Pickled Red Cabbage

Prep: 30 min

Bright, tangy pickled red cabbage adds vibrant color and flavor to salads, sandwiches, or as a condiment. Perfect for those who enjoy crisp, sweet, and sour accompaniments.

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Ingredients

  • 1 head red cabbage
  • 2 cups vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar

Instructions

  1. Shred the red cabbage.
  2. Sprinkle with a little salt and place in a bowl.
  3. Combine vinegar, water, and sugar in a pan and bring to a boil.
  4. Pour the hot liquid over the cabbage.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your pickled red cabbage, consider adding spices such as mustard seeds or coriander seeds to the vinegar mixture. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the sugar by half or substitute with a natural sweetener like agave syrup. Make sure to use fresh cabbage for the best crunch and vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Pickled red cabbage is a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos. It can also be a vibrant addition to salads, enhancing dishes like Rice Salad II. For a unique twist, serve it alongside Spiced Peaches With Currant Jelly for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pickled red cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. If you notice excess liquid, you can drain some off before serving. There’s no need to reheat; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pickled Red Cabbage contains roughly 233 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

233 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 0.4g 1% DV
Carbs 52.3g 19% DV
Fiber 6.6g 24% DV
Sugar 19.6g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 162.8mg 7% DV
Potassium 561.8mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1mcg
Vitamin C 49mg 54% DV
Calcium 94.2mg 7% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

While red cabbage is recommended for its vibrant color and flavor, you can substitute it with green cabbage. However, the color and taste will differ slightly. Green cabbage tends to be milder, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How long does the pickled cabbage need to sit before it's ready?

The pickled red cabbage should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully. However, for an even more intense flavor, letting it sit for 2-3 days is ideal. It becomes more flavorful the longer it marinates.

Can I add other vegetables to the pickling mix?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots or onions for added flavor and color. Just ensure that the additional vegetables are cut into similar sizes to the cabbage for even pickling. This will create a beautiful, colorful mix that enhances the dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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