If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to healthy red cabbage recipes, you’re in luck!
Below we’ve included 26 innovative methods to use the cruciferous veggie, including sauerkraut, soup, and everything in between.
If you’re on the fence about red cabbage, let us convince you why it should be a staple in your diet.
Not only does it help bulk up meals without packing on calories, but it’s a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and iron, just to name a few.
Intrigued? Read this list to learn how to include this powerhouse veggie in your diet.
1. Sweet and Sour German Red Cabbage
Who wouldn’t love sinking their fork into this healthy cabbage recipe? Thanks to the mixture of sugar and balsamic vinegar, every bite is full of sweet and tangy flavors.
This dish is great if you’re looking for a tasty way to take advantage of the gut-cleansing properties of red cabbage. Serve with pork chops, roast beef, or fish to create one wholesome meal.
2. Best Healthy Coleslaw Ever! (No Mayo)
If you associate cole slaw with fatty mayo, this recipe proves otherwise. You can achieve a tasty slaw that makes the perfect addition to your summer barbecue or picnic.
Not only is this colorful slaw easy on the eyes, but it’s incredibly delicious. Your palate will swoon over the fresh flavors and assorted textures.
By using pre-shredded ingredients, you can save even more time in the kitchen. This slaw comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an easy side to any meal.
3. Braised Red Cabbage
This red cabbage recipe has perfected the sweet and savory flavor duo.
You braise apples, red cabbage, onions, and warming spices to create a delicious, festive dish.
The only thing better than the flavor is the striking purple color that graces the dinner table. Be sure to keep this dish in mind next time you host Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Quick Pickled Red Cabbage
Do you consider yourself a pickle connoisseur? If so, be sure to check out this fantastic recipe.
You might not think that pickled cabbage brings a lot to the table, but you’re mistaken. It adds an unforgettable crunch to burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and more.
You can prep this recipe in just 20 minutes with no canning required. It’s a great fridge staple to have on hand.
5. Asian Cabbage Salad
While you might equate red cabbage with bland stews, this recipe is here to demonstrate otherwise. It’s proof that red cabbage can create a vibrant dish bursting with flavors, thanks to the tasty peanut sauce drizzled overtop.
Every mouthful combines crunchy textures with fresh flavors of peanut, ginger, cilantro, and soy sauce.
Serve this sensational salad alongside salmon or pork for a delicious meal, or toss in some cubed tofu for a fresh lunch.
6. Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Who knew that red cabbage and apples could go so well together? If you’re on the fence about these two ingredients, we implore you to try this recipe out. You’ll fall in love with the soft juiciness of the apples and the crunch of red cabbage.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday side dish or an easy addition to a weeknight meal, this braised red cabbage will serve you well.
7. Red Cabbage Sabzi
This traditional South Indian recipe needs to be a mainstay in your kitchen.
You create it by seasoning red cabbage with curry leaves, mustard seeds, fresh coconut, and salt, then letting the flavors mingle in a pressure cooker. It’s a tasty dish that’s rich in essential vitamins and nutrients.
This delicious side also doubles as a work of art and creates a visually stunning addition to your weeknight dinner.
8. Sauteed Red Cabbage with Shallots and Hazelnuts
You might not think of cabbage as a gourmet ingredient, but allow this recipe to shake things up.
You cook wedges of cabbage in a broth spiced with caraway, cumin, and garlic. The cabbage soaks up all the deliciousness, resulting in an uber-flavorful dish.
This recipe is easy to make since it requires just 20 minutes of prep time. The remaining 40 minutes are spent sitting back and letting the stovetop work its magic.
9. Red Cabbage Vegetable Quinoa Stew Turmeric
Are you looking for health in a bowl? This red cabbage stew makes it super easy to obtain a hearty serving of veggies and turmeric.
You’ll love this stew’s rich, savory flavors, traced to the addition of sweet potato, tomatoes, and garlic. Next time you feel a cold coming on, do yourself a favor and whip up a batch of this heartwarming stew.
10. Red Cabbage Winter Vegetable Soup
No winter is complete without making this wholesome soup at least once. Can you think of a better way to thaw out after a blizzard than cozying up to this hearty bowl of soup?
It’s the perfect nutrient-rich recipe that’s also low in calories. Between the fresh herbs, sharp garlic, and balsamic vinegar, your palate is in for one comforting treat.
11. Sauteed Red Cabbage
This entry has to be one of the easiest red cabbage recipes on this list. All you need are a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.
Just mix, sautee, season, and serve, it’s as easy as that. In under 20 minutes, this insanely delicious side dish is ready for chowing down.
12. Red Cabbage Juice 3 Ways
If you’re trying to reap the nutritional benefits of red cabbage but aren’t a fan of its taste, this recipe is here to save the day.
You’ll learn 3 different variations for creating delicious red cabbage juice. You can combine the cruciferous veggie with pear, orange, or apple juice for different flavor profiles.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be able to create a refreshingly sweet beverage packed with nutrients.
13. Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw
Whether you need a quick work lunch or a sizzling side dish, this easy Asian slaw can do it all!
You can whip this recipe up in just 20 minutes, and the results are divine. Expect tangy, umami-rich flavors to delight your taste buds and crunchy textures that will rock your palate.
This slaw stays fresh in your fridge for 3-4 days, so you can easily meal prep it ahead of time.
14. Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
This recipe is a great starting point if you’re on the fence about fermented foods. It’s insanely easy to make and yields the prettiest appetizer, side dish, or condiment.
You’ll reap all the healthy benefits of sauerkraut, ranging from the hefty dose of vitamin A and iron to the intense concentration of antioxidants.
Patience is key here since this recipe takes around 3-6 weeks before you can dig in. Still, this 3-ingredient wonder is definitely worth it and needs to be a staple in your fridge.
15. Low-Carb Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
Sometimes cabbage recipes can go a little too heavy on the sugar content, which makes it tricky if you’re following a low-carb diet. That’s why recipes like these are such a lifesaver.
You use a mixture of allulose, star anise, and red wine vinegar to create that sought-after sweet and sour flavor.
All you’re missing is a meaty main course to create a complete, keto-friendly dinner.
16. Red Cabbage Salad
Here’s a great make-ahead meal that will save you time at your next family gathering.
All you have to do is combine cabbage with dressing, then refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours. It’s one of those recipes that follows the golden rule: the longer it sits, the better it tastes.
You’ll love the blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, culminating in one delicious bite.
17. Red Cabbage & Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
This recipe tastes like it took hours to put together when in reality, it only takes 30 minutes.
You’ll be blown away by the flavors of fiery chili flakes, juicy pomegranate seeds, and nutty tahini. Together, these magical ingredients create a show-stopping salad.
Next time you’re tasked with bringing a healthy dish to a potluck or summer dinner, this recipe is your golden ticket.
18. Easy Fried Cabbage
Can you believe this tasty recipe requires just 4 ingredients?
That’s right, by combining red cabbage, bacon, apple cider vinegar, and parsley, you can create this ultra-comforting side dish.
It’s the ideal pairing for pork, dumplings, or sausage, and it takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. You can also easily omit the bacon to help lighten up the meal.
19. Perfect Roasted Cabbage
We’ve covered a lot of sauteed red cabbage recipes in this list, but now it’s time to showcase the powers of roasting your cabbage.
This recipe will teach you how to roast the cruciferous veggie to perfection, allowing you to create a crispy rendition with no soggy textures in sight.
Besides, you only need 3 ingredients and 25 minutes to create this fantastic recipe. Just chop, season, and roast. How can you beat that?
20. Stir-Fried Tofu, Red Cabbage and Winter Squash
You’re going to fall in love with this restaurant-worthy meal.
This recipe is decadent enough to impress that special someone on date night but simple enough to make for an easy-breezy weeknight dinner.
Next time you’re craving meatless comfort food, you can’t beat this wholesome plate. Whenever the weather gets chilly, do yourself a favor and give this recipe a shot.
21. Quick-Pickled Cabbage
If you don’t have the patience to wait a month for sauerkraut to be ready, give this quick-pickled cabbage a try.
You can have this tasty condiment ready in just 2 hours, although you’ll find it tastes even better after a day or so.
You’ll love adding this pickled cabbage as a garnish for tacos, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches. Essentially, this condiment is your right-hand man anytime you want to add a little extra flavor and color to a meal.
22. Slow Cooker Red Cabbage
This flavorful side dish will blow you away with cozy tastes and aromas.
This recipe is definitely not short on flavor, between the tart balsamic, sweet apples, and savory onions. You’ll love how much versatility is in this colorful dish.
This slow-cooker red cabbage would make an excellent side, no matter what you’re serving as the main entree.
23. Instant Pot Braised Red Cabbage
If you’re looking for that ideal solution to busy weeknight dinners, you can’t beat this Instant Pot braised red cabbage.
It’s the perfect antidote to hectic school nights when trying to get a healthy meal together. This red cabbage only needs 5 minutes in the Instant Pot, so you can spend more time preparing the rest of dinner.
It pairs with almost anything and creates a tasty way to get more nutrition into your family’s diet.
24. Roasted Red Cabbage Wedges with Smokey Mustard Vinaigrette
Here’s another innovative way to use red cabbage, especially if you’re opposed to soggy renditions of the cruciferous veggie.
Roasting cabbage helps unleash its natural sugars, which helps create more sweetness without having to add refined sugar. It also helps maintain a crispy texture so your cabbage doesn’t turn mushy.
The best part about this recipe has to be the smoky mustard vinaigrette, which adds an unforgettable tangy flavor to every bite.
25. Super Simple Low-Carb Braised Red Cabbage
If you’re craving comfort food, here’s a lighter rendition that doesn’t skimp out on rich, cozy flavors.
You sweeten your cabbage using erythritol or liquid stevia, which adds a nice sugary flavor that contrasts the sharp vinegar nicely.
While this recipe takes over an hour, the results are oh-so-worth it. Expect a low-carb comfort food that makes an excellent side for holiday dinners.
26. Pork Chops with Red Cabbage and Pears
If the winter blues have you feeling down, allow this comforting meal to lift your spirits. It’s the perfect remedy to frigid temps and only takes 30 minutes to create.
Expect to be blown away by perfectly-spiced pork with sweet-and-sour red cabbage. You’ll love how well these two dishes complement each other, creating a flavorful duo that will make your mouth water for more.
