Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Cranberries

Name: Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Cranberries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium red cabbage, shredded; 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Eating Recipes

Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Cranberries is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory elements, making it an ideal accompaniment for various meals.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-04T21:29:51.294Z

This dish is a perfect blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries, complemented by the warm spices that enhance the natural flavors of the red cabbage. It not only looks stunning on the plate, but it also adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Colorful addition to any festive table
Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins

      

A Perfect Side for Any Occasion

Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Cranberries is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. This dish combines the earthy flavors of red cabbage with the natural sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries, creating a harmonious blend that complements a variety of main courses. Whether you're serving roasted meats, holiday turkey, or a simple weeknight dinner, this vibrant side will elevate your meal and impress your guests.

The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent choice for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. Its bright colors and inviting aroma draw people in, making it a popular addition to potlucks and holiday feasts. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors ensures that it pairs well with savory entrees, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Nutritional Benefits

This Spiced Red Cabbage dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Red cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, while apples provide dietary fiber and antioxidants. The cranberries add a boost of vitamin C and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these ingredients create a nutritious side dish that supports overall health, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Incorporating this dish into your diet can also promote better digestion and boost your immune system. The combination of ingredients is a great way to introduce more vegetables and fruits into your meals, particularly during the colder months when fresh produce is often at risk of being neglected. Enjoying this dish regularly can help you maintain a balanced diet while satisfying your taste buds.

Tips for the Perfect Dish

For the best results, choose fresh, crisp red cabbage and firm apples. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work particularly well in this recipe due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. If using frozen cranberries, there's no need to thaw them before adding to the skillet; they will cook down beautifully along with the other ingredients.

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Alternatively, you can experiment with different spices such as allspice or cloves for a unique twist. Remember, cooking is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to make this dish your own!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Spiced Red Cabbage

1 medium red cabbage, shredded
2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients well for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by shredding the red cabbage and slicing the apples and onion.

Sauté the Onion

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Cabbage and Apples

Add the shredded cabbage and sliced apples to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onion.

Incorporate Cranberries and Seasonings

Stir in the cranberries, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Cook Until Tender

Cover the skillet and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

Serve Warm

Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish.

Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite main courses!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Spiced Red Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time for a special occasion, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it just before serving. This makes it an ideal option for busy holiday cooking, allowing you to focus on other dishes without compromising on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Cranberries is incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide range of dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially pork, turkey, or chicken. The sweet and savory flavor profile complements rich dishes, cutting through the heaviness and providing a refreshing contrast.

You can also serve it alongside vegetarian meals, such as grain bowls or hearty salads. Its vibrant color and unique taste can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary, making it a showstopper on any dining table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

→ What can I substitute for cranberries?

You can use raisins or dried cherries if cranberries are not available.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan and can fit into a plant-based diet.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots or Brussels sprouts can be great additions for more flavor and texture.