Green Cabbage Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: October 3, 2025

Green cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that deserves a prime spot in your vegan kitchen repertoire. Whether you’re craving something crunchy and fresh or warm and comforting, green cabbage can be transformed into delicious dishes that satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

Its mild, slightly peppery flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs, spices, and other vegetables, making it perfect for everything from hearty stews to light salads. Not to mention, green cabbage is budget-friendly and packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic choice for healthy, plant-based meals.

In this post, we’ll explore several creative and easy green cabbage recipes vegan lovers will adore. From stir-fries to soups and wraps, these recipes highlight the cabbage’s versatility and ensure you can enjoy it any time of the year.

If you’re looking to expand your vegan recipe collection or simply want to make the most out of this humble vegetable, you’re in the right place!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Green cabbage recipes vegan offer a wonderful combination of health benefits, affordability, and flavor. Here’s why these recipes stand out:

  • Nutritious and filling: Cabbage is packed with fiber and essential nutrients, helping you stay full and energized.
  • Easy to prepare: Most recipes require minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Whether raw, sautéed, steamed, or roasted, green cabbage adapts beautifully to a variety of cuisines and flavors.
  • Budget-friendly: Affordable and widely available, cabbage is an economical choice for plant-based meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded or chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, grated or julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas or other legumes (optional for added protein)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Vegetable peeler (for carrots)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, then shred or chop the cabbage finely. Slice the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and grate or julienne the carrot.
  2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add vegetables: Toss in the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Season: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat everything with the spices.
  6. Cook: Continue to sauté the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften but still retain a slight crunch.
  7. Add acidity: Pour the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice over the cooked vegetables. Stir well to brighten the flavors.
  8. Add protein (optional): Mix in the cooked chickpeas or legumes to make the dish more filling and protein-packed.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

“To maximize the flavor and texture of your cabbage dishes, avoid overcooking. Aim for tender-crisp cabbage to retain nutrients and a pleasant bite.”

  • Try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an Asian-inspired twist.
  • Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
  • For a creamy cabbage dish, stir in a vegan bechamel sauce—check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
  • Use napa cabbage instead of green cabbage for a milder flavor and softer texture.
  • Incorporate toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Try this cabbage stir-fry as a filling for vegan tacos or wraps for a quick meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
Protein 4 g
Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fiber 5 g
Vitamin C 50% DV
Vitamin K 80% DV

Serving Suggestions

This green cabbage recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side dish alongside quinoa or brown rice for a hearty meal.

It also makes a fantastic filling for vegan wraps or tacos when combined with beans or tofu. For a light lunch, toss the sautéed cabbage with cold noodles and a drizzle of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired salad.

If you enjoy experimenting with vegetables in your slow cooker, don’t miss our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration. And for a sweet finish to your meal, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious—a perfect plant-based dessert.

More Delicious Green Cabbage Recipes Vegan

Vegan Cabbage Stir-Fry with Tofu

This quick stir-fry blends crunchy cabbage with crispy tofu cubes in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner and packed with protein.

  • Ingredients: green cabbage, firm tofu, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions.
  • Method: Press and cube tofu, then pan-fry until golden. Sauté garlic and ginger, add cabbage and tofu, toss with soy sauce and sesame oil, and garnish with green onions.

Classic Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These comforting cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mix of rice, lentils, and herbs, then baked in a tangy tomato sauce. A hearty and satisfying meal for cooler days.

  • Ingredients: green cabbage leaves, cooked rice, lentils, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, herbs.
  • Method: Blanch cabbage leaves, prepare filling, roll, place in baking dish, cover with sauce, and bake until tender.

Raw Green Cabbage Salad with Tahini Dressing

A refreshing, crunchy salad perfect for summer lunches. Shredded green cabbage is tossed with a creamy tahini-lemon dressing and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

  • Ingredients: shredded green cabbage, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, olive oil, sesame seeds, salt.
  • Method: Whisk dressing ingredients, toss with cabbage, top with seeds, and serve chilled.

For more creative vegan vegetable recipes, check out our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or dive into Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for more leafy green inspiration.

Conclusion

Green cabbage is truly a superstar in vegan cooking, offering endless opportunities to create delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meals. From simple sautéed dishes to more elaborate stuffed cabbage rolls, this humble vegetable can transform your plant-based menu with its delightful texture and subtle flavor.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vegan cook, these green cabbage recipes are approachable, adaptable, and sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices, add your favorite legumes or grains, and customize these recipes to suit your tastes. With a little creativity, green cabbage can be the star of your next meal, helping you eat well, stay healthy, and enjoy every bite.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Sautéed Green Cabbage

Description: A simple and flavorful vegan dish featuring sautéed green cabbage with garlic and spices. Perfect as a side or light main course.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 1.5 pounds), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir well.
  4. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over cabbage.
  5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 12 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
  7. Serve warm as a side or light main dish.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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