15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (2024)

Published: by Libby Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments · 560 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

Pretty much no matter what cabbage recipe you’re making, when you cook with cabbage, you’re going to have some left over.

Perhaps it’s because the smallest head of cabbage is still around 2 pounds (enough cabbage to last all week) or maybe it’s because one 2-pound head of cabbage seems to multiply into what feels like 20 cups of shredded cabbage.

Either way, there always seems to be leftover cabbage.

Lucky for us, cabbage is pretty hearty and can last a while in the fridge.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (1)

How to store and prep red cabbage

Store red cabbage in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use, remove any outer leaves that look wilted or scraggly.

When stored properly, raw red cabbage can last up to 1-2 months, but keep in mind, the older it gets, the stronger the flavor and odor will be.

Our 15 best recipes for leftover red cabbage

Red cabbage’s firm texture makes it great for slaws and salads where it won’t wilt under a dressing. It’s also great braised, steamed, stir-fried, stuffed or made into sauerkraut.

Most of these recipes use less than a head of cabbage or can easily be adapted to use whatever amount of cabbage you have.

Hopefully these recipes will give you some inspiration to use up the rest of that head of red cabbage.

Jump to:
  • How to store and prep red cabbage
  • Our 15 best recipes for leftover red cabbage
  • 1. Cauliflower Tacos with Shredded Cabbage and Avocado Crema
  • 2. Sweet Potato Nourish Bowl
  • 3. Pickled Red Cabbage
  • 4. Warm Roasted Red Cabbage and Beet Salad with Chickpeas
  • 5. Cauliflower Po'Boy with Cabbage Slaw
  • 6. Braised German Red Cabbage
  • 7. Simple Red Cabbage Slaw
  • 8. Thai Larb Bowl
  • 9. Winter Salad with Red Cabbage, Kale and Pomegranate
  • 10. Gingery Apple Cabbage Sauerkraut
  • 11. Five Spice Chicken and Red Cabbage Stir-Fry
  • 12. Spaetzle with Roasted Red Cabbage
  • 14. Red Cabbage Festive Quinoa Salad
  • 15. Black Bean Tofu Bowl

1. Cauliflower Tacos with Shredded Cabbage and Avocado Crema

Red cabbage is a great garnish for just about any taco.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (2)

2. Sweet Potato Nourish Bowl

You know I love me a wholesome nourish bowl. And this one has everything you need for a balanced meal AND it is a great way to use that last little bit of red cabbage.

3. Pickled Red Cabbage

A delicious tangy take on this crunchy and vibrant veggie.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (4)

4. Warm Roasted Red Cabbage and Beet Salad with Chickpeas

A stunning salad with roasted red cabbage and roasted beets.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (5)

5. Cauliflower Po'Boy with Cabbage Slaw

You can use this red cabbage slaw on any sandwich or burger.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (6)

6. Braised German Red Cabbage

A delicious and vibrant side dish. Pair it with some potatoes and sausage for a truly German meal.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (7)

7. Simple Red Cabbage Slaw

A beautiful and simply slaw with a tangy dressing.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (8)

8. Thai Larb Bowl

Super flavorful and makes for great leftovers.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (9)

9. Winter Salad with Red Cabbage, Kale and Pomegranate

I love the combination of the red cabbage, kale and little bursts of flavor from the pomegranate.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (10)

10. Gingery Apple Cabbage Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is an excellent source of healthy probiotic bacteria and incredibly flavorful!

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (11)

11. Five Spice Chicken and Red Cabbage Stir-Fry

Red cabbage is great in a stir-fry with tofu or chicken and loads of veggies.

12. Spaetzle with Roasted Red Cabbage

Though making Spaetzle isn't difficult (and it's delicious), you could use another type of pasta in its place if you're not up to making it.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (13)

13. Casarecce pasta with braised cabbage, bacon & caramelized onions

Pasta, cabbage, bacon and onions = a winning combination for sure.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (14)

14. Red Cabbage Festive Quinoa Salad

A colorful and balanced salad AND a great way to use up your odds and ends.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (15)

15. Black Bean Tofu Bowl

A simple nourish bowl with umami black beans, crispy tofu, citrusy cabbage and all the toppings.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (16)

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About Libby

Welcome! I'm Libby, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, photographer & co-adventurer with my husband Dalton. We love all things outdoors, making a mess in the kitchen, and exploring the adventure of life! Read more ↠

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  1. sanda says

    scrolled through your recipes....they GREAT....you're GREAT ...subscribed. thank you!

    Reply

    • Libby Bloom says

      Hi Sanda! Thank you so much 😊

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15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (2024)

FAQs

What can you do with too much red cabbage? ›

Red cabbage's firm texture makes it great for slaws and salads where it won't wilt under a dressing. It's also great braised, steamed, stir-fried, stuffed or made into sauerkraut. Most of these recipes use less than a head of cabbage or can easily be adapted to use whatever amount of cabbage you have.

How long will cooked red cabbage keep in the fridge? ›

Cover with a lid and cook for 4-5 hrs until tender. Will keep in the fridge, covered, for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave.

Can I freeze red cabbage? ›

Yes! And it's easy with our step-by-step guide to freezing this versatile and nutritious cruciferous vegetable.

What are the negatives of red cabbage? ›

Like many vegetables from the Cruciferae family, cabbage can cause gas and bloating. If you're prone to bloating, avoid eating large amounts of cabbage, especially alongside other gas-inducing foods.

What does red cabbage do to your stomach? ›

Red cabbage is a good source of fibre, including the insoluble variety which promotes regular bowel movements. The fibre in cabbage acts as a prebiotic, which means it's the type of fibre that provides a fuel source for the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut.

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 week old cooked cabbage? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

Can you freeze leftover cooked cabbage? ›

Yes, you can freeze cabbage even if it's been cooked. Freezing cooked cabbage is a great way to lock in the texture and flavor of your cabbage dish.

Can dogs eat red cabbage? ›

Both red and green cabbage is fine for dogs to eat, though red cabbage contains more vitamins and minerals than the green variety. However, all types of cabbage are safe for dogs to eat and can be a good nutrient-dense addition to their well-balanced dog food diet.

What meat goes with red cabbage? ›

Red cabbage can stand up to a whole host of flavours from soy sauce in an Asian salad to heady spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Onions, sweet apples and raisins also bring out the best in this earthy vegetable which goes beautifully with meats such as pork, duck, venison, partridge and sausages.

Is it best to freeze cabbage raw or cooked? ›

“Store blanched cabbage for up to nine months. If you plan on using the cabbage in less than two months, you can skip this step and freeze the cut pieces raw,” notes Ziata.

How do you store leftover red cabbage? ›

If you find yourself left with a partial head of cabbage, think twice before you toss it. While it won't last as long as a whole head, a partial head can still last up to three days after use. To store, tightly wrap the remaining cabbage in plastic wrap and refrigerate in the crisper drawer.

Can you cook red cabbage and reheat? ›

Let the cooked cabbage cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container (it will keep in the freezer for 3 months). Defrost in the microwave or overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a microwave or in a saucepan on the hob.

What is the best way to reheat cabbage? ›

CABBAGE/POTATO/CARROTS

Microwave: Transfer contents into a microwave-safe container and reheat for 3-4 minutes until the desired temperature is achieved.

What happens when you eat too much purple 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.

What are the side effects of eating too much cabbage? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. It's best to slowly introduce these vegetables into your diet and gradually increase your intake. Individuals with sensitive digestive tracts might want to limit cabbage or talk to your doctor.

Can you freeze cabbage? ›

Cabbage can be frozen in shreds, leaves, or wedges, whichever works best for you. If you don't know how you're going to use your cabbage yet, it's best to freeze it in wedges. That will allow you to cut it into whatever size you need later. Once you've decided how you want to freeze your cabbage, go ahead and cut it.

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