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Curtido is an El Salvadoran inspired pickled cabbage slaw recipe that is traditionally served with Pupusas. It is a light and healthy vegan salad with zing!

how to make traditional Curtido cabbage slaw
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Why this recipe works:

Ever heard of Curtido? I hadn’t until I made this recipe, and now I am so happy I stumbled across this super delicious Central American pickled slaw.

We have a restaurant here in Portland that serves the best tacos I’ve ever had in my life, and right next to the salsa in the fridge, we can get pickled vegetables.

I always load up because I can’t get enough of the stuff, and this Curtido salad tastes just like it!

How long does it last in the fridge?

Because Curtido is pickled with vinegar, it actually lasts for quite awhile in the fridge. It’s actually best on the second day because the salad has had time to marinate over night.

I would say you can enjoy Curtido immediately and it will last up to a week in the fridge with 1-2 days being the sweet spot in terms of flavor.

el salvadoran Curtido cabbage slaw

What do you serve with it?

Curtido is best known for being served with Pupusas, another Salvadoran recipe. To be honest, this slaw is the perfect light and tangy side dish to any Latin recipe. It would go great with mahi mahi fish tacos, shredded beef enchiladas, or just cilantro lime rice and charro beans.

How do you pickle cabbage for tacos?

It is so easy. Straight vinegar on cabbage would be too over powering, so I always dilute the vinegar with water like I did in this recipe.

You can always pickle cabbage on it’s own, but I think it’s far more delicious and visually appetizing to mix in other vegetables like carrots and jalapeno for flavor and color. Thinly sliced onion always packs a punch in terms of texture and flavor too.

Salt is always needed and spices like oregano really make this Curtido, and any pickled cabbage for tacos, stand out.

Curtido cabbage slaw for pupusas

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Curtido Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Prep15 minutes
Total15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Krissy Allori
how to make traditional Curtido cabbage slaw
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Curtido is an El Salvadoran pickled cabbage slaw recipe that is traditionally served with Pupusas. It is a light and healthy vegan salad with zing!
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • ½ large head green cabbage core removed, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium carrots shredded or sliced into thin matchsticks
  • ½ large white onion thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeno stem and seeds removed, sliced into thin strips (more if they aren’t super spicy)
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano preferably Mexican
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
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Instructions 

  • Combine the cabbage, carrot, onion, and jalapeno in a large bowl. 
    Curtido cabbage slaw vegetables
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk well to mix. 
    Curtido cabbage slaw dressing
  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir. Taste and add additional salt, if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (preferred) before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 1204mg, Potassium: 315mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 5235IU, Vitamin C: 43.6mg, Calcium: 65mg, Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Hi! I’m Krissy.

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20 Comments

  1. I love this stuff, but I cheat a little. I use a package of tri color coleslaw blend (shredded red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrots).

    Reply

  3. Making this tonight to accompany some frijoles charros I’m serving tomorrow, thanks! Also I’ve gotta ask, who serves those tacos you mentioned? I live in Portland and Mexican cuisine is my absolute favorite. Check out El Gallo when you get the chance. They’re a standout for me.

    Reply

    1. Hi TJ, Por Que No is the restaurant and I crave it 98% of my waking hours. You must go there if you haven’t tried it yet! -Krissy

      Reply

    1. Hi Donna, I’ve never tried so I honestly can’t tell you. If you try, will you let me know if it works? Thanks! Krissy

      Reply

      1. 5 stars
        I wouldn’t can it. The objective is to serve a fresh, crisp side similar to cole slaw. Canning would. Soften the cabbage.

        Reply