15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (2024)

Published: by Libby Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments · 560 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

Pretty much no matter what cabbage recipe you’re making, when you cook with cabbage, you’re going to have some left over.

Perhaps it’s because the smallest head of cabbage is still around 2 pounds (enough cabbage to last all week) or maybe it’s because one 2-pound head of cabbage seems to multiply into what feels like 20 cups of shredded cabbage.

Either way, there always seems to be leftover cabbage.

Lucky for us, cabbage is pretty hearty and can last a while in the fridge.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (1)

How to store and prep red cabbage

Store red cabbage in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use, remove any outer leaves that look wilted or scraggly.

When stored properly, raw red cabbage can last up to 1-2 months, but keep in mind, the older it gets, the stronger the flavor and odor will be.

Our 15 best recipes for leftover red cabbage

Red cabbage’s firm texture makes it great for slaws and salads where it won’t wilt under a dressing. It’s also great braised, steamed, stir-fried, stuffed or made into sauerkraut.

Most of these recipes use less than a head of cabbage or can easily be adapted to use whatever amount of cabbage you have.

Hopefully these recipes will give you some inspiration to use up the rest of that head of red cabbage.

Jump to:
  • How to store and prep red cabbage
  • Our 15 best recipes for leftover red cabbage
  • 1. Cauliflower Tacos with Shredded Cabbage and Avocado Crema
  • 2. Sweet Potato Nourish Bowl
  • 3. Pickled Red Cabbage
  • 4. Warm Roasted Red Cabbage and Beet Salad with Chickpeas
  • 5. Cauliflower Po'Boy with Cabbage Slaw
  • 6. Braised German Red Cabbage
  • 7. Simple Red Cabbage Slaw
  • 8. Thai Larb Bowl
  • 9. Winter Salad with Red Cabbage, Kale and Pomegranate
  • 10. Gingery Apple Cabbage Sauerkraut
  • 11. Five Spice Chicken and Red Cabbage Stir-Fry
  • 12. Spaetzle with Roasted Red Cabbage
  • 14. Red Cabbage Festive Quinoa Salad
  • 15. Black Bean Tofu Bowl

1. Cauliflower Tacos with Shredded Cabbage and Avocado Crema

Red cabbage is a great garnish for just about any taco.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (2)

2. Sweet Potato Nourish Bowl

You know I love me a wholesome nourish bowl. And this one has everything you need for a balanced meal AND it is a great way to use that last little bit of red cabbage.

3. Pickled Red Cabbage

A delicious tangy take on this crunchy and vibrant veggie.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (4)

4. Warm Roasted Red Cabbage and Beet Salad with Chickpeas

A stunning salad with roasted red cabbage and roasted beets.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (5)

5. Cauliflower Po'Boy with Cabbage Slaw

You can use this red cabbage slaw on any sandwich or burger.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (6)

6. Braised German Red Cabbage

A delicious and vibrant side dish. Pair it with some potatoes and sausage for a truly German meal.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (7)

7. Simple Red Cabbage Slaw

A beautiful and simply slaw with a tangy dressing.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (8)

8. Thai Larb Bowl

Super flavorful and makes for great leftovers.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (9)

9. Winter Salad with Red Cabbage, Kale and Pomegranate

I love the combination of the red cabbage, kale and little bursts of flavor from the pomegranate.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (10)

10. Gingery Apple Cabbage Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is an excellent source of healthy probiotic bacteria and incredibly flavorful!

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (11)

11. Five Spice Chicken and Red Cabbage Stir-Fry

Red cabbage is great in a stir-fry with tofu or chicken and loads of veggies.

12. Spaetzle with Roasted Red Cabbage

Though making Spaetzle isn't difficult (and it's delicious), you could use another type of pasta in its place if you're not up to making it.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (13)

13. Casarecce pasta with braised cabbage, bacon & caramelized onions

Pasta, cabbage, bacon and onions = a winning combination for sure.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (14)

14. Red Cabbage Festive Quinoa Salad

A colorful and balanced salad AND a great way to use up your odds and ends.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (15)

15. Black Bean Tofu Bowl

A simple nourish bowl with umami black beans, crispy tofu, citrusy cabbage and all the toppings.

15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (16)

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About Libby

Welcome! I'm Libby, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, photographer & co-adventurer with my husband Dalton. We love all things outdoors, making a mess in the kitchen, and exploring the adventure of life! Read more ↠

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  1. sanda says

    scrolled through your recipes....they GREAT....you're GREAT ...subscribed. thank you!

    Reply

    • Libby Bloom says

      Hi Sanda! Thank you so much 😊

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15 Best Recipes to Use Up Leftover Red Cabbage (2024)

FAQs

How long will cooked red cabbage keep in the fridge? ›

Cover with a lid and cook for 4-5 hrs until tender. Will keep in the fridge, covered, for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave.

Can you freeze leftover cooked red cabbage? ›

Freeze the cooked, cooled red cabbage up to 3 months ahead, defrost completely, then reheat in a pan to serve.

What to do with a head of purple cabbage? ›

25 Best Purple Cabbage Recipes
  1. Red Cabbage Salad. ...
  2. Cabbage Coleslaw with Sweet Corn. ...
  3. Gut-Friendly Ginger Garlic Cabbage Sauté ...
  4. Roasted Cabbage Steaks. ...
  5. Pesto Roasted Cauliflower & Purple Cabbage. ...
  6. Creamy Southern Cabbage Casserole. ...
  7. Red Cabbage Soup. ...
  8. Beef Cabbage Stir Fry.
Apr 25, 2023

What to do with excess cabbage? ›

There are many ways to turn an extra half a head of cabbage into your next meal — toss it into a frittata; add it into the soup pot; saute it with sausage for a one-pan dinner; braise it with bacon; or slow cook it into a gratin.

What does cooked red cabbage do for your body? ›

Red cabbage is a nutrient-rich vegetable which has been linked to a number of health benefits including inflammation, a healthier heart, improved gut function and a lower risk of certain cancers.

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 cooked cabbage after 7 days? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

Can dogs eat red cabbage? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cabbage. Not only is cabbage safe for dogs to eat, but they will also benefit from many of the nutrients in this lovely, leafy vegetable. Dogs can eat cabbage raw, cooked or air dried. Additionally, dogs can eat any kind of cabbage that you can, so your pup can eat green, red, and white cabbage.

Is it safe to reheat red cabbage? ›

Then of the day you can re-heat it several ways. In a buttered ovenproof dish, covered with foil, in the oven at 180C (conventional heat) for about 30 minutes. In a saucepan, over a medium heat, covered with a lid for about 20 - 30 minutes (stirring occasionally).

Can I just boil red cabbage? ›

Red cabbage can also be boiled. To preserve the crunch, cook in salted boiling water with a teaspoon of vinegar for 5 minutes unless a softer consistency is desired in which case cook for a little longer.

Does cabbage get soggy after freezing? ›

If you're wondering if you can freeze cabbage for coleslaw, the answer is no. You can try to thaw frozen cabbage in the fridge and then use it in raw preparations like slaws and salads. However, I've found that defrosted cabbage gets too soggy and doesn't have the same crunchy texture that you want in a coleslaw.

How do you take the bitterness out of purple cabbage? ›

One way to make raw cabbage less bitter, and therefore more palatable, is to let it marinate in something salty or acidic for a while. Sauerkraut for example tastes much less bitter, plus contains helpful friendly bacteria from natural fermentation, but it takes a while to make.

What dishes can be made from purple cabbage? ›

Get the Creamy Noodle Salad recipe.
  • Bacon Pea Salad. PARKER FEIERBACH. ...
  • Fish Tacos. PARKER FEIERBACH. ...
  • Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage. LENA ABRAHAM. ...
  • Crunchy Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad. PARKER FEIERBACH. ...
  • Honey-Cilantro Wings with Red Cabbage Slaw. ...
  • Color-Changing Margaritas. ...
  • Tequila-Lime Chicken Tacos. ...
  • Mardi Gras Deviled Eggs.
Mar 3, 2022

What does purple cabbage do to the body? ›

Purple cabbage is rich in health-promoting nutrients that might shield us from conditions like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ulcers, and premature ageing. Its antioxidants also have anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer qualities that might lower the risk of disease.

How do you store red cabbage for a long time? ›

If you're not quite ready to use your head of cabbage, don't rinse it, put it in a plastic bag, and store it in the crisper drawer of the fridge. You will be shocked at how long it will remain vibrant and crisp.

Can you freeze purple cabbage? ›

Can you freeze cabbage? You sure can. This leafy vegetable is versatile in the kitchen and adapts well to the freezing process.

Can you eat too much raw red cabbage? ›

Eating cabbage in excess can result in abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and flatulence.

Why do you soak red cabbage in water? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

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