And let’s not forget that they’re budget-friendly and kid-approved, so go ahead and make extra! These alluring sides are a terrific way to sneak more veggies into a meal. After all, cabbage is a gut-loving cruciferous that’s packed with nutrition. Plus, its mild flavor makes it super versatile. So, raw or cooked, each one of these cabbage side dishes manages to spiff up this humble veggie into an enticing dish. They’re so tasty that some might even overshadow the main event!
1. Lemon Garlic Sauteed Cabbage
My favorite thing about this vegan lemon and garlic cabbage is that it goes with just about everything. Southern food, BBQ, Moroccan, Asian, Mediterranean – you name it, this cabbage pairs with it. My second favorite thing is it’s so easy to fix up that you can even make it as a last-minute side. Add a hint of seasoning and cook it until the shredded leaves turn tender. Then, about 15 minutes later, it’s time to eat.
2. Butter-Braised Cabbage
I never thought I would crave a simple cabbage dish like I do this recipe. But it’s clean, fresh, simple, and just a touch rich from the butter. So, in other words: it’s freaking delicious! If you want a bit more oomph, you can toss in some extra spices, dried herbs, or even a splash of cooking wine.
3. Bacon Braised Cabbage
For a more savory take, add some bacon to the mix! Cabbage and bacon give you the best of both worlds. It’s a bit fatty and sinful mixed with a nutrient-rich base. Add some caramelized onions, and you’ll take it up another level. If you’ve got some cumin on hand, toss that in there too. It will add a warming earthiness to make the dish even more savory.
4. Stir-Fried Cabbage
Why not take your side dish and turn it into a meal? Stir-fried cabbage is excellent for either. The base of this dish is a mix of cabbage, carrots, and onions sautéed with some aromatics. It’s also got a five-ingredient Asian sauce to match. To make it more substantial, add your protein of choice. For example, chicken, pork, or tofu quickly turns it into a tasty and filling dinner.
5. Fried Cabbage and Ham
Fried cabbage and ham is a cozy side that goes well with homestyle dinners. It’s low-carb, full of protein, and ready in 20 minutes. Onions and garlic are all you need to add a bit more flavor without overcomplicating the dish. You can also change up the meat with chorizo, chicken, or tofu.
6. Smothered Cabbage and Potatoes
You’ll want to bookmark this recipe, thanks to its wide range of applications. It’s good with breakfast eggs and sausage, and it’s phenomenal with a juicy pork chop dinner. Smothered in butter and broth, this tender cabbage and potato side is surprisingly flavorful and is enough to feed the entire family.
7. Asian Pickled Cabbage
If you’ve never tried your hand at pickling, this is the perfect first recipe to use. It’s less involved than regular pickling, and you can dig into the veggies after just one day. Follow this process, and you’ll be left with pickled veggies that are tangy and garlicky with a bit of spice.
8. Asian Slaw
From vegan to Korean BBQ, Asian slaw is a flawless pairing. The eye-catching mix of crunchy veggies dressed up in sweet and tangy umami vinegar has both green and red cabbage for maximum effect. Red cabbage has a denser texture, which means you get more crunch even when you smother it with sauce.
9. Crunchy Cabbage Salad
Similar to the Asian slaw above, this vibrant salad features crunchy red cabbage and carrots. The difference is you’ll trade in the umami dressing for a creamy sesame ginger sauce. Wait to add the dressing right before serving, so you maintain the ultimate crunch.
10. Sautéed Cabbage with Leeks and Bacon
I think this spring side dish is the ideal accompaniment to a St. Patty’s Day or Easter feast. It coats fresh green cabbage and sweet leeks in butter, then adds some thick bacon for more flavor. It’s simple but oh-so-delicious.
11. Caramelized Cabbage & Onions
Cabbage and onions are the perfect pair for a super easy and quick side dish. Caramelizing the duo gives them more depth and a sweeter flavor. It also gives them a very tender texture. Skip the red cabbage for this one; it’s all about the tender greens.
12. Easy Baked Cabbage
Whether you have an unexpected dinner guest or you need a last-minute side, this easy, baked cabbage will come to your rescue every time. The prep work for this side couldn’t get any simpler: coat shredded cabbage with garlic and paprika along with a dab of vegan butter, then pop it in the oven. You can also use olive oil, and it’s still 100 percent vegan-friendly – not to mention scrumptious.
13. PA Dutch Pepper Slaw
From the heart of Pennsylvania comes this fresh and tangy slaw. It features cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers in apple cider vinegar with some spice for an extra bite. It’s smashing with a pulled pork sandwich, burger, or even a rack of ribs.
14. Simple Healthy Slaw
When it comes to tangy slaw, this side dish checks all the boxes and then some. Crunchy veggies? Check. Fresh herbs? Check. A bright, zippy dressing? Double-check. It’s also simple, fresh, clean, and quick. What else could you possibly ask for?
15. Ramen Noodle Salad
This is not your typical ramen. Instead, it’s a remarkably unique take on Asian noodles that’s full of crunch. Napa cabbage and instant ramen get flavored with a simple four-ingredient dressing. To make it even tastier, the ramen gets sauteed in butter with the included seasoning packet. Choose your ramen wisely for this one – you’ll want the seasoning to match the rest of the dish.
16. Cabbage Steaks
Cabbage steaks are a showstopping side dish that’s far easier to make than it looks. You’ll give these veggie steaks a good brushing of olive oil and pop them in the oven. Top each round with some pecans, parmesan, and parsley to complete the presentation. It’s rustic and elegant, making it a fabulous addition to a holiday spread or casual dinner with friends.
17. Sweet and Sour German Red Cabbage
Got 30 minutes? Then you can whip up this flavorful cabbage side dish. The combination of sugar and balsamic infuses the red cabbage with a sweet, tangy flavor. Add a spoonful of butter to make it even more decadent. There are a ton of different meals this side goes great with. But I like to stick with the theme and serve it with brats.
18. Scottish Rumbledethumps
Rumbledethump sounds more like a German fairy tale than it does a cabbage dish. But it’s actually a savory Scottish side that I think you’ll fall in love with. It features mashed potatoes and savory green cabbage sautéed in butter, then baked with a mound of sharp cheddar cheese. Next holiday, make this homely side for the family. I think they’ll love it too.
19. Cheesy Cabbage Gratin
Now that I’ve got cheesy casseroles on my mind, this cabbage gratin should make its debut on your holiday table too. Instead of potatoes, you’ll turn cabbage into a creamy, cheesy gratin with three types of cheese. It will take more time than other cabbages sides, so you may want to coordinate the oven schedule accordingly. But don’t worry, it’s more than worth it!
20. Red Cabbage & Apple
This cabbage side dish is perfect for fall! Tart Granny Smith apples go wonderfully with the bold red cabbage, and balsamic vinegar is the ideal condiment to give them a sweet, rich, tangy flavor. The flavors pair well with a range of proteins. But, if you want something comforting, I highly suggest a pork chop dinner and a side of mashed potatoes. I’m hungry just thinking about it!
21. Cilantro Lime Slaw
If you’re looking for something fresh and easy, cilantro lime slaw is where it’s at! It takes all but five minutes to throw this together. Simply chop your veggies and toss them with a zesty dressing. And if you want it even faster, just grab a bag for pre-sliced coleslaw mix! This bright slaw will kill it on taco Tuesday. It also goes well with fish dinners.
22. Apple Slaw with Toasted Pecan Vinaigrette
Another fall side you won’t be able to get enough of is this seasonal slaw. In between the apples, red cabbage, and pecans, it’s got plenty of crunch. For more nutrition, there’s some kale and Brussels sprouts too. The real treat is the maple syrup and white wine vinegar dressing. It makes the flavors pop, keeping everything light and crisp.
23. Broccoli Slaw
Got some broccoli you need to use up? Turn it into a comforting slaw. This coleslaw is a powerhouse of nutrients rife with fresh veggies along with nuts and dried cranberries. Use vegan mayo for the creamy dressing, and it’s dairy-free too.
24. Crunchy Kale Slaw
Eating fresh and healthy in the dead of winter isn’t always easy, which makes this crunchy kale slaw a must. It’s full of seasonal veggies and is super colorful. My favorite part, though, is the bright apple cider vinegar to infuse it with flavor and keep it fresh.
25. Traditional Kimchi
You can’t eat Korean cuisine without a side of kimchi, right? It’s a fermented cabbage packed with flavor and full of probiotics. So if you want the ultimate flavorful, gut-friendly cabbage side, this is it, my friends! Oh, and it goes well with things besides Korean food too. For example, I love it in quesadillas and add it to fried quinoa bowls. Of course, you can never go wrong with munching on it as a side! Click on a star to rate it!
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