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    Home » Recipes » Pork » Red Cabbage Salad with Bacon

    Red Cabbage Salad with Bacon

    January 13, 2023 By Chandice | 8 Comments | Updated July 6, 2023

    this post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Red Cabbage Salad with Bacon pin

    This red cabbage salad is topped with crispy bacon, feta cheese, and walnuts for a delicious and easy dinner or side dish. Made in under 15 minutes with 6 simple ingredients, this is going to be your new go-to salad recipe.

    Whether you need a salad for family dinner or a special event, this recipe is the perfect pop of color to any dinner table. The warm red cabbage is hearty enough to serve on its own but compliments any main course in smaller portions.

    White plate with red cabbage salad topped with bacon

    This recipe has been in my family for years and it never disappoints. It’s made in 15 minutes, packed with flavor, and gluten-free.

    The red cabbage is cooked in bacon grease then tossed in balsamic vinegar for a savory yet tangy flavor. In addition, the texture of the walnuts and crispy bacon combined with feta on top of this salad compliment the cabbage perfectly.

    Unlike my big mac salad or my cucumber keto salad, this recipe is best served warm. There’s something about a warm salad that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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    Serve this cabbage salad with gluten-free garlic bread or as a delicious side dish to instant pot ribs at your next holiday party. Those are some of the best low maintenance recipes you can make in no time. Here are some more napa cabbage recipes.

    Do you need dressing for this salad?

    There’s no need for salad dressing in this red cabbage salad recipe. All you need is balsamic vinegar and some toppings.

    The balsamic vinegar works much better than apple cider vinegar or extra-virgin olive oil that’s commonly used because it provides a tangy flavor.

    Why you’ll love this cabbage salad

    • There’s no expert cooking skills or fancy equipment required for this easy recipe
    • It’s easy to double or even triple the recipe depending on how much you’ll need
    • Packed with protein, carbs, and fats this salad makes a balanced meal
    • Goes great with pork chops or turkey for a complete and delicious dinner

    Ingredients needed:

    • Red Cabbage – A head of fresh cabbage works best for this recipe. Sometimes, the pre-shredded cabbage cooks differently than fresh. Do not use green cabbage. You can save some to make creamy coleslaw without mayo too.
    • Bacon – Thick cut Beelers brand is my favorite for this recipe but any thick cut bacon will work.
    • Feta – You can use a block of feta cheese or crumbled feta.
    • Walnuts – Whole or chopped walnuts work in this yummy salad.
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Aged Balsamic Vinegar – Aged balsamic is thick and delicious. You want one that has been aged longer and comes out like a syrup more than a vinegar. I like Napa Valley Naturals Grand Reserve aged balsamic.
    Bottle of aged balsamic

    How to make red cabbage salad:

    Step 1: Cook Bacon

    Cook the bacon until crisp then remove from pan to cool. Drain half, only half, of the bacon grease.

    Step 2: Cook cabbage

    Add cabbage to pan with half the bacon grease. Cook the cabbage until slightly tender but make sure it’s still a bright purple.

    Step 3: Add toppings

    In a large bowl balsamic vinegar, chopped bacon, and walnuts to red cabbage slaw then toss. After combined, add feta cheese, then salt and pepper to personal preference.

    Pro tip: Make sure you cook the cabbage uncovered to prevent it from getting to soggy. Allowing the cabbage to cook uncovered allows moisture to escape, keeping it the yummy texture we’re looking for.

    Step by step instructions to make red cabbage salad

    Storing and freezing

    Storing: You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. After two days, the cabbage may become soggy. Do not add feta or walnuts until ready to serve.

    Freezing: I would not recommend freezing this purple cabbage salad. It’s best made fresh and only takes about 20 minutes.

    White plate with red cabbage salad topped with bacon and nuts

    Expert tips and FAQs

    Do you wash red cabbage?

    Yes you should wash red cabbage even though the outer layer isn’t going to be eaten. Remove the outer layer, slice into pieces, then wash the pieces in a strainer. Make sure your cabbage is dried before cooking.

    How do you know when red cabbage is cooked?

    For this salad recipe, you’ll know when the cabbage is cooked because it’s slightly tender but still has it’s vibrant purple color. This should take 6-9 minutes cooked on medium high heat.

    Can you reheat cooked red cabbage?

    Yes you can reheat this red cabbage by warming up in the microwave or cooking on the skillet again. Cooking on the skillet will give it a fresh taste but the microwave is easier.

    Ways to enjoy

    I love serving this warm salad with gluten free meatloaf or another source of protein like these garlic stuffed chicken thighs. It makes for a great healthy and complete meal.

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    Red Cabbage Salad with Bacon

    Red Cabbage Salad with Bacon on a plate
    4.58 from 7 votes
    This red cabbage salad is topped with crispy bacon, feta cheese, and walnuts for a delicious and easy dinner or side dish. Made in under 15 minutes with 6 simple ingredients, this is going to be your new go-to salad recipe.
    Whether you need a salad for family dinner or a special event, this recipe is the perfect pop of color to any dinner table. The warm red cabbage is hearty enough to serve on its own but compliments any main course in smaller portions.
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
    Total Time: 20 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: bacon cabbage recipe, easy cabbage salad, gluten free bacon cabbage salad
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 81kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 1 16 oz. package of nitrate-free, gluten-free bacon (I like Beelers)
    • 1 head purple cabbage chopped into thin strips
    • 1/2 cup Feta cheese
    • 1/2 cup raw walnuts chopped
    • 3 tablespoons gluten-free balsamic vinegar
    • Real Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • In a large pan cook bacon until crisp
    • Transfer bacon to a plate to cool
    • Remove HALF, only HALF of the bacon grease from the pan
    • Add cabbage to the bacon grease and cook until slightly tender (It should still be a bright purple. If you overcook it you will lose the vibrant color and be left with a purple cabbage)
    • Add balsamic vinegar, chopped bacon and as many walnuts as you prefer and toss lightly
    • Transfer to a serving plate and top with Feta cheese and Real Salt to taste

    Video

    Notes

    Pro tip: Make sure you cook the cabbage uncovered to prevent it from getting too soggy. Allowing the cabbage to cook uncovered allows moisture to escape, keeping it the yummy texture we’re looking for.
    Do you wash red cabbage?
    Yes you should wash red cabbage even though the outer layer isn’t going to be eaten. Remove the outer layer, slice into pieces, then wash the pieces in a strainer. Make sure your cabbage is dried before cooking.
    How do you know when red cabbage is cooked?
    For this salad recipe, you’ll know when the cabbage is cooked because it’s slightly tender but still has it’s vibrant purple color. This should take 6-9 minutes cooked on medium high heat.
    Can you reheat cooked red cabbage?
    Yes you can reheat this red cabbage by warming up in the microwave or cooking on the skillet again. Cooking on the skillet will give it a fresh taste but the microwave is easier.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 203mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 805IU | Vitamin C: 39.8mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 0.8mg

    This recipe was first posted on my old blog back in 2011. Since then we have added new photos, instructions and information but the recipe is the same. Here is a peek at the old photo…

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    Filed Under: Pork, Side Dishes Tagged With: cabbage, cabbage salad, pork, quick and easy, red cabbage salad, salad

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jess says

      July 13, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      I brought this as a side to a dinner my friend threw and everyone loved it! I gave the recipe to pretty much everyone there. Next time I make it, I will have to double the recipe because it went so fast!

      Reply
    2. Brittney says

      June 11, 2019 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      This is hands down one of my favorite recipes of all times!! For added protein and good fats I love frying up an egg or two to place on top! Sooo good! This is a must try! Even my picky husband was blown away by this! Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to try more of the recipes you have on here!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        June 11, 2019 at 3:52 am

        Oh I love the idea of adding a fried egg! I’m so glad both you and your husband love it. Thanks! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Tera says

      January 10, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      My kiddos love this when they’re not being picky, but I know it’ll never go to waste because I can eat the whole recipe by myself, it’s that good!!!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        January 11, 2019 at 5:44 am

        Haha, oh I love hearing that! It is one of my favorites too 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sydney Wynne says

      January 05, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      This is a favorite of mine. It’s crunchy, filled with flavor, healthy and a delicious way to use purple cabbage. It’s pretty easy too! I’m so glad to have a quick, easy and nutritious meal.

      Reply
    5. Wendy says

      April 10, 2011 at 9:59 pm

      Hey! I'm your newest follower…nice to “meet” you! Both my daughter and I have celiac.

      Reply
    6. McKella says

      April 03, 2011 at 11:27 pm

      She made that a few weeks ago when I was over there and it was amazing! I'll definitely make this soon, but with pecans instead of walnuts because hubby's allergic.

      Reply

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