Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (2024)

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This sweet and sour red cabbage recipe is a bright and flavorful side dish! Made with healthy red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, and fruit!

This is one side dish that is inexpensive, tasty, and great to serve along side any protein. A bright and flavorful side dish that is fantastic all year round.

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (1)

One of the best parts of beekeeping is harvesting lots of fresh raw honey every year. I am always creating new honey recipes, and this sweet and sour cabbage was the perfect dish! Made with shredded red cabbage, honey, apple juice, balsamic vinegar, and a few spices. This cabbage dish will make it back to your table meal after meal!

This Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe Is:

  • Sweet
  • Tangy
  • Bright
  • Tart
  • Packed with Flavor
  • Vegetarian (not technically vegan because of the honey), dairy free, and refined sugar free

Make Sweet Sauerkraut at Home

Sweet & sour cabbage (and sauerkraut) has always been one of my favorite ways to eat cabbage. My family used to go to this fantastic Bohemian/German restaurant “Little Europe” in Brookfield Illinois when I was growing up. We would get breaded pork tenderloins all around, with potato dumplings, goulash (or beef noodle soup), heaps of sweet and sour cabbage and sauerkraut, and of course kolaches for dessert. I’m drooling just thinking about it!

Little Europe has since closed, but I love sweet and sour cabbage to this day. This recreation uses a red cabbage and some raw honey in a sweet vinegar dressing.

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (2)

What’s In This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe?

See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!

  • Red Cabbage
  • Honey:As beekeepers, we have plenty of raw honey so I try to use it in all my recipes instead of sugar. I’d recommend trying a local farmers market to find the best raw honey in your area.
  • Balsamic Vinegar:which gives this cabbage a nice sweetness and acidity. I usebalsamicbecause it has a really great flavor for a store-bought vinegar.
  • Apple Juice: I use this to give the cabbage a sweet fruity flavor, without adding any actual sugar. I like theseno sugar added apple juices which come in smaller containers, perfect for adding a touch to this cabbage recipe.
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper

Red cabbage and apples is a classic combo – so I decided to give it a new twist by using apple juice in this recipe. It has all the sweetness of the apples, but also gives the cabbage a nice flavorful broth to simmer in.

Easy Weeknight Cabbage Recipes

This honey sweet & sour cabbage recipe is what I call an Easy Weeknight Meal – which is on your table in about 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a tasty homecooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Browse our Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a quick meal can be on your table in no time. Even faster than ordering takeout!

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (3)

How Do I Make This Naturally Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Honey?

  • In a large pot, add the shredded cabbage and olive oil. Heat over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until cabbage has begun to wilt.
  • Add the apple juice, raw honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  • Cover the pot, and heat on low for about 30 minutes until cabbage is cooked through
Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (4)

Dietary Modifications

  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but because honey isn’t technically vegan, you can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey in this recipe if you don’t eat animal products.
  • It’s also refined sugar free, but make sure you are using 100% apple juice and not a blend or mix that has added sugar.

More Easy Recipes With Honey We Love!

A Beekeeper’s Raw Honey Mustard Dressing

Baked Caramel Apples (Vegan, Paleo)

Honey Mustard Macaroni Salad (Vegetarian, Vegan Option)

Cold Asian Noodle Salad (Vegan, Dairy Free)

Apple Cinnamon High Protein Breakfast Bowl

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Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (5)

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (6)Kelly Jensen

This sweet and sour red cabbage recipe is a bright and flavorful side dish! Made with shredded red cabbage, apples, and a tangy dressing.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Bohemian, German

Servings 6 servings

Calories 156 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head red cabbage shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 cup raw honey or other natural sweetener
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

  • In a large pot, add the shredded cabbage and olive oil. Heat over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until cabbage has begun to wilt.

  • Add the apple juice, raw honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

  • Cover the pot, and heat on low for about 30 minutes until cabbage is cooked through.

Notes

  • We try to cook as low sodium as possible, so you can add additional salt or pepper to suit your tastes.
  • Same with the sweetness: if you need more sweetness, add more honey or apple juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 139mgPotassium: 402mgFiber: 3gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 1561IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a rating and comment below, let us know what you loved about it!

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About the Author: Kelly Jensen

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (7)

Kelly Jensen has 7 years experience as a food blogger, freelance recipe developer, content creator, beekeeper, and loves cooking everything she can from scratch.

View all post by Kelly Jensen | Website

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe (Vegetarian) (2024)

FAQs

Is sweet and sour red cabbage good for you? ›

But red cabbage has higher levels of some types of antioxidants than other types of cabbage. These nutrients are thought to help reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Red cabbage is particularly rich in anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid.

How long is sweet and sour red cabbage good for in the fridge? ›

Leftovers will keep for about 5 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the microwave or over low heat in a skillet on the stovetop. This recipe does not freeze well, and we don't recommend it.

Is pickled red cabbage good for your gut? ›

Fermented red cabbage may help promote the balance of gut microbes and probiotics in your digestive system. This can help strengthen your intestines but most importantly... It's delicious and has a tangy crunch!

What is the healthiest way to eat red cabbage? ›

Raw: Eating raw cabbage in salads or coleslaw is a great way to preserve its nutrients, including vitamin C and fiber. Combine shredded cabbage with other vegetables, fruits, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and crunchy dish.

Is red cabbage healthier than green cabbage? ›

Red cabbage beats out the green version of the vegetable when it comes to nutritional content. Reducing inflammation and guarding against some cancers are just two of the health benefits believed to be the result of eating red (or purple) cabbage, per Healthline.

Is red cabbage anti inflammatory? ›

Purple cabbage is a nutrient-rich vegetable linked to a variety of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, a healthier heart, stronger bones, improved gut function, and maybe a lower risk of certain cancers. Purple cabbage, also referred to as red cabbage, belongs to the Brassica genus of plants.

What pairs with red cabbage? ›

What goes well with red cabbage?
  • Meat: Red cabbage goes well with meats such as pork, bacon, ham, and sausage. ...
  • Apples: Red cabbage and apples are a classic pairing. ...
  • Onions: Red cabbage and onions are a great combination, the onion adds a nice sweetness and a little bit of sharpness to the cabbage.
Feb 1, 2023

Is it OK to eat old red cabbage? ›

Cabbage with an off smell should be discarded immediately. You'll also be able to tell when cabbage has spoiled if the leaves have become soft and discolored. It's best to refer to the old adage: when in doubt, throw it out.

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

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. In any of these cases, it's best to discard the cabbage. Always store red cabbage in the fridge.

Can you eat too much red cabbage? ›

While cabbage offers lots of vitamins and minerals your body needs, there can be a downside to eating 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.

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.

Can you eat red cabbage everyday? ›

The same goes for other cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. You CAN eat cabbage every day, but you should NOT eat it exclusively like some people do when they go on those crazy all cabbage diets.

Is red cabbage better than blueberries? ›

The antioxidant content of blueberries far exceeds that of raw red cabbage, according to a Department of Agriculture analysis of nutrient values of fruits and vegetables.

What color cabbage is healthiest? ›

While both green and red cabbage are excellent sources of this potent antioxidant, red cabbage contains significantly more ( 2 , 22 ). One cup (89 g) of chopped red cabbage packs in 56% of the recommended intake for vitamin C, which is the same amount found in a small orange ( 22 , 23 ).

How often should you eat red cabbage? ›

To get the most benefit, try to consume ½ to ¾ cup cooked or 1 ½ cup raw cabbage per day at least 5 days per week. This is pretty easy to do since there are so many ways to prepare cabbage. Traditional methods of steaming or boiling cabbage can extract flavor and nutrients.

What does red cabbage do for your body? ›

The whopping amounts of essential minerals in red cabbage makes it one of the best vegetable to have that ensure healthy bone development. The richness of minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese promotes bone growth and mineral density that guards against osteoporosis, arthritis and other inflammation.

What are the benefits of eating red cabbage? ›

Consuming red cabbage can contribute to your daily vitamin C intake and support overall health. 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.

What are the benefits of eating sweet cabbage? ›

It's Packed With Nutrients

Half a cup of cooked cabbage has about a third the vitamin C you need for the day. It also gives you doses of fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and K, and more.

What are the health benefits of sweet cabbage? ›

This cruciferous vegetable provides a good deal of fiber and vitamins C and K, which means it may support your immune system, gut health, and bone health. There's evidence that eating cabbage might help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

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