7 colourful red cabbage recipes for Christmas and beyond
Red cabbage is a cold-weather hero of the vegetable patch, adding colour and interest to depths-of-winter cooking – and is a staple Christmas dinner side. Explore seven ways to make the most of this vibrant veg and discover how to cook it to its best advantage, from braising to using it in salads and coleslaw. We’ve also included our favourite traditional way to prepare red cabbage for Christmas Day. Let’s get slicing!
Planning for Christmas? Everything you need in the run-up to the big day (and after) is a tap away: time plans, menus, canapé ideas, make-ahead recipes and more festive inspiration.
Red cabbage in pomegranate juice
You can’t go wrong with two ruby-red ingredients, right? Adding sweet-sharp pomegranate juice and warm spices to this easy red cabbage Christmas side dish takes it to the next level.
Braised red cabbage for Christmas
There are a lot of rich, savoury flavours in a Christmas dinner, so you need a few things to cut through them with sweetness and tang. This braised red cabbage recipe for Christmas is our ultimate version and offers up a sweet-and-sour flavour combo packed with seasonal spice, breathing life into everything else on your plate.
Curried celeriac, red cabbage, pear and walnut coleslaw
This wintery coleslaw by food writer Lucas Hollweg is a perfect addition to your Boxing Day spread. ”Crunchy, soft, sweet and subtly spiced, this coleslaw recipe delivers layers of texture and flavour,” says Lucas.
Braised red cabbage, merguez sausages and lentils
Transform red cabbage into a hearty midweek meal. Merguez sausages are made from lamb or beef and usually contain harissa, cumin and fennel. Combined with red cabbage and lentils, this dish is packed full of flavour and makes a beautiful, colourful meal.
Soused sardines with red cabbage and seaweed salad cream
Sardines enhanced with red wine vinegar, sugar and tarragon are paired with shredded red cabbage in this smart fish starter by seafood chef extraordinaire Nathan Outlaw.
Beetroot and red cabbage soup
Two more crimson star ingredients join forces in a hearty soup. This vibrant bowlful is special enough to ring the changes and serve to friends, with sausage rolls or crusty bread on the side.
Chicken salad with red cabbage, apples and peanut butter
Combine juicy chicken thighs, peanut butter, grains, red cabbage and sesame for a colourful and filling chicken salad with plenty of texture and crunch.
Browse more of our favourite Christmas buffet dishes.
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