17 red cabbage recipes

When is red cabbage in season?

Typically in season from September to December, some varieties of red cabbage can be harvested as early as July.

Why we love red cabbage

This multitalented veggie can be quick-pickled for a punchy slaw or left to slow cook for hours to intensify its gentle sweetness and buttery soft texture.

Health benefits of red cabbage

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, red cabbage is not only an aesthetically pleasing addition to a meal, but also a supremely healthy one. Due to its vibrant purple colour (from a flavonoid called anthocyanin), it contains even more immune-boosting benefits than the humble white cabbage.

Red cabbage recipes

Roasted cabbage steaks with hazelnut dressing

These low-calorie roasted red cabbage steaks look really impressive on the plate and taste great, too. Drizzle the steaks with our homemade hazelnut dressing to serve.

Try our quick vegetarian dishes here.

Vegan buddha bowl

This goodness-packed red cabbage dish will help you recover from the post-Christmas slump. Low-calorie, healthy and vegan, a spicy tahini dressing is drizzled over quick-pickled red cabbage and roasted carrots and cauliflower.

Now try our buddha bowl with shredded sprouts and more recipes in a bowl.

Red cabbage and orange salad

Make a Middle Eastern spread come to life with this vibrant red cabbage and orange salad from London's Honey & Co. Dial up the heat depending on how spicy you like it and cool it down with a zingy orange dressing.

Serve alongside pumpkin falafel and wholemeal pitta pockets for a true meze-style feast.

Christmas red cabbage

Redcurrant jelly brings yuletide joy to this red cabbage recipe while balsamic vinegar gives a tangy edge. Make it up to two days in advance and reheat on the day if you want to get ahead this Christmas.

Next discover our best vegetarian Christmas recipes.

Gochujang cabbage, coriander and apple salad

Gochujang, Korean chilli paste, is having a moment right now and there doesn't seem much it can't do. Combined with ginger and lime it makes a piquant dressing to brighten up this shredded red cabbage, coriander and apple salad.

If you can't get enough of this sweet and spicy sauce, try more gochujang recipes.

Slow-cooked pork belly with red cabbage and mash

Beautifully tender pork belly with crispy crackling is a marriage made in heaven with this glossy sweet and sour cabbage.

Find out our top tips for perfect crackling every time and then try more pork belly recipes.

Red cabbage kimchi

Kimchi is traditionally made with Napa cabbage, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work just as well with the humble red. If you're a fan of all things pickled you'll love this tangy, spicy side which packs a punch of nutrients and gut-loving probiotics thanks to the fermentation process. It's easier to make than you'd think.

Next try our traditional kimchi recipe and then cucumber kimchi.

Braised red cabbage with apples

Braised red cabbage with apples, bacon, cinnamon and orange zest is the perfect side dish for any festive feast or special occasion. Add a splash of red wine and this dish is ready to go.

Why not serve alongside one of our best roast beef recipes.

Tabbouleh slaw

We’ve ditched the bulgur wheat but kept all the herby loveliness of a classic tabbouleh in this ruby winter slaw with red cabbage. Sprinkle some sumac over the slaw before serving, if you like.

For more inspiration, check out our BBQ kofte with whipped feta and tahini slaw.

Crumbled sausage, cabbage and chestnut pan fry

This easy one-pot wonder fries crumbled fennel and chilli sausages with sliced red cabbage and fresh sage. Serve with creamy mashed potato or cooked polenta for a stress-free winter dinner.

Now try our best stir-fry recipes here.

Pickled red cabbage

Check out our simple vegan pickled red cabbage. This easy recipe makes for a great side dish to your Christmas feast – what's more, it's gluten-free and comes in at only 50 calories per serving.

Discover more healthy vegetarian recipes.

Quince-glazed cabbage with chorizo

Check out this easy traybake recipe with spicy chorizo sausages and sticky sweet quince. This simple recipe is a perfect midweek meal for all the family.

Find more weekday meal inspiration.

Prawn and red cabbage summer rolls with cashew butter dipping sauce

A great summer lunch – and also very portable for picnics or parties – these stunning rice paper rolls are wrapped up with jumbo prawns, thinly shredded red cabbage and carrots, plus fresh mint and coriander leaves. Serve alongside the homemade cashew butter, soy sauce and red chilli dipping sauce.

Now try our spiralised summer rolls and garden summer rolls.

Tandoori lamb steaks with chilli-spiked slaw

This recipe for tandoori lamb steaks is really easy to make and served with a chilli-spiked slaw of red cabbage, chillies, onion and red pepper. Serve the steaks and slaw with our homemade and cooling mint yogurt.

Try our top lamb recipes next.

Rainbow slaw with creamy lime and coriander dressing

Our best ever recipe for homemade coleslaw. We use shredded red cabbage and white cabbage with other vegetables and salads, finished with a creamy lime and coriander dressing.

Serve alongside one of our delicious taco recipes.

Wild boar sausages with cider-braised red cabbage

If you can get your hands on some wild boar sausages – normally available from butchers and larger supermarkets – this all-in-one dish will thank you for it. The sausages are cooked in juicy, braised red cabbage for a dish that tastes like it's much harder work than it is.

Try more sausage casserole recipes for easy midweek inspiration.

Slow-cooked red cabbage

Leave the hard work to the oven with this easy red cabbage and apple recipe that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Two hours later, you'll be rewarded with a delicately spiced and beautifully soft side dish.

Now try our top slow cooker recipes.