Here’s the classic North Woods Inn Salad—that sweet-tangy red cabbage salad people are obsessed with. It’s simple, crunchy, and incredibly addictive.
North Woods Inn Salad (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium head red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the cabbage
Finely shred the red cabbage (the thinner, the better—this is key to the authentic texture). Add to a large bowl with chopped parsley. - Make the dressing
In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until fully dissolved. - Combine
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. The cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing. - Serve
Toss again before serving. Serve cold.
Tips for Authentic Flavor
- Use red wine vinegar only—it’s essential to the signature taste.
- Don’t add extra ingredients like carrots or onions if you want the true North Woods Inn experience.
- The salad keeps well for 2–3 days and actually tastes better the next day.
If you want, I can also share:
- A lighter version with less sugar
- The steakhouse-style meal pairing they’re famous for
- Or a scaled-down recipe for a small family dinner
Just tell me 👍