fridge for 4/5 days and improve in flavour

If you would like something a little spicy with your kebab then you have to try this super simple Chilli Jam recipe which will keep for weeks in the fridge

How Do You Make Red Cabbage Like A Kebab Shop

You simply follow the simple recipe of olive oil, white vinegar, lemon, herbs and salt. The secret to get it tasting like you have just bought it from the kebab shop is to give its time. Giving it time for all the flavours to marry together will make it taste exactly the same as if you had bought it from your favourite Turkish kebab shop. Leave for at least 30 minutes for the marinade to do its work.

I have added some more great dressings below, all very simple and costing pennies to make, the best dressing is way down at the bottom, mine of course.

How Do You Shred The Red Cabbage

It all depends on your knife skills and the quantity you need. When I am making a small portion for myself I just use the knife. If I am making a batch to take to a BBQ, then I use a mandolin too speed up the process. Also you need to keep an eye on the thickness of the shredded red cabbage, to0 thick and then the dressing will not permeate the cabbage. When it’s to thick it isn’t nice on the mouth and its just too chewy.

On the other hand don’t think you can cut the cabbage too thin, in fact thinner the better. The thin cabbage strands soak up the dressing much quicker

What Is the Best Oil To Use For The Shredded Cabbage

You will need a light mild olive oil, do not use extra virgin olive oil as thee strong taste all mask the marinade. In fact do not use and oil that has strong flavours. The one exception would be if you used a little lemon infused olive oil.

Turkish Red Cabbage Salad

There are variations on the classic kebab shop salad which are revered and loved by the Turkish people.  These are called a Turkish Cabbage salad or a Red Cabbage salad. These cabbage salads are very simple to prepare with the minimum of ingredients. Take half a cabbage, either red cabbage or a white cabbage. Shred the cabbage finely and add to the bowl. Then simply add the juice of half a lemon with 3tsp of olive oil. Season with salt & pepper allowing the mix to stand for at least 30 minutes. Cabbage Salads and kebab salads will keep in the fridge for a least 4 to 5 days still retaining their crunch.

I always add sugar to my mix just to give its more balance

Why Do You Add Sugar To The Cabbage

I personally add sugar to give the kebab shop salad balance against the sharp vinegar. As I am getting older I am adding sugar to more dressing as my stomach seems to react against to much acidity.

The key to a delicious Turkish red cabbage salad

The key to cabbage based salads is to slice the cabbage very thinly – as thinly as you possibly can. If the slices are too thick, it will be tough to eat and the bitter flavours are more apparent, even dominating. Use a mandolin if you like; I prefer to use my sharpest knife.

The Health Benefits of a Cabbage Salad

Cabbage is a Cruciferous vegetables and the enhanced benefits are said to reduce the risk of cancer & heart disease. Also the common cabbage is packed with vitamin C, Vitamin K which could help improve brain function.  The cabbage is packed full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium all helping to develop strong bones. These minerals will slow down any possible inset of osteoporosis. The fiber content in cruciferous vegetables is a great aid for digestion and helps combat constipation.

The red cabbage contains more antioxidants than the common green cabbage. If your not eating enough or any cabbage then you need to start even if its just for the health benefits alone.  PS it really does taste good as well, thats if you dont boil it for an hour like your mum did. So yes read cabbage is good for you.

What Else Can You Serve Your Kebab Salad With

I like to use my kebab salad on my burgers. The crunchy fresh taste cuts through all the meat giving it a real contrast of texture.

Other Great Recipes With Red Cabbage and White Cabbage