Name: Curtido - Salvadoran Cabbage Relish
Yield: Makes about 6 cups
Ingredients: ½ large head of green cabbage, thinly sliced; 3 medium carrots, grated on the large holes of a box grater; ½ large white onion, thinly sliced; 2 serrano chiles, thinly sliced; 1 garlic clove, finely grated; 2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican; 5 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 3 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; Apple cider vinegar (for serving)

Photo by Alex Lau, styling by Sean Dooley

If you’re new to fermenting, this curtido recipe is a good place to start as it pickles quickly and easily. You can taste the difference in flavor every day, and the longer you let this Salvadoran cabbage relish ferment, the better it’s going to taste. Sure, it’s great as a fresh slaw, but by day three, you’ll see what we mean. The salty brine becomes tangier as it sits, meaning you may not need to add the vinegar.

Traditionally, curtido is served with Pupusas and pairs well with Salvadoran Salsa Roja, but it is also excellent used alongside grilled meats and heavier mains, or any time you want a bright and pickle-y topping.

Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published on May 5, 2017.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

37 Cabbage Recipes That Turn a Humble Head Into a Shining Star
Cabbage is so hot right now. But we like it cold too.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

37 Cabbage Recipes That Turn a Humble Head Into a Shining Star