Red cabbage is a crunchy and vibrant addition to many meals, but what should you pair with it?
Here you can find 15 tasty side dishes that complement braised red cabbage perfectly. These sides add variety and balance to your meal, ensuring each bite is both tasty and satisfying.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with red cabbage are chicken kebab, brown sugar pork chops, Italian sausage, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, green beans almondine, gluten free bread, buttered noodles, brats, baked potatoes, lemon garlic shrimp, roasted carrots, apple slaw, and quinoa.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
- 1. Chicken Kebab
- 2. Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- 3. Italian Sausage
- 4. Mashed Potatoes
- 5. Grilled Chicken
- 6. Green Beans Almondine
- 7. Gluten Free Bread
- 8. Buttered Noodles
- 9. Brats
- 10. Baked Potatoes
- 11. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- 12. Roasted Carrots
- 13. Apple Slaw
- 14. Quinoa
- 15. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- What To Serve With Red Cabbage
1. Chicken Kebab
Chicken kebabs are a flavorful and versatile side that pairs well with red cabbage. Marinate chunks of chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grill until juicy and slightly charred. The smoky and savory taste of the kebabs complements the crunch and tang of red cabbage, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal that's perfect for any occasion.
2. Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Brown sugar pork chops offer a sweet and savory contrast to sauteed red cabbage. Season pork chops with a mix of brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika, then sear until caramelized and cooked through. The sweetness of the brown sugar glaze pairs wonderfully with the slightly bitter crunch of red cabbage, making for a balanced and satisfying dish that's sure to impress.
3. Italian Sausage
Italian sausage adds a hearty and flavorful element to any meal featuring red cabbage. Grill or sauté sausages until they're browned and cooked through. The rich and spicy flavors of the sausage complement the fresh, tangy taste of red cabbage, creating a robust and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.
4. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that goes perfectly with braised red cabbage. Creamy and smooth, they provide a mild and buttery contrast to the crunchy and tangy cabbage. Simply boil potatoes until soft, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper. This side dish adds a comforting and hearty element to any meal featuring red cabbage.
5. Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a lean and tasty protein that pairs wonderfully with sauteed red cabbage. Season chicken breasts with your favorite spices, then grill until cooked through. The smoky, charred flavor of the chicken complements the fresh and slightly tangy taste of the red cabbage, making for a balanced and satisfying meal that's also healthy.
6. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with red cabbage. Sauté green beans with butter and garlic, then top with toasted almonds. The tender green beans and crunchy almonds provide a delightful contrast to the crisp red cabbage. This elegant and simple side dish adds a touch of sophistication and a lot of flavor to your meal.
7. Gluten Free Bread
Gluten-free bread is a great side to serve with red cabbage for those avoiding gluten. Choose a quality gluten-free loaf, slice it, and toast until golden and crisp. The neutral taste and crunchy texture of the bread balance the tangy and crisp red cabbage. Add a smear of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor, making it a simple yet tasty addition to your meal.
8. Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles are a comforting and easy side that pairs well with braised red cabbage. Cook your favorite type of noodles until al dente, then toss with melted butter, salt, and pepper. The rich, buttery flavor of the noodles contrasts nicely with the crunch and tang of red cabbage, creating a simple yet satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to please.
9. Brats
Brats, or bratwurst sausages, are a hearty and flavorful side that goes great with sauteed red cabbage. Grill or pan-fry the brats until they are golden brown and juicy. The robust, savory flavor of the brats complements the fresh and slightly tangy taste of red cabbage. Serve with a side of mustard and a bun for a classic and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any gathering.
10. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a versatile and comforting side that pairs wonderfully with red cabbage. Simply bake potatoes until soft and fluffy, then top with butter, sour cream, chives, or your favorite toppings. The creamy, mild flavor of the baked potatoes balances the crunchy and tangy red cabbage, creating a satisfying and hearty dish that's perfect for any meal.
11. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Lemon garlic shrimp is a light and flavorful side that complements red cabbage beautifully. Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parsley until they are pink and tender. The bright, zesty flavors of the shrimp pair well with the fresh and crunchy red cabbage, making for a delicious and refreshing dish that's quick to prepare and sure to impress.
12. Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with red cabbage. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and slightly caramelized. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the crunch and slight bitterness of braised red cabbage, creating a well-rounded and delicious dish that's both nutritious and easy to prepare.
13. Apple Slaw
Apple slaw adds a sweet and tangy twist to your meal when served with red cabbage. Mix thinly sliced apples with shredded red cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette. The sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the cabbage make a refreshing side dish that enhances the flavors of any main course. It's a light and crisp option that's perfect for any season.
14. Quinoa
Quinoa is a light and nutty side that complements the flavors of red cabbage. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor, then mix with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. The fluffy texture and mild taste of quinoa balance the crunchy and slightly bitter red cabbage, creating a healthy and satisfying side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
15. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a sweet and savory side that goes great with red cabbage. Dice sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with the crunch and tang of red cabbage, creating a flavorful and balanced dish that's both comforting and nutritious.

What To Serve With Red Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 red cabbage
Instructions
- Make red cabbage using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat red cabbage with chicken kebab, brown sugar pork chops, Italian sausage, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, green beans almondine, gluten free bread, buttered noodles, brats, baked potatoes, lemon garlic shrimp, roasted carrots, apple slaw, and quinoa.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal ๐