Pickled Red Cabbage - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN (2024)

In a pickle? Make some pickled red cabbage!

Often when a recipe calls for cabbage, it only calls for a little bit, and you have some leftover that you’re not quite sure how to use. Insert my pickled cabbage. This recipe will give this cruciferous veggie a whole new, and prolonged life! Don’t have red cabbage on hand? That’s okay, too! You can swap out the red cabbage for any veggie from sliced cucumbers (for your traditional pickle), to carrots, peppers or anything in between. Let’s look into what pickling is, and how simply you can do it at home.

What is pickling?

Pickling your food is a method of preservation, and is great for those vegetables that have been in the crisper drawer for a while. This recipe for pickled red cabbage uses a pickling method called “quick pickling.” This is because vinegar is used to achieve that tangy taste versus allowing the cabbage to take the time to ferment in a solution of water and salt.1

Common spices found in pickling are also used in this recipe! You will see spices such as caraway seeds, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns, which add a hint of citrus and a little bit of heat!

Pickled red cabbage pairings

This pickled cabbage can be paired in so many ways! Below are three of my favorite pairings:

1. Turkey Sandwich: This pickled red cabbage is so good with turkey sandwiches! In between whole wheat bread, I like to add turkey, greens, avocado, and the pickled red cabbage. It is so delicious!
2. Coleslaw: Swap out fresh cabbage for pickled red cabbage in your favorite coleslaw recipe (or check out my Cabbage Apple Slaw)! The pickled red cabbage will amp it up with extra tanginess and a little bit of a kick.
3. Salad: You can add this to your salads, too! A salad I love to make has dark leafy greens, pickled red cabbage, roasted sweet potato, cucumber, and sunflower seeds with my Dairy Free Ranch Dressing!

Health benefits of red cabbage

The red/purple hue to this cabbage isn’t just pretty, it also is an indicator to the cabbage’s nutritional status. Typically, vegetables and fruits that are red, purple or blue in color have a type of antioxidant called anthocyanins.2,3 These antioxidants have properties that help to reduce inflammation in our bodies, as well as protect our hearts.2,3 Additionally, red cabbage also contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K.3 Together, these two nutrients assist with skin health, wound healing, blood clotting and bone health!4,5 This pickled red cabbage packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition.

Remember, while these are specific nutrients found in red cabbage, it is important to consume a wide variety of colorful foods to get all the necessary nutrients we need to flourish. A great way to do this is to choose 2 to 3 different colored foods in each of your meals.

If you make this pickled red cabbage, don’t forget to share it with me at @ChefAbbieGellman on Instagram!

Similar Pages

For more vegetable dishes, be sure to check out my Sweet Pickled Cabbage, my Instant Pot Beets, and my Air Fryer Broccoli!

Resources

1. Bonem M. The science of vinegar pickling, explained. Food & Wine. https://www.foodandwine.com/vegetables/pickled-vegetables/science-vinegar-pickles-explained. Accessed March 4, 2021.
2. Khoo HE, Azlan A, Tang ST, Lim SM. Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food Nutr Res. 2017;61(1). doi:10.1080/16546628.2017.1361779
3. Petre A. 8 Impressive benefits of purple cabbage . Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purple-cabbage#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2. Published December 10, 2019. Accessed March 4, 2021.
4. Vitamin C. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Accessed March 4, 2021.
5. Vitamin K. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/. Accessed March 4, 2021.