Serve Braised Red Cabbage alongside Crunchy Orange and Chicken Salad, Baked Potato Wedges, Bacon Pea Salad, Roasted Chicken, and Honey-Cilantro Wings.
Hence, it goes well with just about anything, including veggies, fruits, and protein.
For a lighter option, try Honey-Cilantro Wings. Honey-Cilantro Wings
If you want something different than a classic whole roasted chicken, these wings are for you.
Fresh and slightly peppery, the unique flavor of braised red cabbage is a perfect accompaniment to pork, sausage, and poultry dishes.
So, if you're planning to replace your everyday Napa cabbage with this nutrient-rich and brighter relative, you sure won't regret it.
Braised red cabbage is a popular dish in Germany, where it's usually called Rotkohl and served as a side to spaetzle or potato dumplings.
But, it can also be a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Not just on special occasions, but braised red cabbage can be enjoyed all year long.
7 Ideal Side Dishes for Braised Red Cabbage
Here comes the part you've been waiting for; find below the 7 best side dishes that you can serve with braised red cabbage - including red beans and rice side ideas for hearty meals.
1 - Crunchy Orange and Chicken Salad
The best thing about red cabbage is that it's super versatile.
Hence, it goes well with just about anything, including veggies, fruits, and protein.
This crunchy orange and chicken salad is the perfect example.
For the oranges, we suggest you go for fresh Mandarins; they're sweet and add a pop of color to the dish.
As for the chicken, you can either use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook up some fresh chicken breast.
Either way, it'll be delicious.
Lastly, this salad also includes some chopped-up celery and toasted cashews for a little bit of crunch.
If you want, you can also add in some crispy rice noodles.
And of course, don't forget to add the star ingredient; braised red cabbage.
For a surf-and-turf twist at the table, consider orange roughy side ideas for delicate fish alongside the salad.
2 - Baked Potato Wedges
Doesn't crispy potato wedges go well with anything? We think so too.
These baked potato wedges are the perfect side to your braised red cabbage - see baked potato side ideas for more pairings.
Both are they super easy to make, but they're absolutely delicious.
Plus, they make great finger food, which means your guests can pick them up and munch on them without having to use a fork.
Perfect for parties.
All you need for this dish are some potatoes, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings.
We like to keep things simple with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
But feel free to get creative and add in your own favorite spices.
3 - Bacon Pea Salad
This bacon pea salad is creamy, flavorful, and has a great texture, thanks to the addition of crispy bacon and fresh peas.
Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, which makes it the perfect last-minute side dish.
To make this salad, toss some peas, braised red cabbage, green onions, radishes, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
Next, cook bacon until crispy and add it to the salad mix - or pair with bacon-wrapped dates side pairings for sweet-savory balance.
Then, add some garlic and shallots to the bacon fat and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add a dash of red wine, mustard, and season with salt and pepper.
Finally, mix the red wine dressing with the salad and enjoy.
4 - Roasted Chicken
If you want something filling, go for some roasted chicken.
It's a great source of protein and will help round out your meal.
Plus, the leftovers make for a great lunch the next day.
Simply roast chicken breasts at 400° until cooked (about 20-25 minutes) with your favorite herbs and spices, then slice and serve alongside the cabbage - and consider roasted carrot side ideas for a sweet counterpoint.
If you're feeling extra fancy, you could even toss some chopped bacon into the cabbage while braising.
Just make sure to cook it until crisp before adding it in.
Trust me, it'll be worth the extra step.
5 - Honey-Cilantro Wings
If you want something different than a classic whole roasted chicken, these wings are for you - try turkey wing side suggestions for hearty accompaniments if serving larger crowds.
With a flavorful honey and cilantro glaze, they're perfect for a casual family dinner or game day gathering.
Bake the wings until they're crispy, then toss in the glaze.
You can also braise red cabbage in the honey-cilantro mixture for an extra flavor.
Serve everything together and have a tempting meal.
6 - Fried Rice
If you're extra hungry, fried rice with braised red cabbage is a no-brainer - check chicken fried rice side ideas for complementary dishes.
Use some leftover rice, add diced veggies and a bit of soy sauce, and you're good to go.
This dish is filling and filling but still light enough that you won't feel weighed down afterward.
Plus, it's a great way to use any leftover rice you might have.
The best thing about this side dish is that even a novice cook can easily make it.
Besides, it'll still taste good even if you mess up a little.
7 - Assortment of Roasted Veggies
Last but not least, an assortment of roasted veggies is always a good idea.
Both are they healthy, but they're also easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.
Some of our favorite vegetables to roast are Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
Dice and toss them in some olive oil, then roast in a 400° oven until they're slightly browned and tender.
Serve alongside the braised red cabbage, and you have a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hence, it goes well with just about anything, including veggies, fruits, and protein. Baked Potato Wedges Doesn't crispy potato wedges go well with anything?
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. This side dish is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.
Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
What to Serve with Red Cabbage? 7 Tasty Side Dishes lists classic accompaniments such as potatoes and greens. red cabbage side recommendations for balanced meals complements the above suggestions. For fish-forward menus, pairing choices are different; red snapper side pairings for seafood dinners outlines suitable options.