Wilted Cabbage Salad
A savory wilted cabbage salad with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and tangy vinegar, perfect for a light, flavorful side dish suited for casual or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Add chopped cabbage to the bacon drippings in the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and add two to three tablespoons of vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with olive oil and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a similar taste. To enhance the salad, toss in some grated carrots or sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the wilted cabbage salad warm as a side dish alongside grilled meats like Barbecue Pork Chops Or Chicken, or pair it with a hearty main like Baked Macaroni And Ham. It also makes a great topping for tacos or as a bed for roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover wilted cabbage salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to retain the cabbage's texture. You can also enjoy it cold as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilted Cabbage Salad contains roughly 214 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1011mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the vinegar and seasonings until you're ready to serve to keep the cabbage crisp. Storing it in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What types of vinegar work best for this recipe?
You can use any vinegar you prefer, but apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar are excellent choices for adding a tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, white wine vinegar works well too.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you add heartier vegetables that require more time to soften.
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).