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

Pickled Red Cabbage - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN (1)

Chef Abbie Gellman RD

Published on March 7, 2021

Updated on March 22, 2021

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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.

Pickled Red Cabbage - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN (3)

Pickled red cabbage

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: cabbage, pickled, vegan

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

refrigerator time: 12 hours hours

Total Time: 12 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Chef Abbie Gellman RD

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 1 ¼ cups apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • ½ head ~2 cups red cabbage, shredded

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, add water, vinegar, salt, sugar, seeds, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute.

  • Remove from heat and stir. Add cabbage and mix well. Allow to cool 15 to 30 minutes.

  • Divide mixture between mason jars or containers and place in the refrigerate.

  • For best flavor, refrigerate at least 12 hours before serving.

Video

Notes

cabbage can be shredded with a knife or food processor

  • DASH Diet
  • Gluten Free
  • Low Carb
  • Recipes
  • Side Dishes
  • Vegan
  1. Well done chef Abbie, was thinking of making cooking videos the other side of the Atlantic in Ireland but life can be so busy. I think this is a great practical way to reach an audience and have an impact.

    Fellow Dietitian

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Kay!

      Reply

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Pickled Red Cabbage - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN (4)

Pickled Red Cabbage - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN (5)

Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN

Food Logic™ is about recipes that taste delicious and that “work” the first time—which means you’ll love to make them again and again.

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

FAQs

Is pickled red cabbage healthy for you? ›

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.

How long is pickled red cabbage good for? ›

Pickled red cabbage will last in a tightly sealed jar for about two weeks in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that this is a quick pickling recipe, NOT a canning recipe. You would need to follow the appropriate instructions regarding food safety and cleanliness if you were looking to make a shelf-stable canned cabbage.

What to eat with pickled red cabbage? ›

I always keep a tub of this crisp, zingy cabbage in the fridge as it keeps for months on end and goes beautifully with so many things… cheeses, fish, barbecued meats or chicken. Shred the cabbage as thinly as you possibly can, transferring it to a large bowl as you go.

Is red cabbage good for you? ›

Fiber content: Red cabbage is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes bowel regularity. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and maintain a healthy weight. Vitamin K: Red cabbage is high in vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.

Is red cabbage good for high blood pressure? ›

Diets high in anthocyanins, like those found in red cabbage, are linked with lower blood pressure. They're also linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

Is pickled red cabbage as good as sauerkraut? ›

No. Although the flavours can be similar, pickled cabbage is created by adding vinegar, whereas sauerkraut is made through fermentation, resulting in a more nutritious food.

How can you tell if red cabbage has gone bad? ›

Red cabbage that's bad often has noticeable discoloration like a faded color or especially dark patches. You may also notice a strange or off smell if red cabbage is spoiling. Red cabbage should feel firm and robust, but if it starts to feel slimy or overly soft, it's likely past its prime.

Can you eat too much pickled cabbage? ›

Sauerkraut can promote a healthy gut and it's a good source of vitamins. Sauerkraut from fermentation is a common and traditional form of preserving cabbage. Beware, though, that sauerkraut side effects, such as bloating, gas and digestive discomfort, are common, especially in those who are not used to fermented foods.

Can you eat raw pickled cabbage? ›

There are so many ways to serve it, and the best part is that you can eat it straight from the jar. It's also extra healthy.

Does pickled cabbage make you gassy? ›

“Additionally, cruciferous vegetables—like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts—contain raffinose, an indigestible sugar. As it's fermented by bacteria in the gut, gas is produced, which is why you may experience flatulence and discomfort after eating these foods.

Is pickled cabbage good for gut health? ›

Sauerkraut is a versatile food full of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Live sauerkraut can also contain probiotic bacteria, which are good for your gut. Some nutrients in sauerkraut may contribute to improved heart health, bone health, immune function, and inflammation.

Is pickled cabbage good for liver? ›

The probiotics and vitamins in the sauerkraut help remove toxins from the liver and regenerate new, healthy liver cells.

Does red cabbage cleanse your colon? ›

Both apples and red cabbage are deep colon cleansers in their own right but when you combine these two foods together, a special kind of alchemy is activated, and this duo act powerfully to expel worms, parasites, bacteria and viruses from the colon and entire intestinal tract.

Can you eat too much red cabbage? ›

Consuming cabbage in excess can result in abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and flatulence. It can also result in ingesting toxic chemicals like goitrin, thiocyanates and benzyl cyanide.

Does red cabbage burn belly fat? ›

Even though cabbage will not burn fat from your body, it is still ideal for your weight loss diet because it is so low in calories. A half cup of cabbage is only 17 calories. An entire head of cabbage that can be used to prepare a large salad is less than 300 calories.

Is cabbage with vinegar good for you? ›

Chockful of nutrients

Red cabbage offers another bonus: It's rich in natural pigments called anthocyanins, which new research suggests may help boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels. Finally, cabbage is often prepared with vinegar, which can help lower the GL of your whole meal.

Is pickled red cabbage good for cholesterol? ›

This is a great dish to eat with Falafel or Bean Fritters of any sort - also with Tahini Sauce and some Flatbread... It is unbelievably quick to prepare, only needs an hour or so to 'pickle'! As usual, this dish is brilliantly cholesterol free and (I guess) pretty good for you.

Is red cabbage healthier than lettuce? ›

Which should you choose? If you're looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage. Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce.

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