Cabbage Onions Peppers Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and utterly delicious vegetarian dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners? This cabbage, onions, and peppers vegetarian recipe is a fantastic choice that combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a colorful, flavorful meal.

Packed with crunchy cabbage, sweet onions, and bright bell peppers, this dish is not only visually appealing but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy your cravings.

Easy to prepare and versatile, this recipe works wonderfully as a side dish or a main course when paired with grains or legumes. The natural sweetness of the onions caramelizes beautifully, complementing the fresh crunch of cabbage and the slight bite of peppers.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up fresh produce lingering in your fridge. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cabbage, onions, and peppers vegetarian recipe is a true celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It is:

  • Nutritious: Loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
  • Easy to make: Requires minimal prep and cooks quickly, perfect for busy nights.
  • Versatile: Can be served as a side, tossed with grains, or stuffed into wraps or pita pockets.
  • Flavorful: The natural sweetness of caramelized onions combined with the crunch of fresh cabbage and peppers creates a delightful taste experience.
  • Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: No animal products required, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onion works best)
  • 2 bell peppers (red and yellow for color), thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables. Start by washing the cabbage, bell peppers, and onion thoroughly. Thinly slice the cabbage and bell peppers into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Slice the onion similarly and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat the olive oil. Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  3. Sauté the onions and garlic. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir frequently and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and start to caramelize, developing a lovely golden color.
  4. Add the bell peppers. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 4–5 minutes until they soften but still hold a bit of their crunch.
  5. Incorporate the cabbage. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. It may overflow initially, but it will quickly reduce in volume as it wilts. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Season the mixture. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper over the veggies. Stir thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
  7. Cook until tender. Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be tender but still retain some bite and texture.
  8. Finish with vinegar. Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice over the vegetables. This adds a bright, tangy finish that balances the sweetness.
  9. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top if desired. Serve warm as a main dish or alongside your favorite grain or protein.

Tips & Variations

Try these tips to make your cabbage, onions, and peppers dish even more delightful!

  • Use different types of cabbage: Try red cabbage or Napa cabbage for a twist on color and texture.
  • Add heat: Include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing for a spicy kick.
  • Boost protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas or white beans to make it a heartier meal.
  • Make it Indian-inspired: Swap smoked paprika and cumin for turmeric, garam masala, and mustard seeds.
  • Serve cold: Let the dish cool and use it as a refreshing salad or side for picnics.
  • Try nuts or seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts add a lovely crunch and extra nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 150
Protein 4g
Carbohydrates 20g
Dietary Fiber 6g
Fat 7g
Vitamin C 90% of Daily Value
Vitamin K 75% of Daily Value
Iron 8% of Daily Value

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage, onions, and peppers dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

  • As a vibrant side with your favorite grain like quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
  • Stuffed inside warm pita bread or tortillas with a dollop of hummus or yogurt sauce.
  • As a topping for baked potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a filling vegetarian meal.
  • Paired with lentils or beans for a balanced, protein-rich dinner.
  • Alongside dishes like Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or Lamb Tenderloin Recipes for meat-eaters wanting a fresh vegetable side.

Conclusion

This cabbage, onions, and peppers vegetarian recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something both satisfying and nutritious. It’s quick to prepare, colorful, and packed with flavors that make every bite a delight.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish fits seamlessly into any meal plan.

From its health benefits to its ease of preparation, this recipe is a dependable go-to for busy weekdays or casual weekend dinners. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or add your favorite protein to make it your own.

For more delicious and wholesome recipes, check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or indulge in a sweet treat with our Lemon Straws Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your vibrant, veggie-packed meal!

📖 Recipe Card: Cabbage Onions Peppers Vegetarian Stir-Fry

Description: A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring cabbage, onions, and bell peppers. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in shredded cabbage, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage is tender but still crisp, about 8 minutes.
  6. Add soy sauce and toss to combine.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 20 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cabbage Onions Peppers Vegetarian Stir-Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring cabbage, onions, and bell peppers. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)”, “1 large onion, thinly sliced”, “2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon ground black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until slightly softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in shredded cabbage, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage is tender but still crisp, about 8 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add soy sauce and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X