8 Bright and Healthy Red Cabbage Recipes

March 9, 2024

Courtesy of Floating Kitchen

One of the unsung heroes of the produce aisle is undoubtedly red cabbage. Though it’s vibrant in color, and loaded with nutrients, it’s rarely the star in recipes. We’re out to change all that with this collection of red cabbage recipes, which showcases many of the ways you can enjoy this budget-friendly vegetable. From salads and slaw to a braise, you’ll be sure to find some new favorites here.

1. Cabbage Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Courtesy of The Clever Meal

What’s ready in 10 minutes, full of refreshing textures and flavors, packed with fiber and nutrients, and low cost? This colorful salad – and it’s versatile, too. Swap out the walnuts, try pears instead of apples – there are tons of ways to make this one your own. Enjoy it on its own, or have it alongside roasted chicken, or hearty sausage.

Try this recipe from The Clever Meal

2. Braised Red Cabbage

Courtesy of Budget Bytes

It’s amazing that just a few very basic ingredients end up as this flavorful side, but that’s the magic of braising. This slow cooking method brings out the natural sweetness of red cabbage, while a tangy vinegar-based dressing adds depth of flavor. It’s comfort food on every level.

Try this recipe from Budget Bytes

3. Red Cabbage Slaw

Courtesy of Little Sunny Kitchen

Change up your usual slaw routine with this refreshing side. Along with crunchy red cabbage, it has jalapeno for a touch of heat, shredded carrots, scallions, and a vinegar-based dressing with a touch of maple syrup. It’s perfect with grilled meat or fish.

Try this recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen

4. Stir-Fry Vegetables with Red Cabbage

Courtesy of The Roasted Root

Here’s a 20-minute, colorful plant-based entree that’s versatile and low-FODMAP friendly. Fresh ginger adds zing to the flavorful sauce. Add tofu, or chicken or shrimp if you’re ok with animal proteins. Rice or another grain would round out the meal.

Try this recipe from The Roasted Root

5. Roasted Red Cabbage

Courtesy of Last Ingredient

Roasting red cabbage brings out its natural sweetness – plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation. Plus, after 5 minutes of prep, the rest is mostly hands off. A balsamic marinade with honey and whole-grain mustard adds tons of flavor.

Try this recipe from Last Ingredient

6. Thai Chicken Cabbage Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Courtesy of Floating Kitchen

Who needs tortillas when you can make a wrap out of red cabbage? Not only does it make for a colorful wrap for this flavorful ground Thai chicken, red cabbage leaves are also sturdy enough to hold up well. The peanut butter-based sauce adds protein and healthy fats.

Try this recipe from Floating Kitchen

7. Asian Cabbage Salad

Courtesy of Well Plated

Bright and colorful, crisp and tangy, this Asian-inspired salad is beautiful, fun to eat, and so good for you. With red and green cabbage, bell peppers, edamame, carrots, and cilantro, plus a peanut butter- and rice vinegar-based dressing, it’s full of nutrients and flavor. Add some shredded chicken (use a rotisserie bird as a shortcut) to up the protein.

Try this recipe from Well Plated

8. Tassajara Cabbage Salad

Courtesy of 101 Cookbooks

We love a warm salad when it’s cool outside, and this one, featuring red cabbage, is a favorite. Golden raisins are sweet and chewy, feta cheese adds a salty bite, and sunflower seeds bring the crunch – all of which go beautifully with the tender red cabbage.

Try this recipe from 101 Cookbooks