10 Must-Try Healthy Cabbage Recipes

Cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients, bringing crunch, color, and freshness to any dish. Here are ten must-try cabbage recipes with clear steps to make them easy and enjoyable.

1. Classic Cabbage Soup

Warm, comforting, and packed with veggies, classic cabbage soup is a staple for a light, filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head cabbage, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (like thyme or bay leaf)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve hot.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor!

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2. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic

This stir-fry is nutrient-dense and quick to make, with ginger and garlic enhancing the cabbage’s natural flavors.

Ingredients

• ½ head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
3. Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and garnish with green onions before serving.

Pro Tip: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium option.

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3. Tangy Cabbage Slaw

Perfect as a side or a crunchy topping for sandwiches and tacos, this slaw is a great way to enjoy raw veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, grated
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine red and green cabbage with grated carrot in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, olive oil, and salt in a separate bowl.
3. Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Pro Tip: Letting the slaw sit in the fridge for an hour enhances the flavors.

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4. Cabbage Roll-Ups with Quinoa and Veggies

These roll-ups are filled with protein-rich quinoa and veggies, making for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 cabbage leaves
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup mushrooms, chopped
• ½ onion, diced
• Salt, pepper, and herbs of choice

Instructions

1. Steam cabbage leaves for a few minutes until they are pliable.
2. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms until softened, then mix with quinoa and seasonings.
3. Place a spoonful of filling in each cabbage leaf, then roll up like a burrito.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

Pro Tip: Steaming the cabbage leaves makes them easier to roll without tearing.

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5. Sautéed Cabbage with Apples and Caramelized Onions

Sweet apples and caramelized onions pair beautifully with tender cabbage for a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• ½ head cabbage, shredded
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onions, and cook until caramelized.
2. Add cabbage and apple slices, cooking until tender.
3. Stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, then serve warm.

Pro Tip: Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.

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6. Thai-Style Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing

This vibrant, crunchy salad with peanut dressing is a flavor-packed, refreshing meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey for the dressing.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.

Pro Tip: Top with roasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

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7. Cabbage and Lentil Stew

This hearty stew is packed with fiber and protein from lentils, making it a perfect plant-based main dish.

Ingredients

• ½ head cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt, pepper, and herbs

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
2. Add cabbage, lentils, tomatoes, and broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Pro Tip: Serve with whole-grain bread for a complete meal.

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8. Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Balsamic Glaze

Roasting gives cabbage a caramelized, smoky flavor that’s delicious with a balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 head cabbage, cut into wedges
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange cabbage wedges on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and tender.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

Pro Tip: Brushing each wedge with oil ensures even roasting.

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9. Cabbage and Chickpea Curry

This cozy curry combines protein-packed chickpeas with cabbage and warming spices.

Ingredients

• ½ head cabbage, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add cabbage, chickpeas, curry powder, and coconut milk.
3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until cabbage is tender.
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

Pro Tip: Add spinach or kale for extra greens.

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10. Grilled Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Herbs

These grilled cabbage steaks are a simple, flavorful way to enjoy cabbage as a main or side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 head cabbage, sliced into thick steaks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush cabbage steaks with olive oil, season with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill or roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway until charred and tender.

Pro Tip: Serve with a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

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These cabbage recipes are perfect for enjoying the vegetable’s natural flavor while reaping its numerous health benefits. Enjoy experimenting with these dishes!