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.

Why is pickled cabbage good for you? ›

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.

Does pickled red cabbage have probiotics? ›

It's rich in probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) as a result of fermentation. Red cabbage also contains a good amount of vitamin C, fibre, and minerals like iron and copper.

What country eats pickled cabbage? ›

In Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Moravian, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian cuisine, chopped cabbage is often pickled together with shredded carrots.

Is it OK to eat red cabbage every day? ›

Regular consumption of red cabbage can benefit people having high blood pressure. Cabbage has higher levels of potassium, which is known to regulate and maintain blood pressure in the heart. Therefore, having this nutrient-dense vegetable can also prevent cardiovascular diseases.

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.

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 liver? ›

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

Is pickled red cabbage the same as sauerkraut? ›

Cabbage pickle is very similar to sauerkraut, but it's not the same. Fast pickled cabbage has a sour flavour from the vinegar. It is basically a quick marinated red cabbage. Whereas sauerkraut gets that sour flavour from the fermenting process.

What is another name for pickled cabbage? ›

Sauerkraut is pickled or fermented cabbage that has a distinctive sour flavor.

What is the oldest pickled vegetable? ›

The earliest known examples are cucumbers that are known to have been pickled some time around 2030 BC in Mesopotamia, when inhabitants from northern India brought cucumber seeds to the Tigris valley.

What US state eats the most pickles? ›

2. What State Loves Pickles the Most? The state that loves pickles the most is Maine, followed by Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia, respectively. The state that dislikes pickles the most is Hawaii, with Nevada and Florida a close second and third.

What is the most nutritious way to eat red cabbage? ›

A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon. Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads.

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.

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.

References

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